We have enjoyed an amazing summer at REALiving. While summer is usually a slower time for public speaking opportunities, we were blessed with many! In August, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of professionals in St. Croix County who work every day to support and assist individuals with disabilities, helping them find the supports they need to live a successful life!
Aurora Community Services, the parent company of REALiving, has been providing services in the community to people with disabilities for nearly 25 years. Trust me when I say we share the passion and commitment of the group of people that I met from St. Croix County.
Working in human services is an absolute privilege. However, like the experience of most working professionals in this tough economy, it's also been very stressful. When public funding is restricted, as it has been over the last couple of years, then services to support the most vulnerable citizens are limited too. Cutting services to people that have no other support systems, or earning options (due to their disability) is HARD. It's plain troubling to everyone.
That's why my presentation, "HOORAY", was a perfect way to spend an hour with my friends at St. Croix County. This motivational speech is inspiring, funny and energizing. It helps all of see and embrace the celebratory moments in life, even if you have to dig them out and dust them off from a pile of stress. Thank you, St. Croix County professionals, for the chance to meet you!
Do you feel you need a HOORAY moment in your life? For you work? For your business? Or your upcoming event? This is one of our most popular presentations right h0w- I'm confident you'd love it too! Email us for information at info@REALiving.com . Hurry- my schedule is filling up fast! I'm doing weekly presentations in locations across the State in September. Help REALiving bring me to a community near you!
Keepin' it REAL,
Holly and your friends at REALiving
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Embracing your authentic skills- at WORK
REALiving did a presentation this week for a local unit of county government on the topic of customer service.
What does that have to do with a persons AUTHENTIC skill set?
Well, in this case, a lot. The reason this group wanted to have a training was that they were having some anxiety, or concern, around the topic of aggressive customer interactions. They perceived that the public is often angry (possibly true!), and that there may be more possibility of an aggressive interaction at a government building (maybe!), and that they don't have the manpower and security they'd like to have, because of budget cuts (likely accurate!). The participants were concerned about their safety at work, and wanting more specific training on how to identify and manage threats in the workplace.
Standing in front of that group, I knew they were hoping for an answer. Surely, in all my years of dealing with angry, aggressive, hostile people, I would be able to train them on how to effectively manage them, right?
You know what we focused on for that training? The fact that each one of the people in that room already knew what to do with in that situation. They did! Dealing with people who are angry, is very much like dealing with people who are happy. Listen to what they have to say, be empathetic for their position, don't judge them, and give them your very best effort at helping them find a solution. That, alone, can account for a high degree of success in resolving a conflict.
Now, don't get me wrong, I realize that every day there is news of another violent, and often deadly confrontation in the workplace. I'm not saying that those victims were anything other than I've described above. What I am saying, is that fear and worry do nothing more than threaten your ability to be successful in a situation like that. Fear and worry occupies your mind, and gets in the way of problem solving, common sense, and well, your ability to just be yourself.
At the training, we did review some content that dealt with safety, security and verbal interventions. It would have been irresponsible not to. But I also focused the group on listening to and having confidence in their authentic voice, and their authentic skills. We learned how to be better listeners, how to be empathetic and how to be confident. We focused on helping them to see that they have more to offer than they think they do.
As individuals, we learn a lot as we move through life. We learn how to manage and deal with conflict, we learn how to handle and sustain hurt, we learn how to be hopeful and helpful. If we can embrace those experiences as being skill building and valuable (even though they were also difficult), we can add them to our resume of authentic skills. They are skills we have learned from being there, experiencing it and just being well rounded, well intended individuals. We can help many people by just being ourselves. Just being authentic. Well, just being REAL.
So, as you sit at work, this nice sunny, summer day. Think for a moment of all the valuable skills and assets you bring to the table. Make a list of the things you know how to do, because you've had to do them in the past. Celebrate how hardships may have produced valuable results in your life. And then, take a deep breath and sigh of relief, and spend the rest of the day just being REAL.
For more information on bringing this training, or other REALiving presentations to your workplace, email us at info@REALiving.net
Keeping it REAL,
Holly and your friends at REALiving
What does that have to do with a persons AUTHENTIC skill set?
Well, in this case, a lot. The reason this group wanted to have a training was that they were having some anxiety, or concern, around the topic of aggressive customer interactions. They perceived that the public is often angry (possibly true!), and that there may be more possibility of an aggressive interaction at a government building (maybe!), and that they don't have the manpower and security they'd like to have, because of budget cuts (likely accurate!). The participants were concerned about their safety at work, and wanting more specific training on how to identify and manage threats in the workplace.
Standing in front of that group, I knew they were hoping for an answer. Surely, in all my years of dealing with angry, aggressive, hostile people, I would be able to train them on how to effectively manage them, right?
You know what we focused on for that training? The fact that each one of the people in that room already knew what to do with in that situation. They did! Dealing with people who are angry, is very much like dealing with people who are happy. Listen to what they have to say, be empathetic for their position, don't judge them, and give them your very best effort at helping them find a solution. That, alone, can account for a high degree of success in resolving a conflict.
Now, don't get me wrong, I realize that every day there is news of another violent, and often deadly confrontation in the workplace. I'm not saying that those victims were anything other than I've described above. What I am saying, is that fear and worry do nothing more than threaten your ability to be successful in a situation like that. Fear and worry occupies your mind, and gets in the way of problem solving, common sense, and well, your ability to just be yourself.
At the training, we did review some content that dealt with safety, security and verbal interventions. It would have been irresponsible not to. But I also focused the group on listening to and having confidence in their authentic voice, and their authentic skills. We learned how to be better listeners, how to be empathetic and how to be confident. We focused on helping them to see that they have more to offer than they think they do.
As individuals, we learn a lot as we move through life. We learn how to manage and deal with conflict, we learn how to handle and sustain hurt, we learn how to be hopeful and helpful. If we can embrace those experiences as being skill building and valuable (even though they were also difficult), we can add them to our resume of authentic skills. They are skills we have learned from being there, experiencing it and just being well rounded, well intended individuals. We can help many people by just being ourselves. Just being authentic. Well, just being REAL.
So, as you sit at work, this nice sunny, summer day. Think for a moment of all the valuable skills and assets you bring to the table. Make a list of the things you know how to do, because you've had to do them in the past. Celebrate how hardships may have produced valuable results in your life. And then, take a deep breath and sigh of relief, and spend the rest of the day just being REAL.
For more information on bringing this training, or other REALiving presentations to your workplace, email us at info@REALiving.net
Keeping it REAL,
Holly and your friends at REALiving
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Finally! A REAL sandals and shorts day!
I hope where ever you are today the weather is as 'sunshiny' and beautiful as it is here in Menomonie, WI. The sunshine, the tempeature and the spring beauty is more than a reason for a collective HOORAY! Finally (and it seems like we have waited a while), we have a REAL sandals and shorts day!
Like me, I'm sure many of you are enjoying this weather thru the window (if you are fortunate) at your work station. I'm working in front a window right now, and the sunshine is smiling on me. It's causing me to think about sandals and shorts, and to reflect on our fun REALiving event from last week.
We had a small group of attendees last week (50) but those that attended got a REAL treat! My speech was based on the idea of Oprah's "favorite things" episode. You've heard of it, right? Well, we thought it would be fun to recreate the excitement (and the give aways) of Oprah's event on a small scale, and send attendees away with the "equipment" they need to have a great summer!
Attendees from the event were given treats including gift certificates, chocolates, flip flops, and a summer book (Book of Bright Ideas by Wisconsin author Sandra Kring) and door prizes from area vendors including health and beauty products, candies, clothing and autographed books from Sandra Kring!
I hope that all of those in attendance put their give-aways to good use, and have a REAL summer- one of relaxation, carefree and spontaneous fun!
Stay tuned to our blog for on-going summer inspiration- and, coming soon, our new webpage!
Keepin' it REAL,
Holly and your friends at REALiving
Like me, I'm sure many of you are enjoying this weather thru the window (if you are fortunate) at your work station. I'm working in front a window right now, and the sunshine is smiling on me. It's causing me to think about sandals and shorts, and to reflect on our fun REALiving event from last week.
We had a small group of attendees last week (50) but those that attended got a REAL treat! My speech was based on the idea of Oprah's "favorite things" episode. You've heard of it, right? Well, we thought it would be fun to recreate the excitement (and the give aways) of Oprah's event on a small scale, and send attendees away with the "equipment" they need to have a great summer!
Attendees from the event were given treats including gift certificates, chocolates, flip flops, and a summer book (Book of Bright Ideas by Wisconsin author Sandra Kring) and door prizes from area vendors including health and beauty products, candies, clothing and autographed books from Sandra Kring!
I hope that all of those in attendance put their give-aways to good use, and have a REAL summer- one of relaxation, carefree and spontaneous fun!
Stay tuned to our blog for on-going summer inspiration- and, coming soon, our new webpage!
Keepin' it REAL,
Holly and your friends at REALiving
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Sharing the power of REAL
I had an amazing opportunity on Friday, May 7th, to share the power of REAL with a group of Personnel Directors in Sturgeon Bay, WI. This group gathers on a regular basis for networking, camaraderie, and training. They were holding a two day conference in Sturgeon Bay and asked for REALiving to make a presentation.
Specifically, they were interested in the "Live Worry Free in a Worrisome World" presentation that REALiving hosted in Eau Claire in March, 2009.
Their interest in this presentation is understandable. When you work in Human Resources, you carry all the "worries" of your organization on your shoulders.
The power of being REAL and embracing authenticity (listening to your "inner voice" and challenging your emotional reactions to situations) is that it helps to sort out issues that need an action plan (those that you have control over) from those that need a reality check (those that you worry about, that you don't have any control over, and therefore are wasting your time worrying about).
This group of professionals was everything I expected a human resources group to be, starting with FUN! Seriously, when you are handling all of the hiring and performance management expectations for an organization, you need to know how to have fun! Everyone participated, and shared insights. It resulted in an inspiring experience for everyone- including me (and I was the presenter!).
I have a feeling this Worry Free World presentation will become one of our most requested. Because it has very simple tips and strategies to set you FREE from your worries. If you are interested in this presentation or any other presentations from REALiving, send us an email.
To all of the Personnel Directors group- THANK YOU for an inspiring and fun time (special thanks to you, "Bobby").
Keepin it REAL,
Holly and your Friends at REALiving
Specifically, they were interested in the "Live Worry Free in a Worrisome World" presentation that REALiving hosted in Eau Claire in March, 2009.
Their interest in this presentation is understandable. When you work in Human Resources, you carry all the "worries" of your organization on your shoulders.
The power of being REAL and embracing authenticity (listening to your "inner voice" and challenging your emotional reactions to situations) is that it helps to sort out issues that need an action plan (those that you have control over) from those that need a reality check (those that you worry about, that you don't have any control over, and therefore are wasting your time worrying about).
This group of professionals was everything I expected a human resources group to be, starting with FUN! Seriously, when you are handling all of the hiring and performance management expectations for an organization, you need to know how to have fun! Everyone participated, and shared insights. It resulted in an inspiring experience for everyone- including me (and I was the presenter!).
I have a feeling this Worry Free World presentation will become one of our most requested. Because it has very simple tips and strategies to set you FREE from your worries. If you are interested in this presentation or any other presentations from REALiving, send us an email.
To all of the Personnel Directors group- THANK YOU for an inspiring and fun time (special thanks to you, "Bobby").
Keepin it REAL,
Holly and your Friends at REALiving
Monday, April 19, 2010
Making a List- a SUMMER FUN list!
I'm a list maker. I like to make lists of things that I need to do and I keep them in a journal in my purse. The writing down of those things is a therapeutic process- it helps to me to "worry less" about the things on the list, and to balance my "tasks" with my "fun"- because I write down both!
I have a list for every part of my life- home tasks, work tasks, personal tasks (gifts to be bought, bills to be paid), and craft tasks (projects to make, card / scrap booking "to do). I even have a card list (so I remember to send off random cards to my friends or family), a book list (hey, I have to remember I wanted to read that book somehow!) and then a dream list (the book I want to write, the trip I want to take). I also have a "me" list. On that I put things that I need to do for me. That's a place for me to capture the things that I'm most likely to "forget" to do (read: really not taking the time to do). On that list are things like get a massage, get my nails done, go to a yoga class and things of that nature.
Sometimes, the hardest thing about all of those lists it just taking the time to just "do" something on the list. There are many easy, non-time intensive things on that list. Just taking the time to do one would have positive impacts in many directions, including the crossing it off the list action (which is wonderfully rewarding for me).
Last year, we, as a family, even made a list of all the things we wanted to do that summer. It had simple pleasures like "go to Olson's Dairy and have an ice cream cone" and "go swimming at Doolittle Beach" as well as more new experiences such as, "stop at the Buffalo ranch and store on the way to the cabin- the one we always drive by". I carried that list around with us much of the summer and crossed off all of the things we did, and made a plan to get the others done. The list, which will make it's way into the family scrapbook, is a wonderful memory of the Summer 2009.
Maybe, we should all challenge ourselves to make a summer list. A summer "fun" list. On it, write all the things that you want to do for yourself and your family, this summer. I don't mean "paint the shed"; I mean things like "sleep in a tent in the backyard" or "read 8 books" or "stay in my pajamas all day long".
Let's get started. For number 1, write, "Attend the REALiving kick off to summer presentation, 'Make EVERYDAY a sandals and shorts day' ". This will be the perfect way to start a summer of celebration of the REAL you. Tickets are only $15.00 and this event, held at the historic Mabel Tainter Theater, is a perfect "treat" for your loved ones. Buy a ticket for you, for your Mom, for your sister, for a teacher......... you get the idea. We will provide plenty of inspiration for other things to put on your summer list!!
We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Keepin' it REAL,
Holly and your friends at REALiving
I have a list for every part of my life- home tasks, work tasks, personal tasks (gifts to be bought, bills to be paid), and craft tasks (projects to make, card / scrap booking "to do). I even have a card list (so I remember to send off random cards to my friends or family), a book list (hey, I have to remember I wanted to read that book somehow!) and then a dream list (the book I want to write, the trip I want to take). I also have a "me" list. On that I put things that I need to do for me. That's a place for me to capture the things that I'm most likely to "forget" to do (read: really not taking the time to do). On that list are things like get a massage, get my nails done, go to a yoga class and things of that nature.
Sometimes, the hardest thing about all of those lists it just taking the time to just "do" something on the list. There are many easy, non-time intensive things on that list. Just taking the time to do one would have positive impacts in many directions, including the crossing it off the list action (which is wonderfully rewarding for me).
Last year, we, as a family, even made a list of all the things we wanted to do that summer. It had simple pleasures like "go to Olson's Dairy and have an ice cream cone" and "go swimming at Doolittle Beach" as well as more new experiences such as, "stop at the Buffalo ranch and store on the way to the cabin- the one we always drive by". I carried that list around with us much of the summer and crossed off all of the things we did, and made a plan to get the others done. The list, which will make it's way into the family scrapbook, is a wonderful memory of the Summer 2009.
Maybe, we should all challenge ourselves to make a summer list. A summer "fun" list. On it, write all the things that you want to do for yourself and your family, this summer. I don't mean "paint the shed"; I mean things like "sleep in a tent in the backyard" or "read 8 books" or "stay in my pajamas all day long".
Let's get started. For number 1, write, "Attend the REALiving kick off to summer presentation, 'Make EVERYDAY a sandals and shorts day' ". This will be the perfect way to start a summer of celebration of the REAL you. Tickets are only $15.00 and this event, held at the historic Mabel Tainter Theater, is a perfect "treat" for your loved ones. Buy a ticket for you, for your Mom, for your sister, for a teacher......... you get the idea. We will provide plenty of inspiration for other things to put on your summer list!!
We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Keepin' it REAL,
Holly and your friends at REALiving
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Your first taste of SUMMER!
Well, Wisconsin, you had it. Your first taste of summer. It was an extra special treat, because near 80 degree temperatures came early this year, it wasn't even April yet!
So, how did it feel? Did it put a spring it your step? Did you want to relax, sit in a chair and enjoy the warmth? Or did your guilty self-conscience urge you out of the chair to spring clean?
I can relate to both. Your body and part of your mind often want to just relax, and then that other part of your body and your mind just can't sit still!! Why waste a 78 degree day sitting around outside in the sun when you can get your windows cleaned a whole month early?
So, I'm curious, when the sun was shining and yes, the birds were singing- as you watched children and families emerge from their winter slumber and start to wander around the neighborhoods, as you smelled the undeniable scents of spring coming through your open kitchen window, what did your authentic inner voice want you to do?
Let's make a list. Your authentic voice probably wanted you to go for a walk. Sip a cool drink on the front porch in your chair. Read a book on the back lawn. Grill out for dinner. Or maybe, just maybe, sit and do nothing.
Now I know this isn't easy, and even practical, to do all the time. So, make a deal with yourself. Don't do it all the time, but do it some time. Just do it. Take a few minutes of your weekend or your days off, and just be selfish. What you choose to do with your time doesn't have to make sense to you, it just has to be true to you.
What I did with that 78 degree day was kind of strange. Instead of running out into the sun and doing all of the activities I had on my list, I took a nap. And even stranger that than, I didn't even sleep for long. I laid on my bed "resting", which is different than sleeping. My body was taking a cue from the warm weather and encouraging me to be lazy, which I was, even if only for one hour. Or maybe not even that long- if I count all the times my kids came up and asked me what I was doing, or when I was getting up, I probably only laid there for 20 minutes. But honestly, laying on my bed 'resting' when I had so many other things to do, and so much reason to be out doing it, felt incredibly wonderful, because it was precisely what my inner voice wanted me to do.
Do you want to learn more about listening to your authentic inner voice? Do you want to learn how to balance the must do's on your list with the needs of your REAL self? Is enjoying a summer of self-care without guilt something that you'd like to learn to do? And, would you like to learn and explore all of this "serious" stuff, while having fun, being silly and still feeling productive? Well, then, I need to see you on May 13th, for our REALiving "Make Everyday A Sandals and Shorts Day"- it will be the kick off for a summer that you will never forget!
Click on the ad to the right of the page for ticket information or visit us at http://www.realiving.net/ .
P.S. Forward this to a friend!!! :)
So, how did it feel? Did it put a spring it your step? Did you want to relax, sit in a chair and enjoy the warmth? Or did your guilty self-conscience urge you out of the chair to spring clean?
I can relate to both. Your body and part of your mind often want to just relax, and then that other part of your body and your mind just can't sit still!! Why waste a 78 degree day sitting around outside in the sun when you can get your windows cleaned a whole month early?
So, I'm curious, when the sun was shining and yes, the birds were singing- as you watched children and families emerge from their winter slumber and start to wander around the neighborhoods, as you smelled the undeniable scents of spring coming through your open kitchen window, what did your authentic inner voice want you to do?
Let's make a list. Your authentic voice probably wanted you to go for a walk. Sip a cool drink on the front porch in your chair. Read a book on the back lawn. Grill out for dinner. Or maybe, just maybe, sit and do nothing.
Now I know this isn't easy, and even practical, to do all the time. So, make a deal with yourself. Don't do it all the time, but do it some time. Just do it. Take a few minutes of your weekend or your days off, and just be selfish. What you choose to do with your time doesn't have to make sense to you, it just has to be true to you.
What I did with that 78 degree day was kind of strange. Instead of running out into the sun and doing all of the activities I had on my list, I took a nap. And even stranger that than, I didn't even sleep for long. I laid on my bed "resting", which is different than sleeping. My body was taking a cue from the warm weather and encouraging me to be lazy, which I was, even if only for one hour. Or maybe not even that long- if I count all the times my kids came up and asked me what I was doing, or when I was getting up, I probably only laid there for 20 minutes. But honestly, laying on my bed 'resting' when I had so many other things to do, and so much reason to be out doing it, felt incredibly wonderful, because it was precisely what my inner voice wanted me to do.
Do you want to learn more about listening to your authentic inner voice? Do you want to learn how to balance the must do's on your list with the needs of your REAL self? Is enjoying a summer of self-care without guilt something that you'd like to learn to do? And, would you like to learn and explore all of this "serious" stuff, while having fun, being silly and still feeling productive? Well, then, I need to see you on May 13th, for our REALiving "Make Everyday A Sandals and Shorts Day"- it will be the kick off for a summer that you will never forget!
Click on the ad to the right of the page for ticket information or visit us at http://www.realiving.net/ .
P.S. Forward this to a friend!!! :)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Our May 13th Event, in Menomonie, WI is a MUST SEE!
We have been working hard in the last few weeks organizing our fast approaching REALiving event to be held on May 5th in Menomonie, WI. We wanted this event to be special, because it is really a kick off to summer. Who doesn't love a kick off to summer!!
Remember when, you could spend your final day at school and leave CAREFREE for a summer full of fun? Remember when your biggest worry was deciding when and where you might go for a swim? Summer days, and summer vacations were most certainly REAL experiences, where you let your authentic voice drive your choices. Ahhhhh - just thinking of the memories relaxes me!
Why can't we recapture some of that excitement, joy and relaxation from our youth? Who said that we had to stop living authentically? Why can't we have anticipation of the arrival of summer, and experience the joy of summers past?
Well this summer, my REAL friends, we are going to do it!! We are going to kick off summer at an awesome REALiving event, at the historical and gorgeous Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie. Our event, entitled, "Make Every Day A Sandals and Shorts Day" will help us all prepare for summer, plan for fun and relaxation, and learn to incorporate that authentic joy and happiness into every day.
Oh- by the way- this session is the most cost effective (a summer treat for you!) and will include some surprise "gifts" for those in the audience. Get your friends together, put on your summer attitude, and come and join us!!
Keepin' it REAL,
Holly and your friends at REALiving
Remember when, you could spend your final day at school and leave CAREFREE for a summer full of fun? Remember when your biggest worry was deciding when and where you might go for a swim? Summer days, and summer vacations were most certainly REAL experiences, where you let your authentic voice drive your choices. Ahhhhh - just thinking of the memories relaxes me!
Why can't we recapture some of that excitement, joy and relaxation from our youth? Who said that we had to stop living authentically? Why can't we have anticipation of the arrival of summer, and experience the joy of summers past?
Well this summer, my REAL friends, we are going to do it!! We are going to kick off summer at an awesome REALiving event, at the historical and gorgeous Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie. Our event, entitled, "Make Every Day A Sandals and Shorts Day" will help us all prepare for summer, plan for fun and relaxation, and learn to incorporate that authentic joy and happiness into every day.
Oh- by the way- this session is the most cost effective (a summer treat for you!) and will include some surprise "gifts" for those in the audience. Get your friends together, put on your summer attitude, and come and join us!!
Keepin' it REAL,
Holly and your friends at REALiving
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