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Welcome to The Reinvention Exchange!
Thoughts for a New You
Reinventing your life is a Journey. It starts with a dose of creativity, some courage, and a sense of direction. Whether it's career, spiritual, health or hobbies, you can Reinvent any piece of your life without completely disrupting the other pieces and people in your life.
There are quiet reinventions and major reinventions, so no matter what your path, find your passion, spread your wings and make it happen.
Your life is calling! Happy Reinventing.
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A Letter To My Parents #HappyReinventing
I wrote this Blog sitting on a plane one day on one of my many cross-country flights, contemplating my wonderful life and thinking about all that I'm doing with the "Reinventing Your Life" space – my media company, website, book, blogs, interviews, content and social media.
I started this "hobby-turned-business" because people have always told me how lucky I am that I get to do what I want, when I want, how I want and my business – THE SHARPE ALLIANCE – always makes it look like I'm just having fun.
Not so! It's hard work but I owe a lot to my parents who gave me the tools to recognize HOW to have the life that I want – entrepreneurial, no box, free spirited, balanced, passionate, curious and driven. As they say, if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life! And I do!!
For that I'm grateful and thus, I wrote this sitting on that plane ride and decided to share it with you. I hope it resonates for you. We don't always stop and take stock of the profound impact our parents have had and the learnings we have taken away from all of our life experiences with them – good, bad, different, other… but if it weren't for them, we wouldn't be here!
I love you Mommy and Daddy! This one's for you…
Thank you for showing me what's possible
Thank you for bringing me up with the view that there's no box
Showing me the world
How to be strong and independent
The safety I grew up with
The security to be me
To be self-reliant
To be open
To be inclusive
To be accepting
To see what's possible
How to love
How to live
How to give
How to be compassionate
How be inspired
How to be curious
How to speak up
How to want more always
How to be involved
Not because it's your birthday or Father's Day or Mother's Day
Just because I can. Thank you.
I love you!
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And please share this with your friends, family and those that might want a dose of inspiration. Share your Reinvention Stories with me anytime. Email, on the website, on social media!
Enjoy and #HappyReinventing
Freedom to Reinvent – The Man with the Violin
FREEDOM TO REINVENT – The Man with the Violin
Freedom is the Oxygen of the Soul – Moshe Dayan
Sadly, the events in the recent news make us realize how fragile life is and the importance of seizing the moment, making the most out of our lives and living life to the fullest. Don't wait to do the things you dream about. Consider what your small or big Reinventions could be as you read my latest blog post.
Reinvention is our Soul Food. It lifts our spirit, rekindles our fire, ignites our passion and renews our spirit. There are ways to transform parts of our life that impact all the moving pieces and when we're open to the options and even the challenge, it can truly change our spirit, mood and complete environment. We have the freedom to make these changes and Reinvent to our heart's content. Wouldn't you like to take advantage of something that's just at your fingertips?
I've often said that a great Reinvention can start with simply fulfilling a little desire and something we've been yearning to do but never got around to. Having that extra hobby or passion to engage in lifts our spirit and nurtures our soul.
Well, I met a gentlemen last month who embodies that story and as I started talking to him, the way he lit up when he shared his story with me, said it all.
I was traveling on a biz trip when a mutual friend introduced us in the gateway prior to boarding the plane. I knew he was heading to the same conference I was and I knew the business he was in. He was carrying a rectangular case onto the plane and heading to the Intl Licensing Show. I was curious what goodies he was carrying in the case with him for the conference. When he told me it was his violin and he "would t go anywhere without it" I was intrigued.
Being the shy person I am, I drilled him with questions for the next 45 minutes on the short flight. He fit the perfect profile of my Reinvention stories. He had never played in his life, had always dreamed of it, went out and just bought a violin, went on YouTube to download video tutorials to start learning how to play and now indulges himself in playing Debussy, Chopin, Tchaikovsky anytime and anywhere he pleases.
It blew me away as this is the classic example I so often share about how one can nurture their soul and tickle their fantasies by just doing what he did. He'd never played before, was intrigued by the notion and just made it happen for himself. Across the street from the office he'll enjoy the park or outdoor space when he can fit it in. While traveling, the hotel will often provide an empty meeting space or ballroom so he won't disturb the neighbors. No excuses, no financial barriers and no limitations in creating the time and place to practice and enjoy playing his violin.
Whether big bold life changes or adding a little "seasoning" to flavor your life, we could all take a lesson from someone who just did it.
What's stopping you from doing something that bold?
You may be shy, scared, insecure, too busy, uninspired – there could be a million reasons!
But isn't it worth giving your spirit this sense of freedom? The freedom to make decisions and changes that are all yours to make? This unlocks a great sense of control and confidence and reinforces that fact that you CAN have what you want in your life.
Today's it's the choice to play the violin, learn a language, take on horseback riding, or re-engage in playing tennis every week. Tomorrow, who knows what you might want to explore on a larger scale in your life – career, relationships, hobbies, dreams realized. It's endless…
That Freedom is your right, your entitlement and your gift.
What is freedom in this life, really? Is there a box with rules that you feel you have to live by every day? Do you feel that you could just jump in a car and take off across the country and live the ultimate life? Do you feel that you're bound to the rules of society and that is what will make the perfect life for you if you stick to them? What is it that you really want?
What are the standards in your life that will allow you to be who you want to be and have all that makes you happy? And there is the big question, what really makes you happy? What is happy? We may be getting very deep but if you cannot ask these questions about yourself you may not ever figure out what it is that sparks and ignites that "AHA moment" of Reinvention and metamorphosis and bring you closer to the things you want in this life.
Sit quietly with these questions, start to write down your thoughts.
- Make a list of what makes you happy?
- How can you be the best version of yourself?
- What would you like to be doing in your life that would stir you soul and put a skip in your step?
- What's the journey and process you need to go through?
- What are the obstacles you need to clear out of the way (short and long term/big and small)
- Who or what do you need to surround yourself with to accomplish these goals?
Most of us are blessed to be have the freedom to do what we'd like with our lives – take advantage of it. Acknowledge the great fortune you have and allow yourself to indulge in living your best possible life.
I'm excited for you to share with me the small and big discoveries you have as you go on this journey – just try something and really note the impact it has in your life and feeding your soul.
What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts?
Share your stories, feedback, anecdotes – I'd love to include them in my blog, website or upcoming book –visit our website and join the conversation –www.TheReinventionExchange.com
See great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
Follow me, share, retweet, repost and like @:
TWITTER: @KathiSR #HappyReinventing
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LinkedIn: The Reinvention Exchange
#HappyReinventing #foodforthought #deepthoughts #burningquestions #reinventyourbrain #soulfood
The Dog Ate My Homework…and Other Excuses for not Living Your Ideal Life
"He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." - Benjamin Franklin
Whether it's been on your mind or never crossed your mind, there comes a time where reality about this notion of "life" and what it really is settles in and you realize that you're saying "I wish had…" I should have…" What if I…"
Do you really want to wake up one day, perhaps when it really is too late and have regrets about all the things you might have done. Call it the "Bucket List," "Second Chapters," "Life Reinventions," they're all a nagging reminder that living large and the journey of life can be quite extraordinary. It can be spiritual, health, career, hobby, relationships, business, skill related – anything you've thought of that might enhance this journey in your life.
Do you find yourself living vicariously through others - marveling at their facebook page, reading stories of amazing ventures that others dared to take on, life changes that were a complete 360 that someone had the courage to figure out and tackle?
STOP! Stop doing that to yourself. It's time to stop making excuses. Especially now as you start to enter the "Empty Nester" phase of life. This is the most exciting time of rediscovery in your life. Recognize the things that have held you back for the last 20+ years and stop hiding behind them because if you ever had an excuse, now's the time to dispel it.
Find the one thing you want to do, that you've dreamed of and you're yearning to try and make it happen. It may take ten minutes to act on it or two years to plan, save, research and go do…but just do it, for goodness sake.
"I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't… " - Lucille Ball
Sure you have a laundry list of excuses and I'm here to hold the mirror up to you and bet that you can identify with at least 3-4 of these below with regards to some dream or another that you have about your one precious life.
The 10 excuses we make for not getting on with the dreams/second acts/living large are right here and there are plenty more of them — how many do you identify with…?
- Too busy with the current version of your life
- Not sure of what I want to do/be/explore
- Don't know what I'm passionate about anymore
- Can't afford to invest/spend money on the venture/"crazy/not-so-crazy" idea
- Afraid to risk not being successful at this
- What will others say/think?
- Don't know where to learn more about what I want to do
- Never been good at starting something new and it's overwhelming
- Have to stay focused on all the things that help my family run smoothly
- Always have to put everyone else first – they need me – I could never do that for me, it would be selfish
If you can relate to at least 2-3 of these excuses, it's time to take an even harder look at all the reasons why you SHOULD dare to dream and pursue a passion that you've long yearned to pursue.
So how are you going to do this? What will motivate you to stop making excuses? Here's a little guidance – much of it obvious but these reminders are to help you gain clarity and direction that might just get you there…
It won't happen all on its own. You have to consciously create your reality and your life to be what you want. It's not luck, it's intention, a goal, a road map and a plan to get there.
Come up with your Action List – pros, cons, things you have to do, people who may be a part of it, a timeline, goals, milestones, and ideas that will get you there.
Buy a great little notebook and make it your place to check in with daily. Create tabs or sections for each category you want to focus on and the project details listed above. You can use a computer or notepad on your smartphone, but writing on paper in a little notebook is more visceral – connecting at a deeper level with you, thus helping you to actualize it.
Pick a time each day that you know you can stick to – wake up 15 minutes earlier, 15 minutes before bedtime, 15 minutes of your lunch hour. Whatever else you've been doing, make this your new priority. Use this time for research, jotting down ideas and plans, making lists of how you're going to accomplish your goals, write down the challenges you foresee and how you'll overcome them.
Set the intention of what you want to the point that it's so clear you can feel it, smell it, taste it and help manifest it becoming your new reality.
Reinvention and evolution in your life are inspired, creative, exciting times. Don't make excuses any more. Take those baby steps and with every step, comes a reward of accomplishment and satisfaction that you can actually create what you want the moment you stop letting those excuses get in your way.
So take one small step towards creating your life with courage. Don't sit on the sidelines and look at others in awe when that could be you fulfilling your own dreams. What may seem like a daunting task and unachievable is yours with each and every step you make towards it. Every little step will be a major milestone for you to celebrate – with a pat on the back, a glass of wine, a victory dance – it's yours, so own it!
"Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic!"
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#BrainReinvention – The Irony of Social Media and Smart Phones 24/7
It's quite ironic that I would share this blog today as my agency is handling sponsorship for the 8th Annual Shorty Awards (this Monday in NYC – Live Stream on #YouTube @shortyawards – shameless plug)
So that said, I started this blog a few weeks ago as I realized how ironic/sad/telling of this generation …that we just don't allow ourselves to be present…or do we? Are we just present in so many more ways at the same time? Is it really possible that we can't multi-task that well or are we becoming more "multi-task-able" as our needs expand and evolve? Yes, it's evolution and given how little of our brains we are told that we use (apparently 10%), it seems there's a lot more we're capable of handling and processing. Well here it is!
Welcome to the #BrainReinvention period in society!
I had a great mini heated debate with the social media guru/entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee) over dinner at CES — I'm a traditional thinker with a progressive attitude and the thought of social media taking over our world, our kids brains and social aptitude just kills me. Of course, I'm in the industry so what I dislike about it, I also love about it. He accused me of being an "old fashioned thinker" when I pointed out how sad that our young generation are losing the art of a true social life. "It's just the way it is and it's progress," he said. And he's not wrong either!
I proudly claim to be a "romantic" that cherishes the social engagement of the past for kids and adults; the respect for manners (not reading messages or typing while you're talking to someone) Of course, he argued that THIS IS the new social life. This debate will live on for a long time…but it's a little unsettling.
Of course, being the greatest marketing, media and social tool of all time is not lost on me whatsoever as I make a living with Social Media/Marketing as a tool of our trade. But the impact on the next generation is "curious." It reminds me of the great debate around television, then handheld game devices, walkmans, bad music-ipods, junk food for that matter…it was all about teaching our kids/selves to watch in moderation, eat in moderation. Monitor the behavior and make sure their lives are balanced.
Social media and 24/7 smart phones in hand make that difficult but let's give ourselves a little more credit – maybe we really do have that capacity we're just not allowing ourselves to accept that.
Ironically – we don't rely on our mind as much and we don't trust ourselves to remember the little things. Even when I had this thought for a blog I immediately grabbed my phone and started to dictate thoughts rather than trusting my memory.
Maybe it has something to do with age (no comment!!) but if you think about all the moments that we photograph so that we won't forget them. We take photos instead of staring at something and absorbing it and creating that indelible imprint in our mind and our heart. We immediately reach for the camera to capture that moment that we will probably rarely look at it. The depth and intensity just fleeting by instead of being present and in the moment. Don't even get me started on Selfies and the #VEGO generation (Video Ego)…
And what about all the notes we make to ourselves – we write it all down so that we won't forget to do something? We don't even exercise our brains the way we used to and thus there is most likely a diminishing capacity to do as much as we used to or test that capacity.
The paradox – we're overusing our brains in one way as we multi-task, search, communicate and document everything we think, see, experience, multi-view; yet some of the most simple things like remembering a few things we have to do become challenged as we're not exercising that part of our brain as much.
So here's the question – do we put down those phones and try to enjoy life – unplug and reconnect with our true self and capabilities? Or do we continue to push ourselves to be greater, more evolved and extraordinary multi-taskers? Is that the new form of exercise – the brain workout that will grow that muscle like never before?
This is the #BrainReinvention period of society!
What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts?
#foodforthought #deepthoughts #burningquestions #reinventyourbrain #HappyReinventing
Share your stories, feedback, anecdotes – I'd love to include them in my blog, website or upcoming book –visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com
See great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
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Maybe We Should…New Year's Resolutions #HappyReinventing
Me? Write a New Year's Resolution blog? You bet! Wouldn't miss a chance like this while it's the topic of conversation to inspire, motivate and remind you of what you're capable of being in this lifetime.
If not now, when?
Yes, this is the same me who previously avoided putting out a blog during New Years as it was too "cliche" … I believed. So many resolutions established and unfulfilled. I just didn't want to get into it in a New Year's blog as I like to inspire year-round, not just once a year.
But maybe we really need to take heed of this age old tradition. After so many years of saying and resolving NOT to make any resolutions, we stop believing in the magic of simply setting our minds to something and making it happen.
That's all it's about, yet the repeated failures at whatever that lofty goal was causes us to eventually lose faith in ourselves and the ability to believe we have the discipline to stick to something we're committed to.
The more that happens, we tend to give in to status quo – and our big dreams become smaller and smaller. Our visions of what we see ourselves doing becomes relegated to someone else and then we look on as an eager and wishful by-stander. Is that really what you want?
What we forget is it's not too late to create those realities for ourselves. This year, have the courage to make one or two resolutions – make them "bite size," achievable, attainable, then set more milestones. No need to take it all on at once.
But be specific about your goals – the more detailed, the more you'll envision where you're headed and paint the picture in your mind's eye to focus on. What are you going to do specifically to get to that goal? Like I've said often in my blogs – go ahead, write it down. You'll be amazed at the impact and ownership that will have. Share your goals with someone that matters to you – create accountability and it will help you stick to your plans.
Pick any area of your life – health, fitness, career, spiritual, hobbies, family, friends, community service – and give it some focus. What will you do that will allow you to take stock in 3-6-12 months from now and know you accomplished what you set out to do?
The attached link courtesy of @DaveKerpen has tips from 11 entrepreneurs from the Young Entrepreneurs Club – https://yec.co/ – sharing secrets for keeping your New Year's resolutions. Something in here just might resonate with you.
What's stopping you? Is it really time or is that just the same excuse you keep using that's getting in your way.
#Reset, #restart, #reinvent
Share your stories, feedback, anecdotes – I'd love to include them in my blog and website –visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com
See great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
Do you have a great Reinvention Story to share? Let me know so we can include in a blog or my upcoming book.
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DOORS – The Gateway to Reinvention
Doors – they hold the promise of something new, curiosity, adventure, fresh starts, mystery. They all stand just on the other side of that door. So close yet so far away. Bringing two worlds together, yet part of the same. Inches apart yet so divided.
Doors separate rooms, tones, themes, experiences, activities. They have their own distinct space and worlds yet that one door brings them together when open. Blending the visual and energy of two different spaces. As you step through one to the other, the new environment is usually in deep contrast to the other, leaving traces of the old to the new. The door symbolizes a gateway to something different.
The metaphor of a door captures the moment in time when we're on the precipice of a movement, decision, opportunity. We stand in the familiar, with the vision of what's on the other side right before us. We can choose to walk through it, we can choose to stand in the doorway till we're ready, we can turn back and never cross that threshold.
Doors offer a glimpse into the future.. what's next. The option to indulge in it are yours. Is it freedom or confinement? Future or regression? Stand still or Reinvent your life? These defining moments, whether small or large are the doorways of your life that offer you opportunity or confine you. The choice is always yours.
I always walk through those doorways, usually I run thru them, excitedly approaching what's next. What do you do? How do you live your life?
And what does your doorway look like? Big, small. simple, ornate? Wood, iron? With windows, without? How do the doors that present themselves in your life show up? And when? Are they barriers for you? Do they stop you or invite you?
There's a saying that when one door closes, another opens. Do you believe this?
What's your interpretation of the doors in your life?
Share your stories, feedback, anecdotes – I'd love to include them in my blog and website –visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com;
See great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
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"Running in Heels" – Ladies, Listen Up – This One's For You! #HappyReinventing
A friend of mine recently referred to me as the "CEO of Running in Heels Magazine" — I laughed, thought it was cute and clever, and then realized what it really meant.
I'm sure many of you can relate to that statement and I'm officially owning it. It may be a metaphor but I can truly say I have definitely spent the last 30 years running in heels – from the day I opened the doors of my business – chasing and running after new business, running after the desire to be the best at what I do, keep everyone happy, meet our deadlines, reach our goals and build a successful life full of love, health and prosperity.
Then came a family – running to create the ideal home, running to the market, running to the home design and supply stores to get the house in livable condition and keep improving on it (for 30 years), running to have a full social life, running to get home on time, running to put a meal on the table, running to keep my man happy.
Then came my fabulous children – running from work to home and back in the early days while juggling babies, nursing, diaper changing, playtime, reading time, cuddle time…all while juggling work, deadlines, clients, business travel. Running to and from one obligation to another while running home to those sweet and slowly growing faces, hugs, intense moments of love, education and entertainment.
Then came school years – running to and from school meetings, events, conferences, functions, projects while running back to clients, office, work, airports and definitely running to airplanes. Running to get a little food, a little workout, a little playtime, and some lovin' with my hubby.
Now I find myself running to catch my breath, running to find balance, running to find some inner peace while still juggling, running, traveling, working and running a great family and business!
Of course, as the years have gone on we find new things to run to and from, we find new passions, hobbies, social occasions to layer into our fabulous and busy lives so we just keep running and running. We never really stop to think about the fact that we're running from here to there – physically, mentally, emotionally – we just do it, as it's just the way we have to move through all the things we have created in our lives.
All while wearing heels…
Yes, almost every day! I'm on the short side so I always felt that heels best complimented by work attire, definitely made me feel up to the task, and when I found platform sandals for weekends…eureka!
So yes, I deserve this title – CEO of Running in Heels Magazine – I own it and wear it proudly…as do all of the women out there who are running in these same heels! All the power to us! Have we started a new movement? Better run off to figure this out and build another business vertical!!
Share your stories, feedback, anecdotes – I'd love to include them in my blog and website –visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com;
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I love other peoples' stories. I see a family , a woman eating alone, a man in a biz suit, two friends chatting, a group of teenagers hanging out…and I'm curious. Who are they, where are they from, what have they endured, who have they inspired, what's been their contribution to humanity or community, are they happy or sad, coming or going, simple or complex, where were they born, where are they headed, what do they think about, what's their story???
Not everything and everyone is as they appear and behind everything we see is some kind of story, anecdote, history, future, nuggets of what I deem to be interesting…
All around us there are stories – they just show up in different ways – songs, ads, social messages, movies, TV shows, photographs.
By nature, we are curious human beings and thus the ongoing interest in stories.
Everyone is a story, they are the center of their story, the Protagonist – each and everyone of us. We bring our own self-working, emotions and experiences to all that is around us and everyone we interact with and it shapes how we perceive and experience our worlds.
The little anecdotes that are our lives are either gone unnoticed or become headlines…or somewhere in between, and they're all little stories.
Have you ever looked at a house on your street and wondered who lives there? Watched a little old lady walking down the street and wondered what her long life sorry can tell – history, joys, observations, wisdoms, heartbreak, moments of courage? The man sitting with his two boys having breakfast – is it just another day in their routine or is this the special monthly breakfast with divorced parents?
I'm always curious, I love to wonder and weave stories and tales in my mind and then wonder how right or wrong my hunch is about what I'm observing?
As I go about my busy day with my very busy mind, it never ceases to amaze me the room for this imaginative thought. It's a game of sorts and is probably the reason I don't mind chatting with strangers.
So next time you glance at the old man crossing the road, that teenager with her friends giggling over a coffee at Starbucks, that sad lady on the phone in the middle of a shopping center, the young man at the grocery checkout, the clerk helping you at the yogurt store…everyone has a story – they're the protagonist in their life and just maybe we're playing a supporting role in their story.
Aren't you a bit curious?
What's your story? Are you living the story you want your life to be? It's never too late to Reinvent your life in a myriad of ways.
Share your stories, feedback, anecdotes – I'd love to include them in my blog and website –visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com;
See great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
Follow me, share, retweet, repost and like @:
TWITTER: @KathiSR #HappyReinventing
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Summer Inspires Reflection…and Reinvention
Reinvention, renewal, inspired ideas…they all have time to breed just a little more during those lazy summer afternoons when you may be taking an extra walk, sitting on a beach, hopefully even holidaying somewhere wonderful.
These are moments when we disconnect from the everyday moments that drive our every movement, the tasks and the chores of life, jobs, family, commitments and just take a deep breath – literally and metaphorically.
When you take that deep breath, that pause, that moment of reflection, what do you do with that time? What could you do with that time? Are you using it in a quiet and important way to focus on you?
Hello, are you still in there? It's not such an odd question, really. Don't we all get so caught up in the business of life, that we don't stop to make sure we're on the right trajectory?
That time is yours – so use it wisely. Are you doing what you want? Inspiring yourself to have the greatness in your life you deserve? Loving the best way you can? Sharing the way you want? Indulging in the things you love? Nurturing your passions?
Every moment is a chance for Reinvention so never stop asking yourself if you're happy and how to have more of what you want/need/love in your life.
Be Inspired, Get Inspired and Go For It – It's Yours!
Have a beautiful Summer Day.
Please share your stories with us – visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com;
See great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
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TWITTER: @KathiSR #HappyReinventing
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Re-Find Your Passion – Tennis Was My First Love
When I was a little girl, I learned to play tennis. My dad played semi-pro in Australia against some of the big Aussie tennis names and understood the value and fun of the game – old school tennis, clay courts, tennis whites, wood rackets. Classic!
Lucky for me, my parents instilled that love for tennis in us kids as well. My sisters and I loved to play and I took that much further – always had a racquet in my hand and as we moved from country to country, tennis was my sanctuary, my "go to place." A way to bond with new friends in new places with some common ground.
I played through high school – chose cheerleading over tennis team (yes, admitting it!), through college, and always recreationally with friends and family.
And then it stopped…just like that, life got in the way, and it wasn't until my boys were old enough that I had to get them on the court and get a racquet in their hands too. A life skill, sport and passion that I wanted them to have.
As I started to play here and there with them, it reminded me how much I loved and missed the game and vowed every time to keep playing…but I didn't. Life got in the way.
They went to tennis camp every summer, played occasionally with friends and the occasional family trek to the court – 6 blocks away -happened.
I had "tennis envy" of everyone that played and still loved the game but everything else seemed to take precedent and I was doing all these other activities – Zumba, Pilates, business activities, mom jobs… but not tennis.
Fast forward – my youngest son is on the high school tennis team and for years has become an excellent player. For the last few years when I asked him to play he refused. Thought he was too good and didn't want to bother with me!
Hmmm – that got me going and when my husband asked me to sign up with him for a tennis clinic, without thinking I said "yes."
That first week I played five times, enlisted a coach and for three months I have been fully re-engaged in what was my first love and passion – tennis.
I cannot tell you how incredible it feels to be reconnected …
My scheduling priorities have shifted from "I can't exercise to because I have a business dinner," to "I can't do that business dinner or drinks…because I'm playing tennis!" As a result, I'm also finding lots of new tennis partners – business colleagues and friends – that we can now socialize over a game, rather than the traditional lunch, drinks, dinner plans. Love that!
What's your passion that you'd love to rekindle? What's that one thing you keep saying you want to do or revisit that you once loved? Was it learning a language? Playing the guitar? Painting? Indulging in some hobby that made you happy?
This Reinvention is a tremendous antidote to boredom, a mid-life crisis, a yearning to stir things up in your life, a desire to be happy and just have fun, so if you have that itch and feel the need to mix things up a bit and nurture your passions, give it a try – you'll be amazed at the results you feel and how it affects so much of your life. #GoHaveFun
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You CAN Have Your Cake And Eat It Too!!! Go Ahead – Reinvent Your Life – Just How You Want It!
Since it's my Birthday week, it's quite fitting to share this post …as I will be having my cake and eating it too!!
"You CAN have your cake and eat it too!" We've all heard that expression throughout our lives and many have come to accept it. But have you ever thought about what it really means, and why CAN'T you have your cake and eat it too?
Think about it – the expression implies that you can have your cake – but what? You're supposed to just stare at it and NOT eat it?
When it comes to Life Reinvention – I'm a firm believer that you MUST have your cake, and you MUST eat it too!!
You are entitled to have what you want in life – you have the power and your responsibility is to use it, own it and grab life by the horns and make it what you want.
No wonder so many people are lost and stuck in a life that they don't want to be living. They've been brought up believing that they are not to indulge in the things in life that make them happy and that you can only have "so much" but not the whole enchilada!
That's absurd! Why on earth can you not do what you love, be with who you want to be, create the hobbies and interests that you want to cultivate, build the life that is your optimal existence. If you're not hurting others, and what you want is not at someone else's expense, you deserve to pursue all that makes you happy.
Are you afraid to go after it? Do you think you may not succeed? You won't be able to attain it? Is the risk not worth the reward?
You need to prioritize yourself and begin to create the framework for what you want. These can be small reinventions – baby steps towards the bigger goal. But start setting your sights on what you want from your life and be clear about how to get there. I often talk about creating that roadmap – without it you just won't get there or be able to chip away at the obstacles with clarity if you can't define the path for yourself.
You want to have your cake AND eat it too? Then go for it!
Here's what I do to stay the course, after I've identified something that I want to embrace (or tackle) as a new part of "project me"…
Every night I go to bed, thinking about the few major things I want to accomplish the next day (or on Sundays, for the next week – in which case I write it down.) Sometimes they are personal goals, some are business goals and tactical plans…. Some are family plans and projects… I'm not a "type A" person, or so I'd like to think, but I find it keeps my head organized and clutter free, and it helps me get through the things I want.
We all juggle a lot and keeping all the plates in the air is a fine skill – fun if you really master the art – a daily challenge – but fun, nonetheless! Weekends are for the loftier goals but squeezing in some of the soft and precious stuff into the middle of a work week is good for the soul. Sit back in the middle of a busy day – close your eyes – take a deep breath and clear your mind. Allow yourself that focus and clarity to indulge and get back to "you".
When was the last time you stopped and put yourself at the front of the line? You're entitled…
Yes, you're entitled to have your cake and go ahead…EAT IT TOO!!!
And to quote the amazing new campaign by CADILLAC – #DareGreatly
"Our Greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do." – Confucius
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Binge Watching – the Latest Reinvention of Entertainment Consumption
Over the holidays you'll have time on your hands to do the things you've been talking about for months – one of my favorites is Binge Watching some of those great shows that I couldn't quite fit into the schedule while juggling work, clients, family and everything else in my hectic life.
So now we have a few weeks of down time to indulge, what's going to be your pleasure? Have you thought about the whole notion of Binge Watching?
This is the Reinvention of something we've been doing for a long time. The thirst for engagement in a good story and its characters is the reason we've loved to read since the beginning of the written word, only now we have new platforms and media on which to consume these stories.
Binge watching is like reading a book. All these shows are now at your disposal on the many televisions and gadgets we have at our fingertips, and just like a book that you can read all in one seating, you can now watch 8-12 episodes one after another. It's the old fashioned way of consuming entertainment and why books have been around and enjoyed forever. Binge Watching is just a little easier and certainly entertaining.
Has Binge Watching taken a page from good ole fashion reading? I believe it has. Chapter after chapter – episode after episode; you can keep reading and reading as you get immersed in the story, the characters and get to shut out the rest of your real world while you delve deeper into the story-telling. That said, nothing replaces a great book!!!
Is anything ever really new? In the marketing business we constantly borrow from other industry practices to make something feel new and different. That's all that's happened here, yet no one has recognized the similarities between these two entertainment habits. So whether it's NETFLIX, HULU, SHOWTIME, HBO, ABC, NBC, CBS, A&E, FOX, Amazon or any other great platforms – go find that series everyone's been talking about and take some time off from the real world to enjoy a little! Whether it's Binge Watching…or Binge Reading – just indulge yourself in great story-telling.
Reinventing our world …what's old is new. Where else might we see this?
What will you indulge in during these holidays?
Share your thoughts and comments and what's your favorite series that you've Binge Watched?
Enjoy and #HappyReinventing
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OPEN THE NEXT CHAPTER – Kick-start your Reinvention
You've weighed all the critical issues, banged your head against the wall, complained to everyone you know, you walk around grumpy or frustrated but you're not sure why. You know you need to do something, you're just not quite sure what that "something" is.
It's time to Reinvent Your Life, so, now what do you do?
Let's start here…what were you doing when you were five years old, maybe 12, perhaps 17? When were you truly happy?
What did you dream about doing when you grow up? A rock star, an artist, a fireman, a dancer…
Dig deep, close your eyes and think of what you used to imagine your life to be …"one day."
The little rock star grew up, was told to go to school, learn something that would help make you money one day and get a job so you could help support the family…the guitar that you might have played as a teenager started to gather dust and ultimately got sold in the garage sale or put away in the attic (figuratively and literally).
So here you are, 25 years later, the lawyer, chained to your desk, your life duties, commitments, financial responsibilities…now your kid's dreams perhaps?
I ask you this – when was the last time you picked up a guitar?
Did you ever consider how you'd feel if you bought yourself a guitar? The thrill of nurturing your decadent, ridiculous, childish whim? Ok, so maybe you'll not become the next Eddie VanHalen but what if you took guitar lessons – get a book, remind yourself how to play; maybe get some "like-minded" buddies together and put a weekend garage band together.
Sound ridiculous? FABULOUS! It should!! This will nurture your soul in a way you can't imagine, and clearly haven't dared to dream of doing!
And they wonder why people go through a mid-life crisis? It doesn't have to be a crisis – it's called nurturing your soul and indulging your passions!
Perhaps when you go to work on Monday, you'll have a skip in your step or a smile on your face that just wasn't there before.
The goal here is to create balance, dig deep and tap into the things that stir you and give you a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, stimulation and simply make you happy while getting back in touch with your true self.
Hello, are you still in there?
Ask yourself that question and look back to that moment when you dreamed. It's priceless…
- Keep notes on the things that make you smile in the course of your day – track it in a little notebook –
- the things that make your heart sing
- the places you like to go
- the smells you like
- the sounds that you like…all of these are little signs of the things in life you want to surround yourself with.
- go somewhere and daydream
- get magazines of all sorts – flip thru them and pull out anything that gets your attention – a headline, a chair, the color of a wall, a favorite shoe, a look, a font style a profound statement…collect things that excite or interest you
- do you see a pattern, similarities – anything that inspires a "maybe I could/should" thought?
- do it again a few weeks later
- look in the classified ads – ideas
- create a budget of your life – What do you need – then write it down – what you want – include what you have to take care of and the things you'd like to include – aka "indulgences" – i.e. vacations, college savings, shopping, sushi one time a week, language lessons…
- establish the connection between need-want-attain through happiness
- believe it, project it, create it, visualize and then detail the process to get there
- the success, the challenges
- the ideas, the tactics
- the exit strategy for your current situations
You're entitled so there's no need to deprive yourself of the life you want. Take care of the ones around you, don't abandon them in what might be considered a selfish aspiration, but take the baby steps to create your own happiness. If it's a bold Reinvention that doesn't affect others, have the courage to go for it.
- Sunshine? Go outside!
- Food? Go get it!
- Work? Do more of it!
- Leisure Time? Create more of it!
- People? Invite them into your life more!
- Music? Turn it on!
The answers to these questions help you focus on the things you love – bringing them to the forefront of your mind – articulating and identifying the things that make you feel simply fabulous!!
Always have a vision of the future you want!
Enjoy and #HappyReinventing
Share your stories with me as and let me know what little or big Reinventions you've created in your life. I'd love to include them in the www.ReinventionExchange.com website and Huffington Post blogs, and we're seeking great stories for my book and TV show and Web Series in development.
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How would you finish that sentence? Do find yourself thinking this often?
Would have, should have, could have… Do you say that to yourself? Do others say it to you?
Is that how you truly want to live your life?
Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years…they fly by and sometimes you're inclined to wake up and say "where did the time go?"
Do you want to live a life of few regrets? Do you want to live with passion and fulfill some of your dreams? Well it won't happen all on its own. You have to consciously create your reality and your life to make it what you want.
In a bad relationship? Sure you can live with it for a while and maybe continue to be somewhat happy. Maybe you're both better off moving on and creating an even better life with someone more caring/engaged. If time has changed both of you or one of you and your relationship has shifted, it may be hard to admit to it but if you both deserve happiness, maybe that's ok.
What about a job that isn't quite what you've dreamed about ? You keep putting off the work involved in finding a better career or job thinking that "it will never happen anyway" or maybe you "don't deserve it." But you do deserve it and if it means finding a passion in life and seeking ways to make money from that business, there are ways to get there. So, what exactly are you doing about it?
Change is never easy, but Reinvention and evolution can be really fun. Don't think of it as leaving other things behind, rather as a chance to take lessons and findings from where you've been and that all those have been a springboard to what's next. Don't have regrets for what you've been doing in any of these places in your life – work, relationships, spiritual, health – they've made you who you are today and led to this point of clarity and inspiration to create something even greater.
If you take the time to focus on the parts of your life that are worthy of a little Reinvention, you can dig into it – call it "PROJECT ME" and go for it.
Come up with your Action List – pros, cons, things you have to do, people who may be a part of it, a timeline, goals, milestones, and ideas that will get you there.
Write it down – Buy a great little notebook and make it your place to check in with daily. Create tabs or sections for each category you want to focus on and the project details listed above. You can use a computer or notepad on your smartphone, but writing on paper in a little notebook that you can always have with you will give you access to it all the time and actually is more visceral – connecting at a deeper level with you, thus helping you to actualize it.
Make a date with yourself – pick a time each day that you know you can stick to – wake up 15 min. earlier, 15 min before bedtime, 15 min of your lunch hour. Whatever else you've been doing, make this your new priority – "PROJECT ME" should be your priority – if you don't put yourself first, who will?
Use this time for research, jotting down ideas and plans, making lists of how you're going to accomplish your goals, write down the challenges you foresee, how you'll overcome them.
Set the intention of what you want to the point that it's so clear you can feel it, smell it, taste it and help manifest it becoming your new reality.
Remember, many months ago in a previous blog, I shared with you that if you have a road map but don't establish where you want to go, how are you going to get "there"? If you don't know what/where "there" is…it just can't appear in front of you. A road map is literally that – a series of moves and directions to where you want to end up.
Reinvention and evolution in your life are inspired, creative, exciting times – and they're YOURS – you don't need to rely on ANYONE else to make a decision for you and set the course for this process and journey.
I've been juggling a fabulous company for 26 years, an incredible family and tremendous friends. My life is wonderful and every day I wonder what else I can fill my life with – the world and our lives have so much to offer us.
My Reinvention (one of the many and ongoing) is incorporating this Reinvention "business" into my existing life, all while running a successful marketing/branding/sponsorship agency for global clients. Making time and effort to make this happen isn't easy – as anyone who knows me will tell you – but it's worth it. I am writing blogs, a book, doing interviews, creating a TV project, looking at brand extensions and other ways to bring these stories and this inspiration to thousands. It's my "hobby" for now but could one day be a media company and brand that will deliver more than just smiles to others.
If you had the chance to dig in and create your Reinvention, what would it be?
Share your stories with me – whether you're dreaming about it, working on it, have done it – how are you Reinventing your life?
Visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com; see great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
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End of Summer…Chill – Reflect – Reinvent
It's Labor Day weekend – a great time to reflect on the beauty of the Summer while digging into the "back-to-school" mentality of the Fall. Maybe you had a few lazy days where you got to reflect on your life, dream about the things you intend to do this coming year and actually made that list that will be your roadmap for your Reinvented future.
Or maybe you didn't…
That's ok – it's never too late! You can do it any time - steel 15 minutes and make a list of all the fun you want to be having in your life, the dreams you've not yet fulfilled, the places you want to go, the career you wish you had, the relationships you'd love to surround yourself with, the health regimen you are inspired by, or the hobbies that you'd love to indulge in.
Lists – commitments – visualization – action…
It's not that complicated if you create the intention and have the true desire to Reinvent your life, even in some tiny little way.
This is YOUR life – so seize the day and don't let fear of change get in your way. Life can be a tremendous adventure and each time you take those baby steps to creating what you want, the rewards will feel fabulous. Allow yourself that.
Indulge yourself – you absolutely deserve it!
Enjoy and #HappyReinventing
Happy Labor Day
Share your stories with me as and let me know what little or big Reinventions you've created in your life. I'd love to include them in the www.ReinventionExchange.com website and Huffington Post blogs, and we're seeking great stories for my book and TV show in development.
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TIME OUT! This is Your Life! Reinvention Inspiration
It's time for an adult TIME OUT! If you can dream it, you can create it!
Do you ever take the time to think about your life? Are you satisfied, elated, complacent, living the dream? Is it time to answer that question honestly and own your truth?
It's ok to admit that you're not living your life just how you want it. It could be something minor that you just wish you were doing. It may be a major life decision that you keep putting off, thinking it's easier to stay in your comfort zone.
Maybe it's time you allow yourself an adult TIME OUT and a chance to sit back, address the question and focus on your dreams and what you really want in this one life you have.
We are all caught up in the day-to-day of our lives – the work, family, friends, life juggling act. How often do you create "me time"? Like most, probably never.
Do you feel that those fleeting thoughts while you're driving, doing dishes or working out is sufficient "me time" to figure it all out?
News flash – it's not enough and it's not dedicated to you and your very specific agenda of Reinventing your life.
If you're curious or committed, research shows that you actually need to set time aside with a focus and purpose. Even put an agenda of topics together to think about!
This may sound a little crazy or unnecessary, however, if you think about it, those thoughts such as "I wish I could…" Or "I'm going to try something different…" Or when the kids grow up I will finally do…" or "I'm too young to be feeling this way…" are all good, a start, but it's a far cry from putting a true road map together to actually realizing your Reinvention.
Make a date with yourself a "Time Out Weekend" – a half day, a weekend, a few weeks – whatever you can carve out. Create a few lists that you can work from as your working tasks for that time.
The lists should consist of:
1. What I used to dream of, think my life would be like when I was younger. Cover different topics – personal, relationships, health, work, career, hobbies, spiritual, community, volunteer, friendships.
2. Why I took the path I did to be where I am today – who influenced me, why I am where I am, what impact on my life do I believe these things are having on where I want to be.
3. What I envision I could create in my life if I really made it a priority. Cover different topics – personal, relationships, health, work, career, hobbies, spiritual, community, volunteer, friendships.
Be honest with yourself. You don't need to share this with anyone – it's for your use and as you spend time with this exercise, look at the gap between your reality and your dreams. Where can you bridge that gap? What plans can you make to affect just one piece of your life? How can you empower yourself to Reinvent your life?
If you start with this gift to yourself – the gift of time and reflection – you'll be on the way to creating a profound change that you never realized was possible.
Allow yourself this indulgence. This is YOUR life and you deserve it. Let your fears become adventures. Let your trepidation become courage. Let your complacency become happiness.
Take a little time out!
Enjoy and #HappyReinventing
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High School Graduates – They've Got it Right!
Need inspiration ? Take a page from the young high school graduates and it will remind you of something we all need more of – a degree if innocence, optimism, belief and adventure.
My son just graduated high school and aside from the overwhelming, surreal place we've all arrived in our lives, that 18 years have passed us by, that my gorgeous little baby is now a young man about to go off into the big wide world alone and live a life that I won't be as much a part of, that it tears my heart out while I'm so incredibly proud and excited for him, are all beside the point! Well, not really, but for the purpose of today's blog, it is…
As we sat through the graduation speeches, and listened to the words of these young adults, there were some moments of clarity in all that I do in this Reinvention space.
We, as adults, have lost sight of the wonder, the hopefulness, the vision and the world of opportunity that we once looked through the lenses of when we were younger.
We hear in these speeches an extraordinary sense of optimism and a great sense of adventure to take on the world. They don't speak about fear and the things they can't do and have to do. They speak of the excitement with which they're going to conquer the world and their own lives.
There's both a beauty and a truth in this that we must all remind ourselves of. The spirit of Reinvention means going right back to that place, that moment in time, that feeling that sets your nerve endings on fire that you just want to jump out of your seat and go do something special with your life.
Take a moment and find that spirit in you – hello, are you still in there? Get to the core of who you are, what you want and go out and create it. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back because of duty, conventional wisdoms, status quo. Pretend you're that 18 year old graduating senior all over again and think about what would you do with your life if you could Reinvent it all over again.
You can – it may take some planning, some entry level positions, some late nights studying, some moments of stepping way out of your comfort zone. No one ever got anything without dedication, commitment and a sense of direction that wasn't worthwhile so if you're seeking that way of inspired living, chart your course and go conquer your life!
Please share your stories with us – visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com see great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
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Reinvention – The Ultimate Self Intervention!
Imagine my surprise when I had a call from a friend who need my help dealing with a personal issue with her son. He was indulging just a little too much in pot smoking for a teenager and she felt at a loss on how to handle it. Her conversations with him were falling on deaf teenage ears, her ex-husband wasn't quite aligned with her POV and his friends could only say so much. One thing she was certain of was that if he was going to stop, she'd need some outside help and she was calling in the cavalry.
I was touched and sympathetic, and although this wasn't an "official" intervention, it was definitely something I had skills for that could be put to use – getting to the root of an issue, analyzing why one chooses to live in their current state, what the pleasure and pain principles are that are attached, what's the ideal and desired outcome, and how to set the roadmap for change.
An Intervention is a cry for Reinvention. And a Reinvention requires a significant Self Intervention!
This is so similar to the work we do when we're trying to reinvent our lives. This notion of self intervention requires taking stock of the present and assessing the future. If you've identified something that you'd like to reinvent in your life – health, spiritual, career, relationships, hobbies, family, habits – you've started the process.
You may need a support system, your own "cavalry" to give you moral, financial or physical support. The sooner you can define who your champions and the nay-sayers are, the better. You want to make sure that your path is clear and your goals are defined so that when someone tries to rattle your dream, you're not easily swayed. Finding a mentor that can give you true insights and help build your confidence in what you're doing is always smart.
How about trying a "Reinvention for a Day" program – do you want to learn Italian? Learn how to cook? Start a new work out program? Look at a new career? Find a day that you can dedicate to "the day in the life" and step into those shoes for a day? Sounds like a great idea, doesn't it? The greatest way to create your new reality is to experiment with it and see how it feels. Once you've stepped into it, you will figure out if it's something you want more of and how to build it further into your life.
So go ahead, experiment, touch it, feel it, taste it and create your own intervention – disrupt the norm of your everyday life and go for it! Reinvent Your Life a little!
Some inspired quotes
It always seems impossible until its done. Nelson Mandela
Action is the foundational key to all success. Pablo Picasso
Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. Dale Carnegie
I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. Bill Cosby
Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will. Zig Ziglar
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. Walt Disney
Please share your stories with us – visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com; see great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
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Where does one gain the courage to make a change? It's a great leap of faith and takes courage to define and explore your wants and needs in life. When you understand that you need a change or have merely entertained the thought, the first reaction is usually, fear. Fear of the unknown. Reality of some sort sets in and you quickly negate the notion that you're even entitled. You play the same mantra over and over in your head, you come up with the same excuses and you rationalize to yourself all the reasons why your can't pursue that dream, passion, relationship, career or goal.
It's absurd and sad. If not you, then, who? How often do look at someone and wish you could have what they do? You read about someone's accomplishment or a story of their life and wonder if you could have done that. You sit in your job day-in and day-out "wishing" your life was different. You see the way others are taking on the world and you want that, even a part of it. But what is stopping you? There's absolutely no reason you can't create the life you want. It may take time, dedication, focus, but you can control all of this and not let the courage to do it get in the way.
I was recently at a marketing and sponsorship conference in Chicago. An amazing city and a fabulous time. I met some inspiring and fascinating peers in my business, heard stories of great reinventions – some done, some desired, some in the works. I made new friends. It made me look around and once again acknowledge that we're all looking to be inspired, feel fulfilled, successful in some measure and happy with ourselves and our lives. I heard so many stories from folks who were either excited about their lives, and in other cases, looking for the next great chapter. Where do you fit on that spectrum?
What on earth is stopping you from taking those steps?
Six action items you can do today to move towards your desired future:
- Recognize that you'd like to create something new in your life – job, personal, health, spiritual, hobbies, skills
- Identify and write down what it is, when you'd like to start why you're interested in Reinventing part of your life; do it with true intention
- Establish what the first 3-4 steps will be to move towards that goal – research, meeting with someone, go out and see how it's being done, join a club or association that's relevant…
- Put a timeline down for yourself to take a few first steps – whether it's days, weeks, months, even years and a gradual transition is required. For example: Tuesday night – research on subject xyz; Saturday afternoon – visit with someone who is in this new area of interest and ask them all the questions that are on your mind,
- Keep a daily journal of related activities and ideas
- Start to populate a plan that will move you towards your goals and share with others what you're doing. You'd be surprised how many will know someone or something that could be helpful to you and want to encourage you to do this.
So take one small step towards creating your life with courage. Don't sit on the sidelines and look at others in awe when that could be you fulfilling your own dreams. What may seem like a daunting task and unachievable is yours with each and every step you make towards it. Every little step will be a major milestone for you to celebrate – with a pat on the back, a glass of wine, a victory dance – it's yours so own it!
Enjoy and #Happy Reinventing
Please share your stories with us – visit our website and join the conversation - www.TheReinventionExchange.com
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A-HA MOMENTS – The Key to Reinventing Your Life, So Don't Ignore Them!
"A-HA moments" – they're everywhere. But do you hear them? Do you recognize them and are you aware of the true impact an "A-HA moment" can have on your life?
When you meet someone who's doing what they love with their life, it's interesting to ask them what their "A-HA moment" was.
Some had it at a young age and others didn't have it till after they turned 50. "A-HA moments" come in all shapes and sizes, we just have to be open to listen and look for them when they show up for us.
Do you take for granted the things that make your heart full and race with excitement? Do you recognize the moments that you appreciate something or the times that you "wish" you could be doing "X" ?
Well, you may just want to stop and think a little deeper about those moments and what they really mean to you.
Reinventing your life is all about the "A-HA moments"! The moment when you acknowledge that no matter where you are in your life, you realize that there's something else you want to do, feel, live, engage in and you recognize it. You then decide to act on it and start the process of Reinventing your life as you look head on to the journey and process that might be required.
If you listen carefully to yourself, you'll start to notice the cues that will lead you to what you wish you were doing, creating, living and being.
It's no coincidence – they are your moments and they're so quietly yours that you may not even realize how powerful they really are.
Have you been living in the shadows of someone else's dream of who you are, should be, or the way they want you to live?
Start looking for those "A-HA moments" in your life and take note of what it could mean to you to own the life you really want to have.
If it's not too disruptive and won't impact those around you in a severe or hurtful way, you can start to explore and research all the ways you can attain that dream.
The question you often hear – "If money was no object, what would you be doing with your life?"- is a good measure of where you're at and where you want to be? There could be a small or large piece of your life that you can reinvent to have what you want around you every day.
Don't take that inner voice for granted next time you have an "A-HA moment" – listen, take note, and start the process of your life Reinvention!
Enjoy and #HappyReinventing
Please share your stories with us – visit our website and join the conversation - www.TheReinventionExchange.com
Can Your Passion or Hobby Lead to a Reinvention?
Can your passion or hobby lead to a Reinvention?
You may be searching for your passion but maybe you're trying too hard. In my journey and as I interview people for my book and new TV show, I hear many struggle with finding their passion.
Reinvention is about having that "aha moment" – saying to yourself "I want more," "I want something different or new," "I deserve to have something fun and beautiful in my life and I'm going to re-prioritize"…now, what is it?
Finding you passion is a very lofty and ambitious goal and like your Reinvention journey, there's a roadmap to get there. You can't necessarily wake up one day and "know" what your passion is or should be. It becomes daunting and then you're disillusioned that you haven't got a passion and there must be something wrong with you. Then you stop searching for something wonderful that you can enjoy…a hobby.
So start with a simple hobby – no agenda, no long term plan that this is going to "save your life" or get you out of what you're doing. Just something that complements your day-to-day journey. Cooking, jewelry making, play an instrument, create some art, learn a language, kite flying, knitting, cycling, rock climbing, start a collection of something… Allow yourself an hour or two a week to indulge in it and see how much you can nurture your soul and find interest in something that's yours and special to you. You'll mingle with like-minded people around something of interest to you all and you never know what might come from that – but you have to allow it, that's all.
Often, as we get older, priorities shift and we start to let go of those things that are important to us – we take care of others in our lives, we commit to our jobs and careers, which often aren't related to our hobbies or interests but are simply a means to an end.
We then justify why we don't have time for the things that make us feel good and settle for a complacent life.
It could be that a simple hobby, something you can have fun with and enjoy may ultimately become your passion. Then you can figure out if that hobby can transform your life.
You may need to pull your head out of your phone or computer long enough to see what's going on around you. Do you realize how much of the world around you you're missing as you text and email while you walk around? You're probably not always present in your real world environment, surroundings and human interaction as you're searching, reading and engaging in your digital microcosm.
It's a bit of a metaphor for the way we live – buried in the present and not looking up to recognize what the world around us has to offer. Perhaps if we dreamed a little more and recognized that we're entitled to have our hobbies and dreams, our new reality could be just what we want.
I've been interviewing folks for my book and TV show and recently came across a story of a woman who discovered a buried talent as an artist. She didn't even know that she had a talent in her. She wasn't frustrated and didn't even wish she could follow her dream. She didn't even realize that she had a gift, but she stumbled upon it and she allowed herself to recognize that what she was doing was truly art. It took one or two people to validate their enthusiasm for what she was doing, and that just continued to feed her passion that just kept growing. Years later, she's highly regarded in her field, is making a wonderful living and is fulfilling a dream she didn't even know she had.
She was open and receptive to the fact that what was showing up in her life was something that she could nurture. She chose to make something more out of it and allowed it to flourish. This is remarkable.
So do something new, look for a hobby, not a passion and let it take you places unexpected. It's good for the soul. It's your Reinvention.
Please share your stories with us – visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com; see the great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
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My new blog just posted to the Huffington Post - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathi-sharpeross/reinventing-yourself_b_4615119.html
Are you ready to stop and get off the hamster wheel of life that's just not reaching the place you think you want to go? Are you really living your dreams? It's OK to want that. You know you can have it with a big wake up call to yourself, a dose of reality, and a passion for self-adventure
So when it comes to reinventing your life, isn't it daunting to even consider how you might accomplish that? After all, you've been moving along for 20, 30, 40 + years in one direction.
The notion of a change of direction, a sharp left turn is exciting and even adventurous but really, not as easy as it sounds.
Nonetheless, exciting! So if you really wanted to consider it, even if just for a moment, wouldn't it be worth it? If you could end up with what you wanted, living the life you only fantasize about?
It really is possible. You just have to be prepared for bumps, challenges, sleepless nights, awe-inspiring moments and lots of people being very envious of you for having the courage to take the leap and go for what you want and definitely what you deserve!
Oh, and the ultimate result – happiness!
So, this is a journey and it can be short for little reinventions, long and arduous for big reinventions but whatever you see, it can be yours.
I've talked in my blogs on the Huffington Post for the last year, about the lists, the journey, the action plans and I will say it over and over, you have to create your roadmap to get to your destination.
Think of something you've talked about doing for years but haven't been able to accomplish. Did you make a list of your goals and map out the process and steps to accomplish your goal? Sound silly? Well it isn't. It actually is like clicking on Yahoo! Maps when you're trying to get to an unknown destination – you get the visual map, the step-by-step directions and the amount of time it will take you given the various routes you choose from. Notice that you also end up at your destination when you follow the road map!?
This is the same exercise only what you're trying to accomplish is MUCH more important – this is your life!!!
So chart your course and own the life you want. It's yours for the taking.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." – Lao Tzu
"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing – that's why we recommend it daily." – Zig Ziglar
"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure." – Bill CosbyEnjoy and #HappyReinventing Join the conversation, get inspired and more at www.TheReinventionExchange.com Follow me on: TWITTER: @KathiSR #HappyReinventing Facebook: The Reinvention Exchange LinkedIn: The Reinvention Exchange
A New Year's Reinvention
This is it – the day that we all resolve to look at our lives and do something different next year. There's no escaping it, it's all around us and everyone's talking about what they hope to do that will somehow improve the quality of their lives in 2014. Ironically, last year, I chose not to write a blog about Reinvention and share these thoughts today because I believe that every day can be this day. Reinvention is a great form of therapy and can be a good way to fight the post Holiday Blues.
If it were New Year's Day 365 days a year, how would you Reinvent your life? The truth is, you can, and you are most likely to commit to it more if you start it any other day than today. Getting swept up in the mass fanaticism of making a New Year's Resolution isn't as powerful as your own day of commitment that feels right for you. Don't get me wrong, it's a great starting point and I fully support you. Just be aware of your intention and your focus to truly to commit to your Reinvention for all the right reasons – because it's yours and you really want to do it.
Whether it's a new career focus, a health kick, committing to volunteer work, more time with friends, traveling and expanding your horizons, going gluten-free, remodeling your home, kicking a bad habit – all Reinventions big or small are exciting and adventurous. Lucky you for finding something that you want to focus on and evolve. Determine how you can create the journey to accomplish your goals, find the resources and support system you'll need, establish your measurement for success and create milestones along the way so you can acknowledge and reward yourself.
If you can't quite figure out what you want to Reinvent but you have that "itch," look further for some inspiration at www.TheReinventionExchange.com
Please share your stories with us – visit our website and join the conversation - www.TheReinventionExchange.com; see the great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
Follow me on:
TWITTER: @KathiSR #HappyReinventing
Facebook: The Reinvention Exchange
LinkedIn: The Reinvention Exchange
The Evolution of Reinvention – Make that Roadmap – Enjoy the Journey!
This post is part of the Do-Over! Dare-well Blog Tour: 9 Do-Over Divas Dishing about Reinvention brought to you by Katie Grant of Plume: a handcrafted copy shoppe. Pushing restart takes some gumption. This tour will give you that and then some. Check out www.plumecopy.com
Reinvention is about evolution, not necessarily doing something over because you didn't do it right the first time. It's about what's next, what else is there for you, how you can make your life even greater than it is now and perhaps try something you've only dreamed of.
If you're a dreamer and have a desire to Reinvent Your Life, it's time to take those baby steps. Taking baby steps isn't always that easy. But with every step, you'll get closer to your goals and realize there's a way to achieve what you're seeking in your life.
So often it is fear that stops us from making a change. No matter how big or small, fear is the one thing that most folks are really inhibited by.
Some people interpret change as a true adventure, but change can create a great sense of fear and panic. I'm fortunate to have grown up with a lot of changes my whole childhood and for me change was an adventure so I know it's easy for me to say!
The way to grow and evolve is to make little changes and recognize the rewards that come with it. For example, if the little reinvention in your life is to live more healthfully take one day and change the way you eat – cut out something that you no longer want in your diet – bread, pasta, sugar, dairy. Maybe don't do it all at once – just try one thing at a time. If you want to exercise and get into a regular routine make a commitment right now to take a walk. Do it right now, when you're done reading this blog. Do it for 10 minutes and pat yourself on the back for "taking action" and enjoy the benefit of how proud you feel for just doing something different for yourself.
Don't put it off to next week under the guise of "I'll start next week!" Empower yourself by doing something right away, no matter how small.
Next, find inspiration look for it everywhere – magazines, related industry newsletters, articles on the Internet, friends who have made interesting changes and reinventions in their lives. Look for ways to get inspired and find the little things that will help you the get to the next stage in your goals. Stay away from naysayers. They only wish they had the courage to take on the challenge of Reinvention and enhancing their lives the way you're owning it.
Be around people who have the confidence to support you and that understand who you are and what our passions are.
Next -take the time to make a list. This is where it gets serious. Really give some thought to what you want and make a list. Take the time to write down what it is that you'd like to reinvent in your life. Is it an exercise routine, health-related, career and work related? Do you wish you could do more volunteer work in the community? Is it friendship or a relationship that you need to evolve? Is there something that you just want to enhance in some way to make your life better?
If you don't write down your goals and dreams and set the intention for what you want you'll continue to talk about it and think about it but never set the roadmap in motion. The roadmap, for any journey, is critical as it sets you on the path with a direction and a destination. You can change it at any time as your plans and results evolve and grow – it's yours. You just need to have that roadmap as your compass.
Remember – "If you continue to do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always had." Is that really what you want?
Enjoy and #HappyReinventing
More blogs and inspired thoughts to motivate you at www.TheReinventionExchange.com
Follow me on:
TWITTER: @KathiSR #HappyReinventing
Facebook: The Reinvention Exchange
LinkedIn: The Reinvention Exchange
HuffingtonPost: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathi-sharpeross/
"Blurred Lines," the song title that was all the rage this summer, is an interesting metaphor for how many people live their lives.
Are you open minded? Do you live with passion? Is your life your creation or someone else's?
Do you have a clear cut definition of who you are and how you want to live? Have you defined your personal self from your work self? Are they one-in-the-same? Are you living your dream or someone else's? Is it all just a blur and you're simply treading water because that's just what you do?
As Socrates said – "The unexamined life is not worth living." There's a reason he was recognized as an inspired and wise man that we still quote today.
We all know someone who is "stuck" in their lives and constantly sharing (aka complaining) about how miserable they are with something or someone. It's usually fear that stops them from confronting it head on and figuring out how to move on. But really, what is "fear"? Fear is in our imagination and is a choice. We're telling ourselves a story. It's not real. It's what we make it. It's only as strong as the power and the voice you give it.
So how can you give so much power to something that is not real? How can your journey, dreams, passions and life fantasies not be more powerful than fear? Is the risk of daring and maybe failing, not so worth the reward?
How truly risky is that change and reinvention that you want to explore?
In my life change was always an adventure? Throughout my childhood, we moved to three very different countries and had to start over with new neighborhoods, friends, schools and surroundings. I loved it and took on each move with curiosity, a sense of exploration and an interest to build the next place in my life. It gave me the tools to have an appreciation for new things and getting to know something or someone from the beginning.
When tackling a new project, client, hobby, friendship, it's with this same attitude that I embrace it.
Not everyone has the same feeling about change and reinvention. The unknown can be a little daunting for some but I encourage you to look at the reward, the upside, the potential outcome.
Take baby steps to get there. Huge leaps aren't necessary.
If you're just procrastinating, try not to let your TO DO's get in the way of your WHAT IF's!
Spread your wings, find your passion and embrace the beauty and excitement of "newness."
If you find something you like to do, you'll never work a day in your life.
Please share your stories with us – visit our website and join the conversation – www.TheReinventionExchange.com; see great links to others' inspiring websites, sign up for the newsletter and please share with everyone.
Follow me, share, retweet, repost and like @:
TWITTER: @KathiSR #HappyReinventing
Facebook: The Reinvention Exchange
LinkedIn: The Reinvention Exchange
Reflect. Recharge. Reinvent.
My latest blog – short and sweet – enjoy!
We have just celebrated the Jewish New Year and Yom Kippur. It's a time for reflection on ourselves and our lives. It's is a moment that we contemplate our actions and behavior and its a chance to think about who we want to be in this world. A time to be open minded and explore the possibilities that allow you to be who you want to be every day.
When we stop everything we are doing we really allow ourselves to spend this time thinking. What are our dreams, passions, actions, intentions?
Its a chance for clarity and it's unencumbered, without others, phones, tasks, obligations. It's just you with yourself.
If you had that time, where do you think it might take you? How would you make your life just what you want it to be? What would you like to accomplish in a moment of reflection? Would it be a chance to recharge your batteries and focus on what piece of your life you'd like to reinvent?
Take advantage of those moments and if you need to, create them for yourself. You'll be amazed at how rewarding and inspiring it will be.
Allow it – you deserve it. No one will give you that time, space or opening. Reinvention starts with reflection. Reinvention starts with you!
Finding your Personal Brand through Reinvention – Back to School – Back to Reality – Back to Project "You"
Yes, it's "Back to School" time. Are you dreading it or are you feeling inspired and motivated by those dreamy, restful moments you've indulged in over the Summer?
Regardless of whether you enjoyed a long lazy vacation or glimpses of sunshine and soulful weekends, there's no denying that "Back to School" puts a charge into the universe that says "get back to it all!"
So what's your "all"? If it's work we're talking about this time, ask yourself a few important questions -
- Are you really doing what you want to do?
- Are you happy in you environment? Do you like the commute?
- Do you like your co-workers?
- Is the job/career challenging, stimulating?
- Are you paid enough? Are you making the money you want to live the way you want to live?
- If you could pick any job and snap your fingers to be in it – what would it be?
If your response to these questions are leaning towards "a lot of changes required"… then it's time to think about how to make those changes – that Reinvention in your life.
Whether it's personal, work, spiritual, – there's always a reason to make the change in life – find something new to explore – discover what's in you and what the next chapter is going to be.
There may be things you've been wanting to do for years, months…you keep putting them off but they're on your "Bucket List" – it may be to clean out the garage, get a new job, break up from a bad relationship, donate your time, travel the world, climb a mountain, learn a language…these little things that nag at you are there for a reason but you're not giving them a voice or a place in your life.
Feeling the passion, trying to get clear on what moves us – emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually – whatever it is that connects with us – that's what we need to listen to – that's how we start to understand our PERSONAL BRAND. Then we can communicate to the universe who we are and what we want – thus attracting exactly what we want and how to achieve it.
It takes some serious soul searching and exercises to understand and define your own PERSONAL BRAND.
What's YOUR brand? Start asking yourself some simple questions –
- What do I like?
- Who do I like?
- What music rocks my soul?
- What music sooths my soul?
- When am I happiest?
- How do I like to spend the weekends?
- What is it that I dream of doing for vacation?
- Where do I want to go?
- What haven't I seen?
- Do I like to write? If so, when did I last do it?
- Do I sing in the shower? The car? The living room? In front of others?
- Doodling – is it with some sophisticated talent? Or does it look geometrical and pattern-like?
- What color did I last pick to paint something?
- If it weren't for money, what would I really be doing with my life?
Would you like to start the Reinvention process, but just don't know how? Then read on… Read more
Bob W. was the highly successful six-figure guy, living large on Wall Street who had it all…or so he thought.
Today, he's a professor at NYU, living on a salary that pales significantly in comparison to that of his former life. But his life is richer by far in so many other ways.
Reflection was the catalyst that brought him to a place of peace, fulfillment and balance that those who knew him, never would have believed he'd strive to want, let alone attain.
Read more
Areas of Your Life to Evaluate
Family – spouse/partner, kids, parents, siblings, extended family, Self, Spiritual, Health & Fitness, Emotional, Creativity, Interests, Hobbies, Passions, Friendships, Financial, Friends, Work, Career, Down time, Vacations, Dreams…
Read more
Daryn K's Story – Create What You Seek – an Encore Career
Daryn Kagan is a big believer in "creating what you seek" and is living her dream "encore career" after leaving CNN. She likes to share her story and the fact that CNN didn't renew her contract. Rather than ask "why?" it gave her a chance to ask herself if she really wanted to continue in the traditional news business and same career path.
Seeking inspiration in her next chapter, Daryn created a digital home on the internet where great and inspired stories could live. She's the creator and host of the award-winning http://www.DarynKagan.com, a media company specializing in inspirational and motivational news content with a daily Web cast of stories that Daryn says, "Show the world what is possible" one story at a time. Read more


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Created in this Craftsy class
Spindling: From Fluff to Stuff taught by Drucilla Pettibone
Unwind while practicing the ancient craft of spindling. Drucilla Pettibone introduces you to easy and inexpensive spinning methods.
Other projects made as part of this class:
SpinningLet's do the Twist :-)
SpinningSea Foam skein
SpinningFluff to Stuff dog fur yarn
Offer some kudos...
Join the conversation...
Ask a question...
Add your comment...
It's amazing that you were able to spin in shells on your first spin!! very nice <3
10/17/2013 Flag
Thank you having lots of fun combining things.
10/18/2013 Flag

subset: commoncrawl


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Best 5 Grilled Chicken Recipes for Summerby Maria Russo in Recipes, July 25th, 2013
A simple blank slate that you can dress up with seemingly any and all flavors and textures, grilled chicken is perhaps the ultimate go-to family dinner, guaranteed to please kids and grownups alike. Given the versatility of grilled chicken, however, it can be challenging to know where to begin in transforming the meat into a flavorful, juicy meal. Check out Food Network's top-five grilled chicken dishes below for crave-worthy recipe inspiration, and find out how Guy, Bobby, Alton and more Food Network chefs put their signature spins on this classic summertime favorite.
5. Asian Barbecued Chicken — The secret to this weeknight-friendly dinner is finishing the chicken with a sweet, tangy homemade barbecue sauce featuring five-spice powder, garlic, hoisin sauce and honey.
4. Chipotle-Mango BBQ Chicken — Guy lets a mixture of mango, chipotle peppers and cilantro do triple duty in his simple recipe: It serves as a marinade for his bone-in chicken, a glaze with which to baste the meat while cooking and a finishing sauce to serve on the side.


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MUNCY - The Lancaster-based Providence Engineering Corp. is quietly building a presence here in the north central portion of the state, having recently opened its newest office in January at 23 S. Main St. in Muncy.
"With the economy being so slow ... we wanted to try and expand our reach geographically," said David W. Bernhardt, vice president of operations.
Bernhardt, a Muncy native, said the company, which handles structural engineering for buildings, looked to Philadelphia and Baltimore first, though discovered the economics of each of those cities was equally slow.
Article Photos
GREG HAYES/Sun-Gazette
David W. Bernhardt, vice president of operations, said the Lancaster-based
Providence Engineering Corp. wanted to expand its reach geographically. Answering to the call of the Marcellus Shale potential for construction, the structural engineering firm opened its newest branch in January at 23 S. Main St. in Muncy.
"So, we looked to the north, and as we started to look up here, we just kept hearing so much about what's going on with the natural gas (exploration)," he said. "We're hopeful that, in time, that will lead to ... construction projects."
According to Bernhardt, the company handles a wide breadth of structural designs, which range from homes, theaters, churches and office buildings - a capacity in which the vice president said helps remove Providence from being considered as a "niche firm."
However, the company has its limitations.
"We don't do bridges or anything like that," he said. "It's all buildings."
Locally, Providence completed work on a large paper manufacturing plant in Lock Haven, and worked from its Lancaster office on the YMCA building in Pennsdale.
As of now, it's handling projects involving a canopy at the Holiday Inn in Williamsport, as well as an Eagle Rock Winery project in the city's historic district.
What Bernhardt believes separates Providence from larger, more corporate entities is its ability to simplify the progress of a project in partnership with its clients - a foundation by which owner Dan Fichtner established the company.
Fichtner's philosophy allows Providence to respond to the requests of its clients at a faster rate, while also providing operations that are "clean, practical and straightforward," according to the firm's website.
"We're very focused on quick, efficient responses to clients without the bureaucracy of a large firm - that would really freeze up our engineers," Bernhardt said. "All of our engineers are fully-empowered."
The engineers at the firm are fully-equipped to handle a project from start to finish, he said, where a lot of other places one has to work to gain a license in engineering, which can slow up the process with clients due to a system of "checks and balances" by overseeing professionals.
"We're capable of doing it on our own, and that ends up mattering to the client. It speeds up the decision-making process and they get their answers faster," he said.
The company's success also stems from its willingness to take on whatever comes its way.
"We're not just designing schools, we're not just designing houses," he added. "We'll take any kind of structural engineering task that comes down the pike."
The company's website lists numerous beliefs that act as a system to guide the work, a system that Bernhardt said goes "beyond the normal business model."
The work received and the ability to do the work for its clients is based on the idea that it is all a gift from God - hence, the firm's name.
"The way we look at it for us - for Dan and I - we make sure everybody knows where we stand," he said. "We're very thankful for what we're able to do, and we really do believe that it all does come from God."
By honoring the work it does through faith and its list of core values as a company Bernhardt said he hopes gives clients a view of Providence through a charismatic lense.
"I hope it gives people comfort," he said. "We don't want work because of that, (but) we're just honest men doing an honest bit of work."
For more information, visit www.proveng.com.


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In Reply Dr Querques and colleagues advance the dialogue on this important topic. We disagree, however, with their characterization of SDM and wish to clarify how it might apply to discharges against medical advice.
Querques and colleagues contend that the against medical advice designation can be a sign of professionalism and an articulation of the physician's values that a patient's health is important. We are troubled by their description of a clinical scenario that squares a physician's values against a patient's because we believe that it is inconsistent with the intent of SDM. Procedurally distinct from a decision-making capacity assessment, SDM seeks to elicit a patient's values and preferences for care to decide about an appropriate treatment in light of the risks, benefits, and alternatives as described by the physician.
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