Vlog: Pay Attention To Old Friends

Happy Friday!  In this video, I talk about the importance of paying attention to old friends who choose to stay in touch.  They are in your life for a reason.  Stand up and take notice and make a point to keep in touch.  

I give several examples of my old friends who I haven't been great at staying in touch with.  Admitting it is fine.  We all make mistakes.  The key is to take action to correct your mistake.  Reach out to them and sincerely make an effort to connect with them on a regular basis.  

Do you have old friends you have been neglecting?  Do you have good intentions but end up not keeping in touch?  Or do you feel as if they are in the past and should stay there?  

Vlog: Reach Out

Hello!  I hope those of you who celebrated Christmas had a nice day full of fun and food and the making of great memories.  I had intended to post this vlog yesterday, but our router had other things in mind.  It bit the dust.  We've got a new one, but it took some doing to get it set up, so I didn't get to post this yesterday.  

But, here it is today!  The topic is reaching out.  Reach out to those who can help you, whether you have problems, desires, dreams, or ambitions.  Reach out to those who will listen, support you, serve as your mentor, provide answers, provide health care.  Reach out to those people you would like to have in your life.

I have reached out to fellow coaches to network, share ideas, help promote each other, and so on.  It is such a great community to be a part of--fellow coaches all trying to help people live more fulfilling lives.  I've also reached out to friends for help figuring stuff out and boosting my mood when life gets a little challenging.  Reaching out can help widen your scope of reference, open your mind, bring new insights, and inspire you to challenge yourself.  It can be exciting and heart-warming, and yes, even frustrating at times.  But it is so worth the possibility of rejection.  Even in rejection, there is growth and learning.  

Do you reach out to people when you need help or to settle something in some way, or do you try to handle things on your own?  

Vlog Post: Preferences

Hello!  I recorded this post a few days ago, but with the crazy busy Christmas prep and activities, plus physical therapy, etc., etc., etc., I didn't get to post it until today.  Sorry!  

What do you base your preferences on?  Quality?  How much it costs?  Economy?  Reliability?  Skill?  Friendliness?  

Do you go for high-end restaurants, stores, clothing, hotels or economical ones?  Or do your preferences fall somewhere in the middle?  Are your preferences different depending on what you are considering?  

I talk about this in the video above and give you examples of how I pick doctors, mechanics, clothes, and so on.  

Have a Merry Christmas!  And, I will see you back here next Wednesday!  Wheeee!  

Vlog: Friendship and Clubs

Hello!  I'm a bit late with this one.  Busy with Christmas shopping and preparations and parties and such.  But I'm here now!  :-)  

Today's vlog is about friendship and clubs.  When I have asked people who are interested in making new friends if they would consider joining a club, they often say they aren't into them.  Clubs can be a great way to make new friends, so it is something I urge people to consider.  After all, we often hang out with people who have similar interests.  That's a club of sorts, albeit an informal one.  Why not try a more formal one?  Some people don't want to pay dues, have regularly scheduled meetings, and strict rules.  Okay, that is understandable.  But, what about starting your own club?  Then you could make your own rules and invite or accept the people you feel most comfortable with.  

I realize that for those of us who are introverted, it can be difficult to get out there and meet new people.  Start slow, say hello to a neighbor, have dinner with someone from work, take a class, and yes, join clubs that interest you.   

I would love to hear about your experiences making new friends; especially those of you who are introverts like me.  Email me anytime at amy@acnlifecoach.com or comment below.  Thanks.  Take care.

Vlog Post: Making Friends--Be Patient, Be Curious

Hey there!  Happy Monday!  

Today's vlog post is all about being patient and curious when making friends.  Look underneath the surface to find the real person.  If someone acts a bit off or obnoxious when you first meet them, be curious about it instead of offended.  See if you can, over time, learn more about the person.  Peel away the layers so you get to know what really makes this person tick.  Maybe he was abused, or just got a cancer diagnosis, or was betrayed by a friend in the past.  Those things can significantly affect attitudes and behaviors.  Try cutting the person some slack and seeing how things go.  

What are your thoughts on this?  Post in the comments or email me at amy@acnlifecoach.com.  Thanks!

Guest Blogger, Sarah Jordan, Stay-At-Home-Mom Coach

Hello everyone!  Happy Friday!  I'm excited to welcome a special guest blogger today.  Sarah Jordan is a stay at home mom coach . . . and awesome person! I asked Sarah to write about stay at home moms and friendship.  Here's what she has to say.  (Thank you Sarah!)

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I always knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom.  I loved the thought of being able to always have home cooked meals ready for my family, being available to be den mother, and while the kids were at school, being able to get in a little “me time” with fellow mommies.  It just seemed like the perfect situation.  I could have my cake and eat it too. 

So, you can imagine how shocked and annoyed I was when I would see a stay at home mom (SAHM) pop up on my social media newsfeed complaining.  Complaining about not taking a shower for days.  Complaining about cold coffee. Complaining about never leaving the house.  And, if I saw one more selfie of a mom in Target with a Starbucks in hand with the caption, “Finally out of the house alone and I am in my happy place”, I was going to scream. 

I couldn’t help but wonder, “When did SAHM’s become such prisoners? Victims, even?  If you want to take a shower, do it.  If you want warm coffee, drink it when it’s warm.  If you wanna get out of the house, hire a sitter. Seemed easy enough to me. 

But then, it happened.  I became a SAHM.  And I finally got it.  I was forced to eat my words.  I could totally relate every single post I had ever seen on social media regarding the struggles that SAHM’s face.  Especially about getting out of the house and having “me time”.

I know friendships are vital no matter who you are or what stage of life you are in.  I also understand that some people are meant to be your friend for a season and some, a lifetime. The point is, friends are there to lend you support.  To be someone that you can relate to, confide in and build memories with.  

Becoming a mother was the craziest, rewarding, most confusing thing I have ever gone through.  To be able to connect with other human beings who have been there and done that, who understand exactly where you are coming from, is so important for a healthy mindset.  

Our thoughts…our mindsets are powerful.  They directly dictate our lives. What we think isn’t always true but it will always impact our actions.  Before I joined a mommy and me class, I didn’t have many mommy friends because 1. I had just moved to a new city and 2.I was the first of my friends to have a child.  So, it was easy for me to let my mind go to a lonely, no one gets me state.

I remember going to the first mommy and me class thinking I would make new mom friends but I actually left discouraged.  I felt somewhat alone. Everyone else’s child was dressed perfectly.  It seemed that everyone else’s child was sleeping through the night.  It seemed like everyone else’s child was eating the perfect, healthy diet.  And mine, wasn’t.

I couldn’t relate to these women and started to think perhaps, I was doing motherhood wrong.  But then, week 5 happened.  I will always remember week 5.  Moms were coming in late.  Kids had chunks of banana in their hair.  And we started to open up about the “real” version of mommyhood.  

It was then, we all removed the veneer of perfect.  It was then, I started to connect and relate to these moms.  And they were able to relate to me.  

From that point on, I have made some amazing friends.  And I feel they are friends that I will have for a lifetime. As our children grow up together, we will also grow together, as moms. 

I no longer felt alone or like I am doing motherhood wrong.  I was able to accept and believe that I was doing it just right.  Right for my child and her needs and right for my own. 

No matter what stage of life you are in or what you are going through, if it’s hard for you…then it’s hard for you.  And being a SAHM, is hard.  Heck, being a mom is hard no matter the situation.  

Having a support system like my mommy friends helped me realize that my version of mommyhood, is valid.  I am so glad we removed our masks and revealed our realnesses.  We bonded over those realnesses.  That taught me to always live my truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.  That deep down, we are all just doing our best.  And, if you think about it, isn’t that what life is all about?

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Hi, I'm Sarah!

I am a mother, a wife, a middle sister, an aunt, a daughter and poodle mom. I am a certified professional life coach, owner of Blessings and Lessons Coaching and host of the Homework to Happiness Podcast. 

I am a stay at home mom and I am also fortunate enough to have a job that I love.  As a life coach,  I have made it my mission to create a space for stay at home moms, where mommy guilt is recognized and worked through.

Mommy guilt is a real thing and it can keep us from doing anything for ourselves, including self-love.  Love starts with self-love and it’s my mission to help moms truly 

understand that self-care and self-love are not selfish…they are essential.  To find out more about me and what I do, please visit sarahjordancpc.com. 

Vlog: Don't Give Up On Your Dreams

This video was recorded a couple days ago, but I didn't get it posted until today due to a crazy, busy couple of days.  Sorry about that!  

I talk about believing things are going to be okay, and those things and people who help you through tough times.  If you believe, the right people will come into your life to help. 

For me:

• Guardian angel:  I believe my guardian angel sent me the people who would help me the most.  People came into my life who changed my life dramatically, who helped me through the tough times, who were there for me during good times too. 
• Daydreaming:  I made up an entire alternate world for myself in my bedroom growing up.  From the time I was about nine years old, I disappeared into that daydream world as much as possible, where I was healthy, confident, popular, happy.  What I practiced and learned in the daydream world, I took to my reality.  
• Imagination:  Similarly, my imagination saved my life.  I wrote, drew, painted, created.  I would immerse myself in these creative projects so deeply that I was able to forget about my troubles.  I also listened to music.  Music was a life saver, too.  I absolutely love music.  It is very healing.  The arts are healing as a whole as well.  That's why I shiver when I hear the arts 'poo-poo'ed' as unimportant.  That are extremely important and should be given more credit as a tool to enhance well-being.  
• Miracles:  I wasn't supposed to survive past the age of six.  I did.  My husband wasn't expected to survive his fall in 2003.  He did.  Miracles do happen, folks.  I truly believe that.  With the right mindset you can make amazing things happen.  You can totally change your outlook to change your outcomes.  If you believe in yourself, really want change, the right people will be attracted to you who can help you make those changes happen.  

Do you believe in guardian angels, daydreaming, imagination, and similar things having the ability to help you through your tough times?  I'd love to talk with you about your experiences.  

I'm sharing space with guest blogger, Sarah Jordan.  She's a stay-at-home mom coach and writes about friendship here today.  Welcome Sarah!  You rock!

Vlog: Looking For New Friends: Don't Sell Yourself

Happy Monday!  In this post, I talk about the importance of not selling yourself when you're looking for new friends.  Be yourself!  Be natural!  And you'll attract the very people who are more apt to become your close friends.  

How did you meet your closest friends?  Please share!  Thanks.

The Importance of Friendship--And A Thank You

A day late, but I'm here.  Today's vlog post is on the importance of friendship.  It is important to have your alone time during health crises, to think about what you need to do, to have a pity party, but you also need to recognize how important friends can be to help you through these tough times.  They love you, they care, they want to help--let them.  This post is also a thank you to those friends out there who help, support, lift up, and cheer up those of us with chronic health issues.  It is a tough job sometimes to be patient, but those of you who are and those of you who stick it out with us, Thank You!!  That is huge.  It is so important to us that you have our backs.  You are awesome.  

Do you have a story to share about when your friend was there for you during tough times healthwise?  I hope you'll let me know either by email or in the comments below.  I'd love to hear about it.  Thank you.  Take care.

Vlog: Identity Perception Program Give-Away!!

Hi all!  I announced last week that I'm giving away two Identity Perception Programs, one on my website (www.acnlifecoach.com) and the other on Instagram (@acnlifecoach), and each at a value of $349.  That's right, you have a chance to work with me for free!  Enter for the chance to win today!

Along with the information below, I will discuss the definition of Identity Perception.  It's a phrase that we don't hear often.  I came up with it, and the program, when my friend asked me an important question; one that impacted my life greatly, and made me think.

The eight-week program, geared toward individuals with chronic health issues, covers topics such as:

• roadblocks to change
• building confidence
• self-esteem
• goal setting
• strategic planning
• action-taking

We'll start off with filling out forms, introductions, my coaching style, what you'd like to focus on, and so on.

We will meet once per week for a 1-hour coaching session (via phone, Skype or Zoom), plus a check-in call mid-week to see how you're doing, and unlimited email support.  You will have access to lots of videos and exercises as well.

To enter the giveaway on my website:

• go to my website
• click the giveaway link on the homepage
• fill out the form
• press send

There is also an FAQ's link on that page where you can find out more information about the program.

To enter on Instagram:

• go to @acnlifecoach
• like the Identity Perception Program Give-Away post
• follow me on Instagram
• tag a friend in the comment section who also may want to enter the giveaway

You must be at least 18 years old to enter.  Deadline for entries is 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time on December 22, 2017.  Winners will be selected at random on December 23 and contacted shortly afterward.  There will be two winners, one from Instagram and one from the website.  You are welcome to enter on both Instagram and my website, but you are only eligible for a chance to win one program prize.

The only thing I ask in return is that you provide me with a testimonial at the end of the eight weeks, letting me know what you liked about the program, of my coaching, what you learned, and any changes you would suggest to make the program better.

Visit my website or Instagram for more information.  Or you can email me at amy@acnlifecoach.com.  Thanks!  I hope you will enter the giveaway.  I am excited to work with you.  Good luck!