Trello for Ten

Hello Trello!

I’ve known about Trello for awhile and used it very briefly with a team I was on. And then a team member was replaced and they were off to another application for project management. Even after a little time with it, I thought it was a great idea for my business, so I created a free account. And then it sat there…

For a year or more, it sat there and I really did very little with it. There was a learning curve and that often derails my attempts at adding something new that might actually benefit me more in the long run. So I didn’t think about Trello much at all. And then, a membership group I am a part of started talking about this great resource and how it could be useful in a number of ways. The owner of the group even posted Trello templates that we could play with and customize.

Not knowing a lot about how Trello works, I dug in and started playing with it again. I learned by doing and making mistakes and doing again. I added the Boards I need for my business. Then added a Board for household projects we want to complete this year. I launched into developing a creative hub Board and a Board for vacation planning. I even added my partner to the household and vacation boards so we could coordinate on planning and executing. Honestly, I felt brand new.

And then I did very little with it yet again!! Trello hung out now in the back of my mind frequently yet wasn’t making it it to my Bullet Journal lists. But I’m happy to say, the Boards only hung out unused for about 2 months. I remembered how helpful it would be and figured out how to make it more relevant. I found even more business planning templates that were done for me and figured out how to copy and customize them. I watched video tutorials and gained new understanding of how each piece of the system could work for me.

Fast forward and I’m now adding files, photos and other attachments so that I can find things easily and quickly in one place! My logo, brand colors, bios and more are all in a stack of cards within a board called Brand.

Even more important, I made a usage commitment that was easy to execute. I would set aside ten minutes a day to be inside of Trello. I set a timer, log in and go to the Board that most needs my attention that day. I might not even need the entire ten minutes, but I have it open to me if I decide I do. And if I need more time, I put it into my Bullet Journal for another time slot that allows for another ten minute block.

Trello for Ten

I feel like this may be a game changer! I’ll know where everything lives and can move tasks and set deadlines easily. And Yes, the jury is still out, but here’s the next thing. All of my most successful and consistent habits are built on a few principles. (thanks to the book Atomic Habits.)

Habit Checklist

  1. I have a desire to actually be that person who does that thing (I am a Trello user!)
  2. I’ve stacked it with another habit.
  3. I set myself up for success by having what I need to accomplish the habit. ( I do it after I’ve already fired up the computer and my browser it set to open with Trello)

In this case, I’ve stacked it with daily planner review and bullet journal brain dump, and it fits nicely there for right now.

I’ll check in with you on this from time to time and see how it’s going and whether Trello is still as relevant for me then as it is now. I’d love for you to tell me about your experience with Trello as well. Do you use it? How do you fit in the time and even better, do you have a favorite template? Or is there another application you use that serves you best?

Let’s share and discuss in the comments. And now, I’m headed back into Trello!

Rebrand, Refresh and Renew

I’m happy to say I finally consider myself to be a successful Coach. Yet, looking back, I realize I’ve been hard on myself. I haven’t always recognized the progress I’ve made.

I’ve consistently increased my income for the past few years and grown so much. But in 2020, I achieved a new credential (Professional Certified Coach) from the ICF, as well as a Certification as a Mentor Coach. I stepped solidly into the role of Coach Training Delivery Leader, a goal of mine since 2009! I popped a lot of champagne last year in celebration of my milestones.

Found a new favorite as well.

As a result, I was really busy. So much so that I kept my head down and got stuff done. Lots of stuff. Things I am very proud of.

What I didn’t do yet again was pay much attention to my online presence. You may be shocked to hear that and yet, there are reasons that’s important for me to declare. I don’t get many referrals from my website or my social media presence, at least, not at the moment. So I spent much of my time engaged in activities that moved me forward toward my professional and financial development goals.

And of course, 2020 was the year of COVID19 and world-wide Quarantine, combined with a difficult year of division in many ways across the US. Honestly, I found social media a place I needed to avoid for my own self care. Most of my interactions were on coaching and business groups, creative groups and with my family and close friends.

Yet, at the end of the year, I realized I was longing for something new. A new perspective on marketing for my business. A new way of connecting and belonging again. More human connection, even if it still needs to be mostly online.

And when I looked at my online presence, I definitely felt like some changes needed to be implemented. So I started reflecting on what I really wanted. As I entered into my own business planning process at the end of last year, I wanted to be sure to add a few things:


1) Rebrand my Professional Presence Online and at In-Person events, however that may unfold.
2) Write, Create and Share in whatever way I can
3) Deliver free and paid content again
4) Cultivate opportunities to Speak about topics that I am passionate about
5) Serve in a leadership role as I feel led, especially in my own ICF Chapter
6) Support new and current clients in their professional and personal development plans as a Coach.
7) Organize myself more efficiently and effectively. One area in which this is critical is my digital data. It MUST be tamed.
8) Show up more fully and authentically than ever before.

So I’m off and running on managing Project Rebrand. I’ve redesigned my logo and I’m updating social media sites and this website. As of today, there’s a huge learning curve as Instagram and Canva have both changed a bit since I was a regular user. And I want a whole new look here on WordPress. In December, I thought I would be complete by now. Turns out, it’s going to take a bit more time.

I’m also renewing my commitment to some free content and online events quarterly. I enjoyed delivering my Inspiration series, my Accountability Days and various webinars on topics that I thought were of interest to my clients. I love giving value no matter if the effort yields a new client or just a new connection to support and develop a friendship or collaboration. So I’m in the process of Refreshing that content and talking to clients about how their businesses have changed as a result of what happened in 2020. What I am seeing and hearing is exciting!

It appears as though some of the platforms have calmed down a bit following the January 2021 Inauguration and I’m grateful for that. And though we’ve seen over 500,000 deaths from COVID19, I am also seeing evidence that more and more people have been vaccinated and cases are decreasing in many areas. My hope is Renewed.

And maybe most of all, I miss writing. I did very little writing in 2020, except for a few blog posts for others who requested that support from me. I even signed up for a 30 day writing challenge that I realized quickly I didn’t have the bandwidth for.

Normally, I would have continued to add to that list of things I want this year to get to an “even 10.” Now, I’m good with 8. It’s a lot. And yet, I feel energized and ready to take it all on.

I’m going to need to lean into Diligence on the Tilt Wheel in order to show up for these things fully. And Diligence is absolutely the polar opposite of where I naturally Tilt, which is Ideator through and through. I’m going to need to lean into Architect and create the systems and workflows to make it all happen, while having fun along the way. (if you’d like your own Tilt assessment and debrief, let me know and we can get you scheduled).

Enough about me – what are you showing up for fully this year? What’s on your plan?

Virtual coffee? Happy to get that scheduled too. Just reach out and I’ll put on my favorite brew.

For now, Cheers to all that 2020 was and to all that 2021 has in store.

Laurie

The Only Things I Know To Say Right Now.

The impact of the recent murders of Breonna Taylor, Armaud Arbery and George Floyd has devasted our communities and our country, and returned many of us to memories of decades of discrimination, hatred, dehumanization and divisiveness.

As a child growing up in the Chicago area in the 60s, I remember feeling fear as I became aware of the hatred and violence building, as well as hope for those activists working to change laws that promoted equal rights.

As a White woman of privilege currently living in South Mississippi, I am frequently confronted with racist remarks and actions, clearly not about or against MY race. And they are becoming more frequent and overt than ever before. You see, many people think that because of the color of my skin, I will agree with them. It took me a long time to stop my jaw dropping “I don’t know what to say” reaction and move to the responses I choose now that signal to them that their comments are not okay. Unfortunately, I’ve had to create quite a mental library of responses to fit a number of different situations and comments. And honesty, I’m scared!! I’m afraid of their anger and hatred and I’m afraid I won’t “say it right” in response.

I was confronted head on by this systemic issue from the time I moved here. And now, it’s escalating and it’s time to effect permanent change. And yet, I am suffering from a limiting belief about whether this is truly possible in this country right now. Because I see all too clearly that this isn’t just a problem that exists in the South. It isn’t just my neighbor who is openly and verbally racist. It’s happening in neighborhoods where my sister, brother, nieces and cousins still live in Illinois, in Minnesota, in Florida, and in Arizona. It’s not just happening in my granddaughter’s school in Mississippi, but in the schools where my daughter teaches in New Orleans and where my niece and cousin work in Central Florida. It’s ingrained in the minds and reactions of so many people as they sit quietly in class or stand by silently while another student is bullied or called a name. And my son can run through his neighborhood without fear of being gunned down on the street, but some of his friends, neighbors and co-workers cannot.

And the response of our nation’s leader is doing more to incite violence than it is to promote peaceful resolutions, swift convictions, and equal representation.

As a White woman, I am certain that I am privileged. I see evidence of it every single day. And, I have power and a voice within that privilege. Yet often, like me, I feel that collectively, many many White people are outraged. And yet, there’s a pattern. I’ve fallen into it in the past as well.

We mourn. We post and write and speak and walk and donate and then…we go back to our privileged, lives and our work.

This movement will take more than a groundswell of actions. We must co-create sustainable change that will not find us going back to sleep while our Black sisters and brothers are being murdered.

In my business, I created what I think are the 4 Elements that can create success in almost any area of life and business. First, a Vision of what you want to accomplish.  Second, a Belief or mindset that it’s possible. Third, a Plan for how to get there and Fourth, Focused, Consistent Action.  

I am calling myself and others to this work –

First, to envision a country where racism is called out,  condemned and prosecuted consistently and our history of oppression isn’t “celebrated,” (as it is still here in the South) but is a thing of the past. And that what we celebrate is our commitment and collective partnerships to end (and continually address and discuss) racial injustice once and for all. That one day, we will celebrate our Days of Freedom, rather than our days of violence and hate.

Second, I’m having a little trouble with the Belief part right now. But many of you are helping me every day as I watch you walking, protesting, watching and reading about Black History. Speaking out in all forms. Flying a new flag in Mississippi. Creating Listening stations and much more. Please help me (and let me help you) get to the part where we BELIEVE we can end what seems like a cavernous pit of hatred and violence.

Third, I’m looking for those leaders and organizations who can come together with a Plan. I’m not seeing that yet.

Solopreneurs like myself are asking each other how we can work together and I know that we will figure that out soon.

Fourth, I will engage in focused consistent and daily actions. I see more hope here than I have before. I see policemen and women taking a knee at protests. I’ve seen companies express their commitment of support, dollars and resources, and denouncing racism and violence. I’ve seen universities pull scholarships after seeing racists videos posted by prospective students. And employers terminate workers after discovering their intolerant and hateful behaviors.

Here’s what is the beginning of my part in this area. For a long long time, I have practiced morning journaling pages daily, and I have an ending “process” for each writing session. I ask myself – what did I do the previous day to engage in Creativity, Self-Care and Learning. Then I list a number of things I am grateful for.

Starting now, I will add another area to reflect – what did I do yesterday to promote justice and equality for people of color? What’s happened in the world to unite people of color that I am grateful for today.

To all my Black friends and neighbors, colleagues and community leaders, victims of crime and their families, and especially to all of the children who are so very scared right now:

I’ve made mistakes in the past and I am so very sorry for them. I have said insensitive and racist things. I have been ignorant of the toll this is taking, and of the million big and tiny ways you are shattered inside every day. Of how resilient you have had to become as a result.

And today, tomorrow and every day,

I see you.

I hear you.

I stand with you.

I will fight for you and with you.

I am your Ally.

Laurie

 

 

 

A Mid-Year Check in

photo by picjumbo.com

 

As we are almost to the halfway point of the year, I am spending time in reflection about the way I’ve been operating in life and in business so far. I use a combination of journaling, looking back over my plan for the year, and brainstorming what I’m feeling is missing or needs to be eliminated.

 

I also take time to celebrate where I am at this mid-point. That’s important to me, as I am naturally inclined to seeing what I haven’t done with a critical eye, rather than embracing the successes I have achieved.

Among other things I’ve done this year, I’m celebrating my steps forward in achieving my next level of coach credentialing. I’ve really taken the main focus off of acquiring more clients and have shined a light on technique and coaching competency. It’s uncomfortable at times and my inner critic has spoken up more often than I would like. But it’s been a huge learning process that I haven’t undertaken for many years, and it feels satisfying.

 

I’m celebrating another successful half year as an entrepreneur. Building a coaching business takes time and I can honestly say that I am looking at sustainability, continued growth and refinement. What else am I longing to do?

One of them is writing and blogging. I find that these are often the first things to get pushed out when I am “busy.” I have at least 5 book ideas in my head, but so far, I’m not coming to writing from a place of choice as I prioritize my time for writing and creating each day.

I also find that I sometimes avoid social media because it can be a depressing place to be. Yet, I want to create an uplifting corner for followers here on the blog and on my other social media sites.

I see so many “ads” and posts from other coaches about how they “leveraged Facebook to create a six figure income.” And, of course, how they help other coaches to do the same for a mere $10,000. How about the untapped power of Instagram? When I do pop in, I am bombarded with offers of free books about blogging or IGTV to make me rich. Rich enough to be able to afford their exclusive VIP program.

Honestly, that isn’t the way I want to be in my business relationships with clients. I want my connections to be authentic and meaningful, as I continue to move forward as a coach and as a business owner. I want a personal relationship, not an online conversation in a Facebook group or a series of pre-recorded training videos. In fact, I also need to stop signing up for these things or looking outside of myself for resources to succeed. I don’t need a program created by anyone else. I know what I need to do to attract new business and sustain the amazing clients I already have.And in order to do that, I need to open myself up to more conversations with people I want to work with and who want to work with me. So how do I want to approach this?

I want to give content and tools, rather than taking names and emails to filter through a squeeze page of just “one more bonus offer if you sign up today” or “click here to get this amazing offer that will skyrocket you into six figures.”

I want people to want to work with me because they had an experience of me in some way. And they believe that when we partner together, we will both benefit exponentially in ways that go beyond money or followers.

What does that look like? Maybe monthly or quarterly free events as I used to do years ago. Possibly live chats on YouTube where we talk about whatever is important to each individual that is watching. Trainings on the 4 Elements for Success – a deep dive into each one.

So, as you look at this past six months, what is it that you are celebrating so far this year?

What else are you longing to do?

What might you want to avoid or get rid of?

What will Enliven you as you step forward into the Summer Solstice?

What blooms most vibrantly for you right now?

 

As we approach the longest day of the year, may you find the time to shine a light on what’s most important in your life and work.

I Have A Love/Hate Relationship With Social Media

I’ve been on Facebook for awhile. I don’t know how long. I originally balked at the idea of creating a page. (I was, however, an avid MySpace user. What ever happened to MySpace??)

My youngest daughter convinced me that it was a good idea because I would be able to see many current pictures of my kids and my granddaughter. She was a baby, so I am guessing I joined some time in 2007.

I signed up for a Twitter account in January, 2009. I only have a little over 800 followers. Clearly, I’m not consistent.

Instagram – April, 2012.

Pinterest – Lord knows when.

YouTube – Yep. I’m there too. Look at the last video. I’ve cut my hair five times since then! (I’m more active sharing books on this channel for sure. Maybe that’s where my spare time is going?)

The point is…I can’t keep up with all of this stuff and I don’t even try any more. And sometimes, it annoys the hell out of me.

I think social media brings out the best and the worst of us. Just like I believe that we generally carry a blend of the best and the worst of our parents around in our pocket. Sometimes the best qualities emerge. Sometimes, we default to those phrases, habits or behaviors that don’t represent us in a generous light.

In the past 10 or so years, I have watched social media users say things that they might never have said in a face-to-face conversation. It’s escalated to a point that makes me cringe. Hastags like #fakenews are usually inserted when someone decries a media post about one highly charged or sensitive topic or another. I’ve seen examples of the very worst of human nature and I often see more than one in a day.

So why am I still logging in to these sites and sharing/posting/liking/commenting?

Because there are more examples of things that bring me joy.
Because I want to share joy with others.
Because life is too short to criticize another person and too long not to lift someone up or encourage them along the pathway.
Because I am connected to my tribe in groups that let the rest of the ugly fall away.
Because, despite all the things I dislike about social media, there are memories captured in each place that are important to me.

Like the tweeted photo of the night I met Kristen Chenowith and she sang a song about Mississippi to us after we saw her perform in Promises Promises.

How about my first blog post ever about my daughter leaving for college on MySpace?

Photos of my son’s graduation from University of Alabama as a Paramedic.

The first glimpses at my granddaughters births shared on Facebook.

Shares of my mom crowned as Mardi Gras Queen at the assisted facility where she lived nearby.

My daughter-in-law’s growth as a mother and entrepreneur.

Special Olympics events where my oldest carried the torch and competed bravely.

Numerous dance competitions and awards won by my tiny dancer.

And the business accounts I’ve created for 4 Elements Coaching. My infrequent posts are now proof that I am busy enough that I don’t have time to blog, tweet, post and share as often as I might want to do.

So yes, I may get tired of the complaints and insults and #fakenews. And yeah, I’m pretty inconsistent. But the honest truth is I’ll probably be around for awhile. And sometimes you may find me in person and we can chat a bit IRL. Which for me is infinitely better than your comment or laughing emoji.

And maybe soon, I’ll have to hire someone or learn a complicated new batching system through sites like Hootsuite or Meet Edgar to be able to really be consistent and keep up with it all.  (Meet Edgar would be my choice just because it has a cool name!)

See ya around the Social Meeds! (cuz I’m hip like that).

 

 

What Comic Con Taught Me About Entrepreneurship

Late in 2018, my daughter texted me to let me know about a special deal on Comic Con weekend tickets. I’ve never attended  Comic Con, though the idea of them intrigued me.  I didn’t know what to expect, but I did know that there were a few panels of celebrities I couldn’t pass up. Namely, the writer and stars of the series Outlander.  So we decided to buy our tickets and head to New Orleans for a weekend of games, books, superheroes and Anime.

What I didn’t realize was that I would learn quite a lot from this weekend of panels on a variety of topics. For instance, I attended:

How To Create a YouTube Channel
Nerdy Lady Entrepreneurs
How To Make A Nerdy Living
and more…

 

What was clear to me was the intentional message that you can create a following (or Fandom) around anything you love. If it feels authentic to you, talk about it. Wear it. Share it. Create a panel around it.

And isn’t that what Entrepreneurs are trying to do every day? So..

Lesson One: If you create a pack of raving fans that will tell everyone they meet about what you do, you’ll no doubt experience steady growth.

Lesson Two: Comic Con taught me is to be true to yourself. The Cosplay game – nothing like it! And, there was a lot of talk about being nerdy and unique. The consistent messaging was “You are welcome here, no matter how you’re dressed or how different you might be. There’s no sense in trying to step outside of your essence and try to do something that feels hard or too scary. While Entrepreneurism isn’t for the faint of heart, it truly makes sense to do something that lights you up and connects to your core essential self. As one of my favorite quotes by Howard Thurman always reminds me:

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

Lesson Three: So many business owners were represented at vendor tables and panel discussions. It was dizzying and overwhelming at times, but definitely inspiring. They knew where the customers would be and they met them there. And everyone was energized by the field – the exchange of supply and demand.

Finally, Comic Con taught me the value in connecting with your tribe. While there were literally thousands of people in the convention center, there were no fights or even harsh words that I could hear. Like-mindedness can create light heartedness! It was crowded and sometimes the lines were long and the available seats were few and far between, but honest and polite people raised their game and made it a family friendly and personable event. As Entrepreneurs, it is when we connect with others that fit like a glove, we are surrounded by support and a sense of belonging. This goes a long way to keeping us from running out the door and giving up.

I absolutely plan to return to this Comic Con in 2020. It will be interesting to me to see how I feel the second time around. But I am truly thinking about these lessons as I take some steps in a brave new direction this year.

Sometimes the learning comes from the most unexpected places.

Enliven me, 2019!

 

It’s that time again! Time for me to reflect on the past year, and time for me to choose my One Little Word to guide me throughout the year ahead. You may remember this practice from a post last year.  This year, I’m doing a bit more reflection than usual, and will engage with Ali Edwards in her One Little Word class. It will allow me to intentionally live and express my word and create something meaningful that will last a lifetime and beyond.

But first, a wrap up. Last year’s word was Create and I feel like I want to remember a few things that stand out as I reflect on this word.

I created an environment that inspired and supported my creativity. My office/studio is totally fresh and new, and I enjoy every moment I spend here.

I created spaciousness in my closets and drawers and files and cabinets. And maybe even more importantly, I created spaciousness in my schedule.

I created opportunities to build my business in new ways and increase my income.

I created scrapbook layouts and mini albums for myself and for others.

I helped to create Hygge in our home, and created beautiful spaces for us to enjoy every day.

I created new systems and processes to manage the workflow, which inspired new systems and processes for the near year to come.

I created opportunities to partner and create with others, to celebrate with friends and to enjoy the place we live and the places we love to visit even more.

I created a deeper love and trust in my relationships, leaning in to my own authentic voice and listening for that voice in others.

There’s even more, but I feel like you get the picture and I’ve documented enough to be able to reflect even more on this first day of a brand new year.

After much thought, the word I’ve chosen this year is Enliven. I was leaning toward another “E-Word” (Enough) when I received an email from my team leader at inviteCHANGE, where I am a part of an amazing group of coaches. She wrote, “Congratulations Laurie and it’s so fun to witness you enlivened and vital!”

When I am feeling enlivened, I am exhilarated and feel like I am operating at my highest potential. It’s a total elevation – a place I rise up to. And I think it is there that I am the most inspired and intuitive, probably because I’m connected to my magical child. I want to connect with her much more often.

After seeing mentor’s email, I knew that Enliven was just the right word for me in 2019. So, I’m going to take this on and carry it with me. Who knows what this new year will bring? How can it be anything but spectacular with this One Little Word by my side?

What’s Your One Little Word?

 

 

An End of Year Ritual

These last few days of the year are some of my favorites! I spend a lot of time looking ahead and planning what I want to accomplish in the new year. I also spend some time intentionally reviewing the past year and what I want to celebrate and making a list of what I am grateful for. On the flip side, I also make a list of what I want to let go. Weather permitting, (it’s a pretty bleak and rainy day!) I will engage in a favorite ritual.  At some point after dark, I’ll build a fire in the fire pit tonight to release the list of gratitudes and the list of things I need to let go of before the clock strikes midnight. I’ve been writing them down for a few weeks now.

This year was an epic year for me. I’m celebrating a couple of major shifts and changes:

  • I realized a significant increase in the number of clients and in my yearly income.
  • I enrolled in an advanced coach development training program that was absolutely phenomenal.
  • I became a Certified Infinite Possibilities trainer, and subsequently achieved Trailblazer status.
  • I spent a few days in Maui, delivering my first Infinite Possibilities Training.
  • We completed an office re-do that has greatly improved my work flow and organization.
  • I started and finished my first 1/2 marathon.

I’m grateful to all the people who helped and supported me along the way as I achieved these goals. It’s been an amazing year of connections with others, those I’ve known for awhile and some that are brand new to me.

Now for what I’m letting go of:

  • My attachment to place.
  • My attachment to time and the way I use it.
  •  Clutter – both inside my mind and in my environment.
  • Lingering negative beliefs about money.
  • Feeling out of balance, which at times, caused me to unconsciously put limits on my capacity.
  • My feelings of inadequacy.
  • That Perfectionista that lives inside of me and tells me I’m not enough if I’m not perfect.

I’ve worked hard this year, but much of the time, it felt effortless and authentic. My independence as an entrepreneur is something I treasure. So above everything, I’m celebrating that I can begin 2019 still in business! And that I have a bright, shiny new year, with all the possibility it can bring.

You may remember one of my favorite passages to read at this time of year. It comes from a favorite book of daily inspiration – Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

“…but time is the New Year’s bountiful blessing: three hundred sixty-five bright mornings and starlit evenings; fifty-two promising weeks; twelve transformative months full of beautiful possibilities; and four splendid seasons. A simply abundant year to be savored.” 

 

May 2019 bring you all that you desire and are willing to choose.

 

How to help an aging parent when you’re far away

Another guest post today from Claire Wentz from Caring from Afar! 

Image via Pixabay

Few things compare to the stress of knowing an elderly loved one’s health is in decline, and living far away only adds to the worry. How can you care for an aging parent when you’re hundreds or thousands of miles away? Not everyone has the opportunity to relocate nearer to their aging parents or have Mom and Dad move in, but that doesn’t mean they can’t provide meaningful care and support. Here are three ways you can care for your aging parent no matter where you are.

Hire Help

In-home help is an incredible asset for the long-distance caregiver. From the comfort of your home computer, you can arrange housekeeping help, errand assistance, and even yard maintenance for your elderly loved one. For seniors who need a little help managing on their own, a home health aide can make the difference between aging in place and moving to a care facility. Homebound seniors may qualify to have in-home skilled nursing care covered through their Medicare benefits. Be aware that the Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7. Be sure to help your loved one sign up before the deadline if you think she’ll benefit from its coverage options, which may include vision and dental care, prescription drugs, and a health savings account, depending on the plan.

Stay in Touch

The best way to stay on top of your loved one’s well-being is to talk regularly. Don’t limit yourself to phone calls; video chat is a personal way to stay in touch, and it’s not hard for seniors to use. There are several free video chat services, like Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts, or you can get a simplified devicedesigned for seniors who aren’t tech-savvy.

With regular conversation, you’re more likely to notice changes in an elderly family member’s physical and mental health. Symptoms of depression, substance abuse or misuse, or cognitive declinecould become apparent through face-to-face conversation, enabling you to take action before it becomes a health crisis.

Consider Assisted Living

Sometimes, an elderly parent is simply unable to continue living on her own. While the loss of independence is a difficult moment for any senior, transitioning to a senior living facility may be the right choice to keep her safe and healthy.

A move to an assisted living facility doesn’t happen without planning. Finding the right facility for your parent takes time, and your preferred facility might have a waiting list. Consider what your loved one’s care needs are; some senior living communities are known for their excellent memory carecenters, while other are perfect for seniors who are active but just need a little help managing the day-to-day. Recreational and social opportunities vary from facility to facility, with activities ranging from crafts and games to woodworking shops and dancing. Also consider location: Your parent might want to stay local, move to a walkable community, or live closer to you. Talk to your parent about what she wants out of a senior living community, and aim to find a place she’ll feel at home.

Of course, the perfect retirement home doesn’t come without its expenses. Making the right choice the first time will spare you costly moves, while long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits, or a reverse mortgage can help seniors afford the cost of assisted living. Consider that compared to the expense of staying at home with hired care, assisted living can deliver a much higher quality of life for a comparable price.

No one wants to see a parent lose her independence, but keeping your loved one safe is the priority when it comes to senior care. What that looks like will change as the years pass; at first, your parent may only need occasional help at home, but over time, that could evolve to required 24/7 support. Staying involved — even from a distance — means that you know exactly when it’s time to make the switch to assisted living.

Remember Your Worth

As you know if you’re a regular reader of this blog, I practice morning pages each day. Three pages of long-hand journaling in a notebook, pouring out ideas, fears, criticisms, to-dos and just a general brain dump on many days.

Each day though, I purposefully end the morning pages with two things – an intention for the day and a list of things I am grateful for. Sometimes the intention is created out of necessity. I may be working on a project I’ve been putting off, so my intention is Diligence. Or, I am anxious about something so my intention becomes Peace. I design intentions to fit what I need in that moment or that day.

But sometimes, I am delighted to summon my intention from deep within. I have nothing top of mind and I allow my authentic self to create the intention based on that intuitive knowing of exactly what I need.

Today, my intention was just that. It came to me before I even asked or considered what it might be. And it was

REMEMBER YOUR WORTH 

When it came to my mind, I realized it was exactly what I need today. Maybe for a few days, as a matter of fact.

I’ve been preparing to facilitate a training I’ve never done before. At the same time, I am struggling with a project that isn’t coming together as easily as I’d hoped and believed it would. My doubts about myself cloud my mind and thoughts that aren’t particularly kind swirl in and out of my consciousness. I feel inner turmoil, criticism, anxiety, sadness and above all, self-doubt.

Someone very close to me has reminded me frequently that I am a great trainer. That I am very powerful when I am ‘in my element.’ And I do get energy from training and facilitating a growth mindset for clients. In other words, she’s been telling me to Remember My Worth.

And now, my essential self is telling me too.

It’s time to pay attention and remember all those times I HAVE succeeded in facilitating a training I’ve never done before. And I HAVE pulled off a project at the last minute – time and time again. I have all the tools and resources I need to be successful. I have a strong WHY for all of the things I am currently doing – and the why is bigger than me. It touches so many others and creates a ripple effect as it all launches and flows into the lives of others, many lives that are unknown to me. And that makes me very happy.

So what comes up for you when you see those words

What is it about you that is worth more than you realize? What do others tell you that you often can’t integrate into your own belief and possibility?

Reach back today and think about the times in your life that you have succeeded time and time again at something. Especially if that something still causes you to doubt yourself or feel anxious about what you are longing to do.

When you feel the weight of something, remember your worth.

When you question whether you can do something, remember your worth.

When you feel hopeless, remember your worth.

It’s there. It runs in your subconscious.

You just have to call it and let it stay, like a faithful friend.