Recently I received an email with this wish:
May 2010 be the best year of your life!!!

Don’t you want this coming year to be the best ever for you?  Since life happens one moment and one day at a time, the only time you can impact how well your life will be lived is today.  We all have life circumstances that can be “better or worse” depending on the incremental choices that we make in the moment, every day of our lives.

Take a look at what you have planned for the rest of today.  What might shift if you decided to make this the most meaningful, contributing, successful day you can live?  Consider these questions in choosing your best possible day scenario:

1. What activities will make up My Best Day? To make this a best day, contributing to an overall best year ever, what are my choices?  What activities must be carried out, which might be better handled another day?  Which might be dropped all together since they don’t significantly contribute to me, others I care about or the world around me?
   
2. How can I carry out my activities so they will add to the quality of This Best Day? What are my choices in how I carry out both essential duties and desires?  What will increase my enjoyment?

Waking up this morning next to my husband I created a best morning experience.  Rather than a quick peck on the cheek, I gazed into his eyes and greeted him with a smile, kiss and words full of love and appreciation for having him as my life partner.

I recently had friends spend the night.  Time with these friends who I dearly love would absolutely make this a best day ever.  Their overnight visit meant they would be with me on Monday morning, which is generally a work day at my home office.  In the time leading up to the weekend I cleared my Monday morning schedule.  Monday morning I reminded myself of my modified work start time so that I’d avoid distracting thoughts.  I also let my friends know how much time I had to spend with them.  With my decks cleared and them knowing my availability we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and walk together.  I could be fully present with them knowing that I’d shift my focus to work obligations later in the day.

Shifting your days to the best possible is a daily choice.  Will you make today the first of many that will make 2010 your Best Year Ever?  Write me about it!

May peace break into your home and may thieves come to  steal your debts.

May  the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.

May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your  lips!

May  happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of  joy

May the problems you had, forget your home address!

Want more inspiration for meaningful living? Click here to sign up for our Pathmaker ezine and receive periodic articles with helpful tips and inspiration.

Read past articles for effectively navigating your midlife career, philanthropy and lifestyle. Go to http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/articles.html.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: Certified Life Coach and Philanthropy Consultant, Mary Radu, guides midlife individuals and couples to discover how to share their unique gifts and be positive change makers. Let Mary and Pathmaker Coaching help you design and execute your unique path, aligning your life with your passions and values. If you’re ready to get moving, get resources at http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources, or contact Mary mary@pathmakercoaching.com to discuss how you can get supported to make a bigger impact 707.824.8836. See Mary’s Positive Change Makers Blog at http://www.positivechangemakers.com

Are you fortunate enough to have good food and enjoyable gatherings with loved ones as central ingredients in your holiday season? If so, I hope that you’ll take some special moments to celebration a deeper expression of Thanksgiving… expressing gratitude for the abundance in your life.

Research findings reported in Born To Be Good by Dacher Keltner, indicate that for those who have few financial resources, money does create happiness. “Material gain allows individuals …. to avoid the innumerable problems associated with economic deprivation, including depression, anxiety, compromised resistance to disease, and higher mortality rates.”  However, if your basic material needs are being met, it is the “quality of our romantic bonds, the health of our families, the time we spend with good friends, the connections we feel to communities that create meaning and happiness in our lives.”

The holiday season is a perfect time to remember what does give you meaning and happiness. Here are some ideas you might incorporate into your thanksgiving during this season and throughout the year.

• Make a toast at your holiday table, acknowledging the people there for what each of them adds to your life. You might also include a remembrance for those who are no longer with you that have made a mark on your life.
• Make a phone call or write a letter to someone who has touched you and share a memory that has stayed with you, that changed your life in some meaningful or important way.
• Start a new ritual to reflect daily on the positive experiences that have come into your life. Acknowledge the joyful moments. Express thanks for the people who have helped you. Recognize when you have been able to contribute your unique skills or gifts to others. And yes, acknowledge yourself for the ability to navigate difficult situations that have taught you endurance and courage.

My husband and I have found daily expressions of gratitude to be a deeply enriching practice. We each light a candle each night before we begin our dinner meal and share our gratitudes with each other. Some days we reflect on the birds humorously bathing in the bird bath or the incredible weather or sunset out our back door. Other days we recall the people we’ve worked with who have enriched our lives. We give thanks that at 58 and 66 we have healthy bodies and can enjoy a good run every few days. We often give thanks for the incredibly dedicated caregivers who allow my 98 year-old mother-in-law to experience quality in her life. This practice also gives us a way to regularly acknowledge the love and support that we receive from one another.

Make a choice to create meaningful, happy moments to your life with your own thanksgiving!

Finally, I thank each of you for enriching my life. I give thanks for having the opportunity to work and collaborate with so many of you who are committed to living meaningful lives that make a difference in the world!

Want more inspiration for meaningful living? Click here to sign up for our Pathmaker ezine and receive periodic articles with helpful tips and inspiration.

Read past articles for effectively navigating your midlife career, philanthropy and lifestyle. Go to http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/articles.html.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: Certified Life Coach and Philanthropy Consultant, Mary Radu, guides midlife individuals and couples to discover how to share their unique gifts and be positive change makers. Let Mary and Pathmaker Coaching help you design and execute your unique path, aligning your life with your passions and values. If you’re ready to get moving, get resources at http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources, or contact Mary mary@pathmakercoaching.com to discuss how you can get supported to make a bigger impact 707.824.8836. See Mary’s Positive Change Makers Blog at http://www.positivechangemakers.com

Our busy lives and the daily challenges we face in the current economic climate take up a lot of time and energy. And I suspect that still you’ve each had moments when you’ve wondered, worried and perhaps even begun making some plans about what your life will look like 10 to 20 years from now.

One of the biggest decisions we’ll each make is where we will live. In his blog, RetirementRevised, journalist Mark Miller sites an AARP survey that found that “89 percent of Americans would like to live in their current homes as long as possible – and that number rose to 95 percent when people over age 75 were asked the question.” Although active adult and age-restricted communities are popping up around the country, a survey by Metlife and the National Association of Homebuilders indicates that only three percent of 55-plus households had moved to one as recently as 2007. The reality is that most of us will be living in our current communities.

There’s a new term for this “living at home” option….it’s called “aging in community”. If you were to choose this option, what would it take for you to successfully live in your current home, enjoying your time, engaging in work or leisure pursuits and taking care of the physical maintenance of your home and body?

For many of us, existing resources – including family, friends, neighbors and community services – won’t be adequate to support us when we need help doing what we can no longer do for ourselves. Yet the best choice for our desire to live independently as long as possible may be to stay in our homes. Plus, staying in our homes may represent our best financial option.

In response to older adults’ desires to remain in their homes and communities, grass roots, member-driven, aging in community Villages are developing around the country. There are at least 48 open Villages across the United States, including three in the San Francisco Bay Area; six more are in development. Villages provide the support services people need where they are, taking advantage of existing community resources and involvement of other members in the intentional community.

According to Susan Poor, a founder and board member of San Francisco Village, “It is well documented that healthy aging is not just about medical care. The holistic approach of Villages and other intentional communities includes practical, day-to-day support, as well as social connection, meaningful work and activities, lifelong learning, and a critically needed focus on prevention and wellness through physical and brain fitness, good nutrition, home safety, etc.”

Is this an intriguing lifestyle option you’d like to explore?

If so, the first step is getting clear about your desires related to participating in a virtual Village community. What do you perceive may be the obstacles and challenges you will face in the years ahead having the support you will need? I can help you get clear about what you want and set in motion a plan to explore this possibility. Contact me or call 707-824-8836 for a brief chat to talk over your situation free of charge. You also can find out more about what these intentional communities offer and how you can become involved. Check out the Beacon Hill website.

Want more inspiration for meaningful living? Click here to sign up for our Pathmaker ezine and receive periodic articles with helpful tips and inspiration.

Read past articles for effectively navigating your midlife career, philanthropy and lifestyle. Go to http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/articles.html.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: Certified Life Coach and Philanthropy Consultant, Mary Radu, guides midlife individuals and couples to discover how to share their unique gifts and be positive change makers. Let Mary and Pathmaker Coaching help you design and execute your unique path, aligning your life with your passions and values. If you’re ready to get moving, get resources at http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources, or contact Mary mary@pathmakercoaching.com to discuss how you can get supported to make a bigger impact 707.824.8836. See Mary’s Positive Change Makers Blog at http://www.positivechangemakers.com

Every once in a while something comes by my desk that I believe will be of value to you. I thought you would find the information below very valuable to help you be a “Positive Change Maker” of your own life and keep you on course for what’s truly important during your life’s next stages.

Millions of Americans have had to change their retirement plans in the wake of the 2008 financial meltdown. The new PBS series, Retirement Revolution, looks at the stories of everyday people who have found ways not only to survive but thrive in this new reality.

Check this link to find the schedule for your local PBS TV station http://www.pbs.org/wttw/retirementrevolution/

Or watch at your leisure on the web by clicking the video below.

How are You Taking Positive Steps to Survive and Thrive?

I’d love to have you share your reactions to this program as well as tell us about the positive steps you’re taking to survive and thrive during this challenging time. Use the Comments link to add your thoughts.

Want more inspiration for meaningful living? Click here to sign up for our Pathmaker ezine and receive periodic articles with helpful tips and inspiration.

Read past articles for effectively navigating your midlife career, philanthropy and lifestyle. Go to http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/articles.html.

A Date in the Garden

I recently made a date with my basil plants, all six of them, that I carefully planted in the raised beds soon after we moved into our temporary rental house this past May. I remember what fun it was picking them out at the organic nursery soon after a very intense move from the home my husband and I had shared for over 10 years.

Now several months later, these lush, green plants were calling to me to prune their unmannered heads before they would go to flower. I looked at my calendar and was feeling a little resentful that Mother Nature expected me to shift gears and carry out Her work. I noticed myself considering this task as an unwanted chore that was stealing time from my schedule of business priorities. The time I set aside had arrived for me to pick a grocery bag full. This finally was starting to feel fun again, clipping the fully formed leaves stem by stem with the sun warming me. After what felt like a short time in the garden I was faced with several hours worth of washing and picking the leaves from the stems and turning it into the green paste that would make many delicious meals between now and next harvest season.

Focus on What You Value

My guess is that you’ve had this experience, where once you focus on an unappealing task, it suddenly transforms into a timeless, peaceful and energizing activity where the clock seems to stop. With a conscious decision we each have the opportunity every day to take these tasks and encounters we find in front of us and turn them into uncommon, meaningful experiences. When we shift our attention to what is of value to us and look for where it shows up, we bring more of that experience in.

Find ways to capitalize on the law of nature that dictates that we can only focus on one idea or feeling at a time. To increase the pleasure and possible joy spent in any activity look for the parts of your task that please you. For me with the basil, it was the tactile feel of the leaves, the sun on my back, the meditative plucking of each leaf from the step, the smell of the basil essences and tasting the luscious pesto as I put the finished product into jars. And it was also giving myself a deserved break from my office and computer to a task that would give me a very special meal at the end of the day and in the months to come.

Even when your tasks involve people you would rather not have to deal with, look for something positive that encounter offers you. It might mean remembering that you’ll be contributing something important for that person’s development. Or if you decide to recruit a friend or family member to help you brainstorm the situation you can feel how sharing the burden within our community lightens our load and helps us create the results we want.

It’s Your Turn to Focus

Focus on what you uniquely value and experience how uncommonly meaningful moments blossom! Where will you turn the common parts of your day into uncommon experiences for yourself and those you touch? Pick just one right now and see what happens? I invite you to share your uncommon stories with us. Post your comments so that others can learn from your experiences.

“When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.” George Washington Carver
http://www.gratefulness.org/

Want more inspiration for meaningful living? Click here to sign up for our Pathmaker ezine and receive periodic articles with helpful tips and inspiration.

Read past articles for effectively navigating your midlife career, philanthropy and lifestyle. Go to http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/articles.html .

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: Certified Life Coach and Philanthropy Consultant, Mary Radu, guides midlife individuals and couples to discover how to share their unique gifts and be positive change makers. Let Mary and Pathmaker Coaching help you design and execute your unique path, aligning your life with your passions and values. If you’re ready to get moving, get resources at http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/index.html, or contact Mary mary@pathmakercoaching.com to discuss how you can get supported to make a bigger impact 707.824.8836. See Mary’s Positive Change Makers Blog at http://www.positivechangemakers.com

You’ve probably heard the old adage that your health is your most important asset. In effect, your physical health is the foundation which allows you to live fully and enjoyably.

During a daily walk, I stopped for a break at a bridge overlooking a beautiful creek. As the water sparkled and danced, I found myself asking a series of questions. They helped define and reinforce what matters to me, and what I can do to move my life forward down my path more meaningfully. Because they helped me, I’d like to share the questions with you, in hopes that you will take a few minutes to strengthen your own choices and the way you live your life.

Your 5 Minute Tune-Up

• What is the one important thing I want in my life that depends on my being and stayIng healthy? For instance, you may want to participate in physical activities like biking or dancing, take annual vacations that require you to withstand long periods of walking or you may want to live long enough to enjoy time with your grandchildren.
• Choose one of the two following questions:
  – What belief about my body or health is keeping me from having that important thing? or
  – What lifestyle or behavioral patterns do I have that prevent me from having that important thing?
• Write down options or things you can do to realize your goal. Choose at least three new perspectives that will move you toward having what you want. For example,
  – I could begin walking after dinner each night,
  – I can sign up for a charity walk that will support me in increasing my walking distance for my summer walking tour AND raise money for an cause that is creating positive change for others or the environment,
  – I can sign up for a smoking cessation class where I will be supported in giving up my 10-year habit.
  HINT: If making this change is really important to you, you may find higher motivation by identifying options that will impact others as well as yourself…for instance, the charity walk.

• From these options, what is one small step you will commit to taking today? For instance, I’ll check the internet to search for a charity walk that is coming up in the next three months.
• Create a physical reminder that will help you keep this commitment. You might use a tool like your calendar to schedule reminders, or post an affirmation on your refrigerator.
• Create a strategy to share your commitment with at least one other person today.

Be A Positive Change Maker for Your Own Life

We all move down our individual paths to meaning and impact one step at a time. See where taking this small step will lead in helping you achieve your goal of living a healthy and fulfilling life.

I hope you’ve found this perspective on healthy living valuable.

Want more inspiration for meaningful living? Click here to sign up for our ezine and receive periodic articles with helpful tips and inspiration.

Read past articles for effectively navigating your midlife career, philanthropy and lifestyle. Go to http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/articles.html .

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: Certified Life Coach and Philanthropy Consultant, Mary Radu, guides midlife individuals and couples to discover how to share their unique gifts and be positive change makers. Let Mary and Pathmaker Coaching help you design and execute your unique path, aligning your life with your passions and values. If you’re ready to get moving, get resources at http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/index.html, or contact Mary mary@pathmakercoaching.com to discuss how you can get supported to make a bigger impact 707.824.8836. See Mary’s Positive Change Makers Blog at http://www.positivechangemakers.com

“Live in the present. Do the things that need to be done. Do all the good you can each day. The future will unfold.” Peace Pilgrim

Welcome to Mary Radu’s Positive Change Makers Blog

As my first blog I’d like to share with you the story of how I’ve used the tools of positive change in my own life. When we live our best lives we create a firm base to share our unique gifts for empowering others and promoting positive change in the world.

If you’d like to listen to the audio version of this story go to
http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/article-dreaming-reality.html

Life on hold? Not ours!

I recently moved from Napa to Sonoma California…and have a triumphant personal story to share. In 2006 my husband Rich, and I decided we needed a “Roadmap” for our future. I was about to hit 55 and Rich, a young at heart 63. We wanted to bring new joy and partnership into our lives. Using the “Roadmap to Meaningful Midlife”-my own coaching workbook, we began our own joint planning process for living our next vibrant 20 plus years together.

Our vision included a new home within a community of like-minded people, closer to the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay Area where many of our “chosen family” of friends live. We wanted to be close to nature with more land for growing our own grapes and produce. We needed to sell our house to make this dream a reality. This seemed impossible with the downturn of the housing market. But our vision was not just a dream but a jointly-agreed upon action plan that kept us moving forward despite an economic downturn.
Fast forward two plus years and a big part of our joint plan has been fulfilled. We’ve sold our home in St. Helena, Napa County California and have moved to West Sonoma County.

I encourage each of you to KEEP THE VISION IN YOUR LIFE for yourself and for the positive outcomes you wish to create for your family, your community and the world during this difficult economic downturn. Don’t put your life on hold because of challenging circumstances. Take advantage of the energy that comes from dreaming and get moving on your vision one step at a time beginning NOW. What would this look like for you to take one next step that will move your thoughts about what you want into a tangible, physical form?

Perhaps it’s picking up a piece of paper next to your computer and jotting down what you yearn for and get clear about what it would mean to have it fulfilled.”I want work that gives me meaningful connections with others and fills my financial need so that I can begin each day excited that life is good!”. Or your next step might be talking about your dreams and desire with your spouse or a friend and asking for support by setting a time to brainstorm with you. Be the Pathmaker for your own life by taking your first step RIGHT NOW with an immediate, incremental physical form of action. That’s what will move your dream into a reality.

For now I leave you with this quote:
“Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.” ~ Anais Nin

If you’d like to learn how to TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY go to http://www.pathmakercoaching.com/products/index.html

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: Certified Life Coach and Philanthropy Consultant, Mary Radu, guides midlife individuals and couples to discover how to share their unique gifts and be positive change makers. Let Mary and Pathmaker Coaching help you design and execute your unique path, aligning your life with your passions and values. If you’re ready to get moving, get resources at www.pathmakercoaching.com/resources/index.html, or contact Mary mary@pathmakercoaching.com to discuss how you can get supported to make a bigger impact 707.824.8836. See Mary’s Positive Change Makers Blog at http://www.positivechangemakers.com

Hello!

Can you believe it’s October? This month is often associated with a transitional period. Summer has ended, kids are in school. Unlike the change of seasons, I deal with transitions all the time. Sometimes we choose change and sometimes it is forced upon us. I take great pride in helping people embrace change as a positive, life-altering period which will launch my clients into the best phase of their life.

As a certified Personal Coach with a great deal of transitional experience, I want to reach out and gently offer my assistance to anyone who is challenged by change. If you or someone you know faces that challenge, please contact me. If you want assistance in a different form, please check out a DVD program I have created called the Roadmap to Meaningful Midlife™.

Do you need a personal coach? Only you can answer that question. I will say this, Tiger Woods has a coach, Peyton Manning has a coach, Maria Sharapova has a coach, and Annika Sorenstam has a coach. Even Bill Gates and Warren Buffet have advisers. It would be my pleasure to assist you in finding your way to the happiness and success you deserve.

So when that question arises, “ What’s next?” Contact me. My method is tried and true. It works.

I look forward to hearing from you.
—-MARY

Hello!

Welcome to my blog! My name is Mary Radu and I’m a certified Personal Coach based in the San Francisco Bay area. Although I have a web site and have conducted many, many lectures and seminars, I want to reach out to people in a casual fashion to introduce a program I’m very proud of, called the Roadmap to Meaningful Midlife™. I’d also like to use this space to answer some basic questions you might have about personal coaching.

I plan to update this blog at least twice a month so please check back often. In it I’ll be offering some useful thoughts on topics that have been useful to my clients that I hope will give you some new insights and perspectives to consider for situations you find in facing challenges your own midlife challenges. This is well-worth the price of reading and checking in right?! I’ll also be answering your questions and steering you towards products, books and studies (not just my own!) that can help you get what more meaning and focus in your life.

Lots of people enter the phase of Midlife thinking: What’s next? They know there’s more, they want more and yet they don’t know how to get there. I can help them because I’ve got the map! More specifically, the Roadmap to Meaningful Midlife.

Do you or does someone you know pose these questions?

• How do I successfully transition into the next phase of my life based on what’s most important to me?
• How can I enter retirement with a clear action plan for how to make the most out of this next phase of my life?
• How can I move forward confidently on my life journey with clear direction and purpose?

I’ll be answering these questions in future Blogs. Please keep returning to visit my blog for tips on how to navigate through these questions and many others!

This is the start of a meaningful friendship. I look forward to hearing from you!
—-MARY