What You Missed!

What you missed last week on Life is Too Short internet radio show!

An inspiring, touching show with Renee Bondi on being engaged at 29 and two weeks later becoming a quadraplegic.

Connecting concepts from Barbara-Barrington Jones on what ails women around the globe and how we can clean it out and live joyful lives.

Click here to listen!
http://planetarystreams.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=173&Itemid=136

The Needful Thing!

Hi Ladies,

Do you get through a day and feel like you've been spinning your wheels? Can I just tell you that it has been like that in great measure this week and most especially today BECAUSE MY BABY WILL NOT SLEEP AND I CAN'T GET A BLESSED THING DONE. Did I mention this is causing me a bit of stress?

Because so much of our daily society is wrapped in go-go-go, we can tend to start strong and focused at the beginning of the week or day, only to end up putting out fires instead of focusing on what matters most for us at that particular time or point in our lives.

In Good to Great, a fabulous book by Jim Collins, he discusses what makes good companies into great companies. One concept he shared was about the flywheel--that as a company focuses on one major concept and turns the wheel (no matter how long it takes to make that one turn), they will continue to turn the wheel until it gets its own momentum. Then the wheel will take off in flight with hardly any effort.

I find the same thing for my time and energy. As you go through your week, remember the LIFEChange concept of one main goal a week. This keeps your focus on exactly what will move you forward in the thing that absolutely matters most to you during the week. When I lose sight of that and get mired in my 56th post-it note to myself, I realize that I'm really not getting much accomplished. What I'm spending my precious energy on is avoiding the reality of what needs to be done and feeling overwhelmed about the whole thing.

If you find yourself doing that same thing, stop and ask yourself, "What is the most needful thing this week? This day? This minute?" All day I have been fretting what to share for the LIFETip (actually all week, but it's been such a crazy week that I only was able to focus on and then avoid it for this morning...) Since I wasn't getting anything urgent accomplished I went with the day and spent a good portion of it playing with my children WHO WERE NOT SLEEPING (did I mention that?)

As I sat outside in the chair, enjoying the beautiful fall day (did I say PLAYING with my children? Okay, so I took a break and cheerleaded their bike riding from the side...), I of course had to still be productive so I brought out my 57th post it note and breathed a heavy sigh and said, What is the most needful thing to get done. And as I thought about it--I have about 257 things that could be done at any given moment--I honestly could not think of anything more necessary to do than to write this LIFETip. As soon as I saw that on the paper I realized, this is doable. And everything else sort of melted away.

Then at the same moment, miraculously, my baby started getting cranky and sleepy and shazam, she went down for a nap. My children came home from school, gave me loves and quick scoops (because snacks awaited) and then went off to build a fort. Unbelievably and unexpectedly I ended up with this time to myself, uninterrupted, with an easy flow of "Hey mom" while I am typing this LIFETip. All is right with the world.

So the point is to focus your energy on THE NEEDFUL THING. As you do that, everything else melts away for a moment in time, including your stress, and suddenly, the door opens.


All my best,
Connie Sokol
Mother of 6
Executive LIFECoach
President, LIFEChange
www.lifechangeprogram.com

Responding creatively

Hi Ladies,

Just this week I was reminded of an experience years ago. My 11-year-old son had decided to run away; he was extremely angry, had semi-run away before (enough to frighten me) and had had enough of the chores, restrictions, family time, yada yada yada, that was it, he was outta here.

And in fact, he would be JUST FINE because he knew how to camp because he learned at scout camp (suddenly I despised scouts).

So there my son was, putting on his backpack with all the accessories. And the more he talked the more excited he got, detailing to me how to use the stove and all the cool gadgets him and his father had bought.

Knowing the issues my son has dealt with I was concerned. But the more I could see he really WAS prepared and really COULD camp for days, I became panicked.

Taking a deep breath, I did the only rational thing a woman could do. I called my husband. He said whoa, I'll be home in a jiff anyway let me think creatively too.

I prayed and had a thought. As he prepped his gear I casually threw out, "I'm sure going to miss you, we're having pizza tonight and your favorite ice cream. But that's okay, we'll just see you soon."

Then I made sure he heard me order his favorite pepperoni pizza from his favorite place, with rootbeer. It had already been a good half hour of stomping around--combined with the pizza thing I noticed his step slowing, that he kept having to come back for "more gear" but the zeal was leaving him for sure. Now he wasn't so sure how to get out of the deal.

Then my husband walked in. He lamented our son was leaving too, and then casually mentioned the cougars that are found in our woodland area. Just to be careful of those. And then he spoke very objectively but powerfully about bears, wild hogs and even kidnappers, who before you could say boo would take him across the state line and would never be seen again.

About five minutes later, pizza coming up the drive, he announced that he had changed his mind and he wouldn't be going after all. No one said a word about the ordeal, simply saying, great, we're so glad you're staying, grab some paper plates for the pizza.

I thought of that this week because several times, including this morning, this same son has been an incredible help and amazingly kind. He has been a wonderful caregiver helper with my little ones and sensitive to those around him in serving and thoughtfulness. In that experience and many others, we have had to respond creatively in order not to lose him in an authoritarian fight of us vs. him. And thankfully, he is turning into a wonderful young man.

Sometimes, between hormones and everyday stressors, we can tend towards an all or nothing solution with our children, spouse, neighbor, whomever. When what would work better for both is a soft, creative response.

Just for today, when something totally irks you, when someone truly offends you, perhaps pray for a creative response. Instead of flying off the handle, especially when it's justified, perhaps try a humorous comment. I remember one time my children yelling at each other (you're gonna think things are GREAT at my house). I remember saying to them, "Stop yelling at your brother--that's my job." They started laughing and it diffused the situation.

If you creatively respond just once today, that's one more time than you would have. And after that it gets easier--certainly not that you will do it all the time, but more than before. The stress is released, the atmosphere becomes calm and future stress is eliminated because it isn't working into a deeper frenzy.
So just for today, try a creative response!

All my best,
Connie Sokol

Mother of 6
Executive LIFECoach
President LIFEChange
http://www.lifechangeprogram.com/

Paying attention to those inconvenient thoughts

Hi Ladies,

I've learned again the power of listening to those inconvenient "I wonder if I should/I don't really feel like it" thoughts, that occur especially when I'M NOT THAT INTERESTED OR JUST TOO BUSY THANK YOU.

Our sons go to a charter school which translates into mom driving two ways each day. At the start of the school my first efficient thought was carpool but the inconvenient thought came to me that driving with them would be a good thing.

Amazingly, this drive to and fro has been one of the most powerful, connecting, and growing experiences we have had together. For just 12 minutes each direction, I get actual SCOOPS--not just, "Fine", but actual sentences, with expressions, from both boys.

Most mornings we read a bit of scriptural text (keeps things calm) which has led us to various discussions, even the unlikely topic of abortion. I've also gotten the 411 on what goes on in the school halls, what assignments are actually due and when, and know about school events BEFORE THEY OCCUR. And, my 15-year-old's new obsession this year of checking his grades DAILY rubbed off on my 12-year-old (first year of junior high). Suddenly, they two of them had an unspoken competition of who could get the better grades, with my eldest actually making honor roll (and the younger just a few points behind).

I'm so thankful for listening, at least this time, to the inefficient thought of driving them myself, and enjoying the fruits of our labors. This week, I invite you to listen to those insistent, recurring, inconvenient yet would be good for me thoughts, whatever they might be, and give one a try. You might be pleasantly surprised ten-fold.

All my best,
Connie

Radio Show Discusses Gratitude

Connie Sokol Talks with Heather Madder, Vicki Escarra & Kelly King Anderson

"Life Is Too Short" Talk Radio Show Discusses Gratitude Thursday

November 13, 2008– Internet & Woodland Hills, Utah–-Connie Sokol, President of LIFEChange, announces the guest for this week's global Internet radio show "Life is Too Short for One Hair Color" starting on the Planetary Streams Talk Radio Network, log on and listen on www.planetarystreams.com or to archived shows on http://www.lifechangeprogram.com/.

Connie's first guest is Heather Madder, the author Walking on the Ceiling sharing about living a life of purpose and connection.

Her next guest is Vicki Escarra, President, Feeding America, which is the National Food Bank, talking about inspirational life stories and people who have benefited by this program.

Kelly King Anderson, Founder Start-Up Princess and co-founder One Heart Bulgaria, will talk about life-changing experiences in creating her own business as well as non-profit organization.

Topic is on inspirational and life-changing stories for the gratitude month of November

"Each of these women has created a life of meaning and purpose," says Sokol. "They've had marvelous experiences in building organizations that reach out and help others in unique and life-changing ways. We want to share these inspirational stories during this month of remembering, and expressing gratitude for those who have done the same for each of us."

Sokol's one-hour radio show aims to reach all women, specifically 25 to 55, with an emphasis on life and business balance. Guests are nationally and internationally recognized authors, speakers, and business women sharing insights and connections on topics that include a personal life vision, time management, fitness and nutrition, healthy relationships, organization, and money savvy.

Mrs. Sokol's previous radio experience includes KSTAR and Bonneville Communications AM 820 "Radio for Women". She is also a former TV host of Bonneville Communications' weekly "Studio 5" and TV series "Standing Up". Mrs. Sokol is also a columnist for magazines and newspapers, and is the author of Life is Too Short for One Hair Color and Life is Too Short for Sensible Shoes.

"Women want real answers, and they want it with a side of humor, and a bit of cheesecake for the soul. That's what we provide on this radio show."

Connie Interviews Heather Madder!

Join me and my selected guests as they weekly share fabulous success principles for your life, home, and business to get balanced, get results, and find joy. If you want to achieve a goal or discover a dream, if you need a boost for the week or a boot in the bum, this show is for all women who want to live! Every Thursday from 10 am to 11 am MST log on and listen live www.planetarystreams.com. Members of the Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Member Site can use their code to log in to archive shows.

This Week's Guests: Heather Madder

www.HeatherMadder.comInspiring Others to create their lives from Love, Light, Truth and Abundance

Be Free by living from your highest self. The conditioned mentality of this 'earth school' environment is fear, scarcity, & limitation. But we are not human beings, we are spirit beings. This means that we are already love, peace, abundance, freedom, and perfect worth. We don't obtain these things by pursuing a never-ending task list, which over focuses on doing. Rather, we return to and recover them through awakening, removing blocks, and partnering with the Divine in us and the Divine in the universe. When we have connected to being, then we act; action from spirit has power, clarity, and leads to joy.

Cheesecake for the Soul with New Connie Sokol Show

Life Is Too Short for One Hair Color Author Hosts New Internet Talk Radio on Planetary Streams Expert Hosted Radio Show for Women Who Want Real Answers and a Side of Humor!

Connie Sokol, President of LIFEChange, announces the launch of the new global internet radio show "Life is Too Short for One Hair Color" starting November 13, 2008 on the Planetary Streams Talk Radio Network, log on and listen on http://www.planetarystreams.com/.


http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/cheesecake-soul-new-connie-sokol-show

Paying attention to inconvenient thoughts‏

Hi Ladies,

I've learned again the power of listening to those inconvenient "I wonder if I should/I don't really feel like it" thoughts, that occur especially when I'M NOT THAT INTERESTED OR JUST TOO BUSY THANK YOU.

Our sons go to a charter school which translates into mom driving two ways each day. At the start of the school my first efficient thought was carpool but the inconvenient thought came to me that driving with them would be a good thing.

Amazingly, this drive to and fro has been one of the most powerful, connecting, and growing experiences we have had together. For just 12 minutes each direction, I get actual SCOOPS--not just, "Fine", but actual sentences, with expressions, from both boys.

Most mornings we read a bit of scriptural text (keeps things calm) which has led us to various discussions, even the unlikely topic of abortion. I've also gotten the 411 on what goes on in the school halls, what assignments are actually due and when, and know about school events BEFORE THEY OCCUR. And, my 15-year-old's new obsession this year of checking his grades DAILY rubbed off on my 12-year-old (first year of junior high). Suddenly, they two of them had an unspoken competition of who could get the better grades, with my eldest actually making honor roll (and the younger just a few points behind).

I'm so thankful for listening, at least this time, to the inefficient thought of driving them myself, and enjoying the fruits of our labors. This week, I invite you to listen to those insistent, recurring, inconvenient yet would be good for me thoughts, whatever they might be, and give one a try. You might be pleasantly surprised ten-fold.

All my best,

Connie Sokol
Mother of 6
Executive LIFECoach
President LIFEChange
http://www.lifechangeprogram.com/

Watch Connie LIVE!

Have you had a Sally Field moment?

Dear Ladies,

Recently I had a life-long realization in a Sally Field moment: I like me, I really like me. Before you lose lunch let me ask you this vital question: do you like yourself?

Throughout my life I have in some way wanted to be someone else. My earliest recollection was of the sixth-grade what’s-her-name that was playing the lead of Dorothy in the school play. I had tried out, all of four feet tall, shaking so badly that I put the script in front of my eyeballs and never looked up. Apparently, a short, shaky fourth grader wasn’t what they were looking for but consoled me with an obscure spot in the orchestra playing the wood blocks.

Then came Pinky Tuscadero. I can still see the t.v. screen as they panned to her pink heels, her hot pants and her red hair. Later that night I cried in my bed: why couldn’t I be Pinky Tuscadero, she had everything! I remember the actual ache in my heart that I was not, in fact, Pinky Tuscadero. She had the looks, she had the heels, she had the Fonz. Those were bitter tears.

Things didn’t fare any better in seventh grade. In our seventh-grade talent show (pre-American Idol), in walked an unknown wearing thick glasses named Molly. She wasn’t aware that this was to be my big “dancing queen” debut (think Abba). After performing my home-choreographed disco number with a luke-warm response, she brought the house down with “You Light Up My Life”. I grieved until high school.

What is it about women that we find it so hard to accept, like, and–gulp–even love about ourselves? It leads us to this cycle of comparing, criticizing and competing. Like the physical thing, our bodies. In If Life is a Game, Then These are the Rules, Cherie Carter-Scott writes “How many times has a potentially wonderful day at the beach been tainted by your judgments about how you look in a bathing suit?...Think of all the activities in your life that you have deferred until you look different, better, or perhaps even perfect.” Add to that how so-and-so looks in a bathing suit, two weeks after having a baby. It’s easy to look at the seemingly best in others and compare it to the seemingly worst in ourselves.

Accepting yourself means seeing the whole package and enjoying it for what it is, and what it can be. Gratitude gives you joy. When you see the good in your life, you are happy for the good in others’ lives. When they succeed you truly feel joy. Ms. Carter-Scott says, “You can celebrate other people’s blessings, knowing that their gifts are right and appropriate for them and that the universe has your gift right around the corner.”

All my best,
Connie Sokol
Mother of 6
Executive LIFECoach
President, LIFEChange
http://www.lifechangeprogram.com/

PRESS RELEASE

Cheesecake for the Soul with New Connie SokolLife Is Too Short for One Hair Color Author Hosts New Internet Talk Radio Showon Planetary Streams

Expert Hosted Radio Show for Women Who Want Real Answers and a Side of Humor!

October 31, 2008– Internet & Woodland Hills, Utah–-Connie Sokol, President of LIFEChange, announces the launch of the new global internet radio show "Life is Too Short for One Hair Color" starting November 6, 2008 on the Planetary Streams Talk Radio Network, log on and listen on www.planetarystreams.com.
LIFEChange is a proven life coaching system helping women create their ideal life and experience results in one week. Connie Sokol, founder and president, developed this unique coaching system to help women in the trenches.
"I have six children and work at home. That means I’ve dealt with every-woman realities of focusing on my family, getting organized, running a successful business, and doing it while staying fit and healthy, " said Sokol, "while simultaneously not consuming addictive quantities of quality chocolate."
Sokol’s one-hour radio show aims to reach all women, specifically 25 to 55, with an emphasis on life and business balance.
"Whether we’re from the U.S. or Scotland, whether we wear a suit or a bathrobe to work, we’re the same underneath–we want to be loved and live balanced and fulfilling lives," says Sokol. "My radio show teaches women how to create and live that kind of life, with humor and real-life solutions."
Guests are nationally and internationally recognized authors, speakers, and business women sharing insights and connections on topics that include a personal life vision, time management, fitness and nutrition, healthy relationships, organization, and money savvy.
Mrs. Sokol’s previous radio experience includes KSTAR and Bonneville Communications AM 820 "Radio for Women". She is also a former TV host of Bonneville Communications’ weekly "Studio 5" and TV series "Standing Up". Mrs. Sokol is also a columnist for magazines and newspapers, and is the author of Life is Too Short for One Hair Color and Life is Too Short for Sensible Shoes.
"Women want real answers, and they want it with a side of humor, and a bit of cheesecake for the soul. That’s what we provide on this radio show."

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