Newsletter:Right Now! Coach

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LifeRhyme Notes
October 2002
By Rev. Rochelle Melander, Coach
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

IN THIS ISSUE...
==================
Announcements
STUCK!
Single Step Challenge (TM)Single
Brief Book Reviews
Quote for the Journey

HELP! SOS!
=================================

It is a long, sad, maddening story. Suffice it to say, I lost my whole e-mail file -- and with it your entry in my address book. If you want to be listed in my address book, send me an e-mail with your name, e-mail address, and any other important contact information. If I was supposed to call, write, or in some way respond to you -- let me know! My reminders are lost!

THANKS!

rochelle@liferhymecoaching.com

STUCK!
=======
Nine days into October and I'm stuck for a newsletter idea. I've spent the last two weeks on the phone with various computer and legal people. My house looks like someone who cares should clean up and I keep pretending I just work here so it couldn't possibly be MY responsibility. Business is slow, writing is slower, and I've got one of those colds that has lodged itself in my chest.

We've all been stuck. Whether it's our relationships, our work, or our thinking -- we sometimes need help getting unstuck. Here are my best tips for coping with being stuck.

1. Step away from the issue -- get space, get perspective, get a massage! We cannot solve problems when we are tired or burned out. Take a break and do something totally different. Allow your subconscious mind time to work out a solution while you work or play at something less sticky.

2. Break the problem into small steps and keep going. When I get stuck in an overwhelming problem -- like the fact that the whole house is a mess -- it often helps to break the process into small steps. Clean one corner of one room at a time. Then the next, and the next, and the next until it is done.

3. Take a new approach. No matter how hard you hammer, you can't get it to saw through a board. Sometimes we're stuck because the tool we are using isn't appropriate. Try a new one.

4. Work on a different aspect of the problem. When I write, I often get stuck on one aspect of the piece. Until I can solve that problem, I work on another aspect of the project (or on another project altogether). I do research or an interview.

5. Get a second opinion. Of course, we can't always SEE why we are stuck -- we just know we are stuck. Another person's point of view can move us toward solving the situation. I often notice that my coaching clients know what to do. All I do is ask the question or make a suggestion --and they come up with a solution!

Finally, I often find it important to consider the spiritual lessons of being stuck. Ask yourself: What can this situation teach me about the project? How can I learn about my approach to problems? What is the life-lesson? What can this experience teach me about God? How does "being stuck" inform me about my own spiritual journey?

Being stuck without e-mail for two weeks gave me the opportunity to narrow my focus. Suddenly I had the time and the opportunity to pay attention to the many joys God has put within arm's reach. That small gift has blessed me beyond measure.

SINGLE STEP CHALLENGE (TM)
===============================
Look at one area of your life in which you feel stuck.

Use one or more of the approaches above to get unstuck! When you do move forward, celebrate!
(And then send me an e-mail about your experience that I can share with the LifeRhyme Notes readers!)

BRIEF BOOK REVIEWS
=======================
"Second Draft of My Life," by Sara Lewis. In this novel, Charlotte Dearborn finds her writing and her romantic life to be stuck in neutral. She makes dramatic changes and gets equally dramatic results.

"Limbo," by A. Manette Ansay. In this memoir, Ansay documents her experiences growing up Catholic and coping with a mysterious muscle disorder that appeared when she was 21.

QUOTE FOR THE JOURNEY
============================
I learn by going where I have to go.
--Theodore Roethke

NEWS!
=======
Milwaukee-area residents -- join the LifeRhyme Coaching book club. Our first meeting will be on Monday October 20th at 7:00 PM at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore at the Mayfair Mall. Our topic will be Simplifying your Life for the Holidays and we will be discussing the books of Elaine St. James. The evening will be geared toward helping you plan your holiday. It is absolutely free!

If you live outside of the area, watch this space for an opportunity to Participate in a similar discussion on the telephone!

TELECLASS
============
What: Coping with Toxic People
When: October 20, 2002
7:00 - 7:55 PM
Where: On the telephone
How to sign up: send an e-mail to rochelle@liferhymecoaching.com

THE NEW BOOK HAS ARRIVED!!!
=================================
Our newest book, "The Spiritual Leader's Guide to Self-Care," is in print. The fifty-two weeks of exercises are packed full of information, guidance, and suggestions on topics such as:
* creating your life's vision
* setting boundaries
* coping with toxic people
* designing a daily spiritual practice
* creating an exercise program
Visit The Alban Institute to order your copy today (http://www.alban.org).

If your small group, clergy group, or group of friends is interested in having the authors speak to you via telephone for free, send me an e-mail! (rochelle@liferhymecoaching.com)

GOT A BOOK IDEA??
WANT TO CREATE A GREAT WEB SITE?
========================================
I also offer writing coaching! As an experienced author and editor, I can support you in putting your thoughts on paper ...AND GETTING THEM PUBLISHED!
Visit my web site: http://www.writingcoaching.com
Or contact me for details: rochelle@liferhymecoaching.com

A FREEBIE
===========
+Needing to create the time, space, and energy to do what you love?

+Wanting some guidance as you discover what you want from life?

+Looking for someone to encourage you to stick to your goals?

Newsletter recipients are welcome to a free coaching session, done by telephone, with Coach Rochelle Melander. Groups in the Milwaukee area are welcome to a free speaking session. Call 414-771-1408 or e-mail Rochelle at rochelle@liferhymecoaching.com for more information.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
=================================
I will not sell or share my subscriber list with anyone.
To subscribe or unsubscribe: visit www.LifeRhymeCoaching.com or send an e-mail to rochelle@liferhymecoaching.com with either request plus LIFERHYME NOTES in the subject line.

LIFERHYME NOTES 2002 is a free monthly e-mail newsletter designed to consider how we can integrate spirituality into our daily lives. It is written and produced by Rochelle Melander, personal and professional coach.

If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: rochelle@liferhymecoaching.com.
I would love to hear from you.

Feel free to forward your copy of LIFERHYME NOTES to anyone you think might enjoy it.

I do request that you keep the entire newsletter intact, including my contact and copyright information.