RuthAnnHarnisch.com

The Plan For Today

Day 65
Someone close to me is in an unfamiliar situation today:  there’s no plan for the day because of a travel snafu. 
This is creating discomfort, because the person always has a full schedule.  The surprise shutdown of the customary flurry of activity brought this person to a  revelation.  It’s the same one I had when I started this [...]

What If…..?

Day 63
What can change if you take a sabbatical?
Just your whole life, that’s all.
Filmmaker Nic Askew  created a five-minute portrait of a woman  who changed careers twice.   (She went from “nun” to “academic” to “coach.”)
The second change came about after she stepped away from her work for a year ,  just as I’m doing now. 
I’m tempted to feel [...]

Not Getting More Done

Day 62
A few minutes ago I was feeling a tad oppressed by the volume of my Inbox. Then I opened this message: 
___________________________________________________________________________

Of all the things that matter, Ruth, that really and truly matter, working more efficiently and getting more done is not among them.Chill,
    The Universe

So I am chilling.

The Universe is always sending messages.  Sometimes they [...]

Busted

Day 61
Some of you think you’ve caught me red-handed – working.
I’ve had a number of messages (thanks for your sarcasm, your curiosity, your concern) referring to evidence that I’m doing things that look like work.
(Pause)
(Reflect)
(Accept intervention  message)
Maybe you’re right.  I am having more temptation than I expected to dip my toe into…OK, I’ll say it, [...]

On the Ball, On My Feet

Day 59
Three of us meet often in the little office where one of us works. He sits behind his desk. The other person sits in the one visitor’s chair.  They always offer to bring in a chair for me, but most of the time I prefer to stand. I work better on my feet.
I have created a [...]

I’m So Important I Prob’ly Think This Post Is About Me

Day 58
Back on Day 14,  I mentioned that my coach, Renee Freedman, does not promise to get back to people immediately.  She lets her correspondents and callers know that she will respond within two business days. 
I have been known for Instant Response, but I gave that up during sabbatical year.  And maybe forever.
Thanks to Renee, I [...]

Rainbow vs. Work

Day 57
In my electronic mailbox today:
POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY
The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won’t wait while you finish the work.
– Pat Clifford
The Positive Quote of the Day is free from John Groom’s Positive Press, and you can subscribe by clicking here.
I tried to find out [...]

( ____ ) Yourself

Day 55
When I’m coaching, I notice that many of my clients (most of whom are high achievers) have trouble giving themselves credit, applause, appreciation, and honor when they deserve it.
I’m not talking about accepting congratulations from others – I’m talking about an inside job.  You congratulate yourself.
Over a quarter of a century ago, I interviewed  [...]

Life’s A Beach. Or A Bitch. Or Both.

Day 54

What The Dream Sabbatical Looks Like

When I dreamed about being on sabbatical, this is what I thought it would look like.

Today it did.  I snapped this shot right after lunch. Yup, just what I had in mind.
What I didn’t expect:  the number of loved ones  for whom serious issues arose today, ranging from personal injury to [...]

The Bluebird Of Happiness Dropped Something On Me

Day 53
The Daily Beast ran a piece today on women and happiness, a conversation with the author of  Bluebird:Women and the New Psychology of Happiness. 
This led to a conversation with my friend Marielen, the person who has taught me a great deal about the art of personal happiness . 
I was holding forth on the importance of deciding to be happy, of [...]