A New Kind of Resolution

Well, it’s that time of year again.  It’s the time when many of us take stock of our accomplishments from the previous year and set goals for improvement for the upcoming year.

I think that it’s valuable to give yourself some quiet space to reflect on the past and envision your future in whatever form works for you. The magic is in being accountable, taking responsibility and raising our awareness about what we create in the world.  In our busy, hectic days it’s so easy to skim the top layer of existence just to survive from one moment to the next and any exercise that gives us an opportunity to go a bit deeper – is a good one. 

I tried something new this year that has been valuable for me and I wanted to share it with you.  The idea behind this “January Retrospective” as Martin Seligman calls it in his book Authentic Happiness, is to rate your satisfaction in the of areas of your life that are important to you. This exercise gives you an opportunity to evaluate how satisfied you are with each of the domains you value most in your life.

These are the domains I chose:

• Love
• Profession
• Finances
• Play
• Friends
• Family
• Health
• Creativity
• Overall

Rate your satisfaction with each of the areas of your life you have chosen on a scale from 1(abysmal) to 10 (perfect).  Then write a couple of sentences about each of them that sum it up.

I’ll share with you an interesting thing that happened with me when I did this last night.  I was doing what most people do – focusing on the area I knew I needed to and wanted to build upon this year – because I had not met my goals last year.  I had skipped straight to rating my “overall” domain quite low because I was evaluating my overall life satisfaction based primarily on that one area.  After I completed this exercise, I realized that I had rated my satisfaction with all but 2 of my domains at 8 and higher. So in review, it raised how I felt with my “overall” satisfaction. 

It’s so easy to evaluate ourselves on the one area of our lives that we feel we haven’t mastered and completely overlook all of the other important, valuable contributions we do make.  This exercise does a great job of placing value on all aspects of our lives.

I can say that after completing my first “January Retrospective” I already feel a little happier!

5 Ways to Help a Friend or Loved One Overcome with Holiday Stress

The holiday season can be a time of great joy or great sadness.  If you have a friend or loved one who is coping with a job loss, death, serious illness, or financial strife, it can be hard to know how to help.

These tips from the authors of Overcomers Inc: True stories of hope, courage, and inspiration will help.

1. Be sensitive to your loved ones’ limited financial resources. If your brother’s just lost his job, bragging about your holiday ski trip would be cruel.  Instead, suggest low-cost or free holiday gift suggestions so that everyone can participate, even if money is tight. 
2. For the recently widowed or others who are in mourning, don’t avoid mentioning the departed family member. Gently reminisce about favorite family memories.  It’s better to speak of the departed that to carefully avoid all mention of his or name.  Follow the lead of the person in grief.  If the discussion is too difficult, she will change the subject.  Many times, the widow or widower will appreciate the chance to share a memory of the lost loved one.
3. Allow people to have their space, but watch out for isolation.  Stress and grief can be exhausting.  Your friend or family member may not be up to the traditional all day shopping trip or noisy holiday party.  Let her set the pace.  However, if you sense that your loved one is withdrawing from everything, consider stopping by for a quiet visit or a cup of tea.  Loneliness is most acute during the holidays so some extra loving care will be very helpful.
4. Invite your loved one to an uplifting community activity.  Holiday concerts, drives to see colored lights, and religious activities can be a source of connection and enjoyment.  It’s hard to not to smile when you see a child’s joy or a humorous holiday play.  Fun is often in short supply, especially when things are hard.  Strive to bring some joy to your loved one and increase their contact with their community.
5. Be patient and understanding.  Your efforts to bring joy and comfort will be appreciated, even if your hurting loved one can’t express that gratitude right at the moment.  A person dealing with a serious life challenge can be emotionally fragile so be gentle, encouraging, and present.  That understanding is the best possible gift you can provide.

  

 
 

On Being Thankful

With Thanksgiving and the holiday season upon us, now is the perfect time to reflect upon what we are thankful for in our lives.

Many years ago Oprah spoke about keeping what she called a “gratitude” journal.  At the time it wasn’t mainstream thinking that what you focus on in your life grows; I just liked the idea and felt it was something I could do easily, so I began my own “gratitude” journal.

I’ve had my share of ups and downs over the years, but even on my worst days, I would force myself to come up with a minimum of 5 things I was grateful for in my day.  There were many nights when I’d just sit there looking at that damn page feeling like I had nothing to write, but I wouldn’t let myself close it without writing something. How ungrateful would that be! (I thought to myself). I knew that no matter how bad things were for me in the moment, there were people out there facing worse, so I’d better find something to be grateful for.

A funny thing happened to me over the years that I attribute to this journal. It actually changed the way I look at all situations in my life now.  It’s like I’ve retrained my mind to see the silver lining in anything I face – job loss, death of a loved one, financial struggles, health issues etc, and it’s heightened my gratitude for the good things too.  Without a doubt it has contributed to the happiness I feel in my life. 

A couple of years ago I was introduced to the concept of Positive Psychology and the realization that happiness is a choice – that we can change our experience of a situation through different thinking about it.  Happiness is not based (wholly) on the occurrences in our life, but our interpretation of them.

Wondering what your level of gratitude is? There is a free assessment you can take to determine your level of gratitude at: http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx.  You’ll see many free assessments here.  You can find the “Gratitude Questionnaire” by scrolling down the list.

Gratitude is enhanced when shared with others. This holiday season, let someone important in your life know what you are most grateful for about them.  For yourself, start your own gratitude journal.  Every day, write 5 things that you are grateful for in your life.  These are my top 2 every time: 1. My health. 2. My husband Dave and my dog-daughter Emma. I figure without these things, nothing else matters and with them, anything after that is gravy!

Best-Seller

Our book, Overcomers Inc: True Stories of Hope, Courage, and Inspiration became a best-seller yesterday!

I contributed a chapter to this best-selling anthology entitled “Willy Loman I Am Not!” where I share my journey of self-discovery through facing three major career changes, each one bringing me closer to realizing my life’s purpose, finding true happiness and living an authentic life.

It’s still sinking in that I became a best-selling author on the same day I became a published author for the first time.  Wow!  I have so many people to thank for getting me here.

I couldn’t have done this without the love and support of my wonderful husband Dave and our special dog Emma – who is able to read my mind and know when I need her kisses.  Ok, Dave knows too .

Thank you to all of the special people in my life who encouraged and believed in me throughout this process, and to those who have supported this project through their book purchase.

This all began as a dream just to write, then a dream to one day have my words published.  Becoming a best-selling author was so beyond what I could have imagined that I’m still digesting it all, and being grateful for this blessing.

If you purchase the book today, you are still eligible to receive over $5000.00 in bonus gifts.  You can buy the book at: www.overcomersinc.com/booklaunch

As an endorser of this book, Author Max Wellspring says, “At the end of reading the beautiful poignant stories, the first word that came to my mind was “Wow!” These are extraordinary and brave stories….not only inspiring, but soul stirring. Each one of these narratives is proof that there is a choice to co-create with Source that will inevitably bring healing. 

With deep gratitude,

Kimberly

Overcomers Inc Book Introduction

Today’s the big day!  Today is the launch of the amazing book I’ve co-authored about the power of the human spirit; Overcomers, Inc., True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration. 

When you buy this book today, you will receive over $5000.00 in bonus gifts!  Wow!  Definitely an offer you want to take advantage of.

http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

To learn a little bit more about the genesis of this anthology, our good friend and publisher Lynne Klippel describes her journey of overcoming seemingly insurmountable tragedy.  It’s been Lynne’s strength, faith and compassion towards every author in this book that has made her dream – and ours collectively – a reality.

Book Introduction from publisher, Lynne Klippel

At one point in my life it seemed like everywhere I looked, I saw tragedy. My brother, both of my parents, and a dear friend were all battling cancer at the same time. Other friends were losing jobs and fearful about the prospects of finding new work. The evening news was full of financial scandals, plant closings, kidnappings, and war.

As I sat in the sun on my front porch in March 2009, I wished I had a book to send to my brother to read during his chemotherapy treatments – something to remind him that he was not alone and to encourage him to fight for his life. I wanted a book that could give him hope, inspiration, and encouragement on every page.

Due to a series of miracles, the book you are now reading is my wish come true. In a very short time a team of wonderful people came together to create this book with just one purpose: to encourage you, the reader, to overcome whatever obstacles are lying in your path to happiness.

As you read the stories in this book, you will find real life tales of remarkable courage, strength, and perseverance.  You will be inspired, entertained, and uplifted. Some of the stories will make you laugh. Some of them will make you cry. All of them will make you proud of the power of the human spirit. 

You will find this a book of diversity. There are many authors, from many walks of life. However, they all share a common bond. They triumphed over tragedy and gleaned wisdom in this process. While this is not a religious book, there are stories full of faith, of many kinds and flavors. It is funny how in your darkest times, faith often becomes your brightest light.

All of the contributors to this book want to encourage you to hold tight to your belief that a better day will come. It is their sincere desire to pass along what they’ve learned through their own trials, to make your journey easier.

I hope that you wear this book out by highlighting meaningful passages and bending down the corners of the pages you want to read over and over again. There is true wisdom in these pages that can help you feel strong, brave, and hopeful.

May you be blessed by this book and inspired to overcome!

Lynne Klippel
St. Peters, Missouri
September, 2009

To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

Overcomers Inc Book Summary

Only 2 more sleeps until the highly anticipated book Overcomers, Inc: True stories of hope, courage, and inspiration which I’ve co-authored, is launched!

This Thursday October 22, a long time dream of mine will come true; the dream to become a published author.  We all have a story – actually many stories about our lives.  From the outside our stories may seem similar, but what makes each story uniquely our own is how we’ve perceived our experiences, how we’ve responded to life’s circumstances and how we’ve played the hand we were dealt.

This book is an anthology of 37 stories plus my own.  The courage is not only in what happens in the story, but also in the sharing of the story.  If you’ve ever put your work into the world in a public way as in the form of a book, you’ll know what I mean when I say it’s a “coming out” of sorts.  When you read the stories in this book, you will be inspired by the courage of each and every writer; how they overcame their adversity and that they’ve shared it with the world.

Here is a short summary of our book.

Overcomers, Inc: True stories of hope, courage, and inspiration will give readers the knowledge and emotional resilience to face the most difficult times of life by sharing inspiring stories of triumph.

You will find this a book of diversity. There are many authors, from many walks of life. However, they all share a common bond. They triumphed over tragedy and gleaned wisdom in this process. While this is not a religious book, there are stories full of faith, of many kinds and flavors. It is funny how in your darkest times, faith often becomes your brightest light.

All of the contributors to this book want to encourage you to hold tight to your belief that a better day will come. It is their sincere desire to pass along what they’ve learned through their own trials, to make your journey easier.

To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

Overcomers Inc Book Reviews

We’re ramping up to the big Overcomers, Inc. book launch this Thursday October 22 and I’m so excited!  Today I wanted to give you a few more tid-bits about the book. 

Below is a sampling of some of the reviews of the book I’ve co-authored; Overcomers, Inc: True stories of hope, courage, and inspiration:

“A seriously terrific book. I was moved to tears and laughter within pages, and can’t wait to order a box to give as gifts. Overcomers, Inc. also happens to be a genuine reflection of the humanity of the authors. Both book and authors are wise, light, and make the world a better place.”~ Andrea J. Lee, Author, How I Wonder…Thought Leadership in a Noisy World, AndreaJLee.com.

To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch 

It is no coincidence that happiness, gratitude in practice, and simple yet time-honored truths are key themes in this beautiful collection of stories where faith, hope, optimism, and sheer determination triumph over the worst of odds. If you’re stuck in a rut, or doing well, either way you’ll enjoy the unfailingly positive message and relish the tools Overcomers, Inc. provides to surface deep gratitude and awareness to empower your life.” ~ Maryam Webster, author, Everyday Bliss For Busy Women, MaryamWebster.com.

To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

“At a time in the world when so many people are feeling fear about their future and questioning their faith, Overcomers, Inc. comes as a Divine answer, reminding us that when faced with what seems to be insurmountable odds, miracles occur when we approach life with a loving, open and courageous heart. After reading each story, you cannot help being transformed in some way. This is one book you’ll keep by your nightstand for when you need a dose of hope and inspiration!” ~ Lorraine Cohen, Spiritual Life Coach & Advisor, Speaker, Broadcaster, Powerfull-Living.biz.

To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

“These pieces will make you want to cry and smile at the same time. They are heart-wrenching, inspiring, and right from the heart. If you’re going through a tough time and need inspiration, the words in Overcomers, Inc. will remind you that you’re not alone. The authors remind us that even in the midst of terrible change and crisis, hope and transformation are not only possible but inevitable.”
~ Anna Stookey, MA, MFT, Bodymind Specialist and Psychotherapist, AnnaStookey.com.

To get your own copy and receive dozens of bonus gifts go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

Book Giveaway

I’m very excited to share some information with you about an upcoming book give-away! 

3 of my friends are giving away dozens of inspirational books on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. Those who will receive the books will be randomly selected from the fans of Overcomers, Inc.

Here are a few of the books that will be given away:

• Law of Achievement 
• Message of Hope
• 101 Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door
• The Freedom Formula
• Who Am I to Write a Book
• Conscious Entrepreneurs

….and a few more really good titles. 

All you have to do to have your chance to get the books is join the Overcomers, Inc. facebook page. Overcomers is a group of people who have made it our personal mission to inspire as many people as we can.

Those who are already fans will automatically be eligible.

To join click here http://www.facebook.com/overcomersinc and then click “Become a Fan”. 

The contest ends next Thursday, Oct 22 so don’t delay.

Good Luck!