Week 10 - Let Go: How to survive a dry spell

Dear Friends,

Mark Your Calendars! At the end of this month (3/31), we’ll be joined by Debbie Ford, author of the new book, “Why Good People Do Bad Things: How to Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy.” This book takes a provocative and eye-opening look at why people sabotage their success, lie, cheat, steal, or betray those they love – you won’t want to miss this call. For more info on Debbie and her new book, visit here.

We have a limited number of Mesmerizing Oggz Eggs in stock and this week we were told that when they’re gone we won’t have any more until after Easter. We’ll be sure to put a notice on our website when we’re out of stock. You’ll find them here.

Finally, come to Chicago on 5/30 – 6/1, for the “Celebrate Your Life” conference where I’ll be joined by Deepak Chopra, Debbie Ford, Marianne Williamson and many other teachers. It’s a great event and you’ll find more info here.

Have a great week…

Love,

Cheryl

p.s. – Need a little Divine Direction? Use the “Touch of Grace” button on our homepage here: http://www.cherylrichardson.com.

“When flowing water meets with obstacles on its path, a blockage in its journey, it pauses. It increases in volume and strength, filling up in front of the obstacle and eventually spilling past it…”

— I Ching

Topic of the Week – Surviving a Dry Spell

This newsletter was written a few years ago during our Mind-Body Makeover Project, when members of this community were following the process outlined in my husband Michael’s book of the same name. It was directed to those people who had reached a plateau phase in their weight loss, as well as anyone who was pursuing an important goal and felt like their progress had come to a halt. This stop on the way to success is often referred to as a “dry spell,” and I hope the message speaks to you this week…

A dry spell is a period of time when progress comes to a grinding halt. If you’re trying to lose weight, for example, it may be that, despite your best efforts, the scale just won’t budge. Or, if you’re trying to find a new job, the phone might stop ringing and it may suddenly feel as though no one is hiring in your field. During this period, you’re likely to feel frustrated and discouraged. And, as a result, it’s common to do one of two things — try harder (to no avail), or give up. This is also the time when self-doubt rears its ugly head.

During a dry spell, you’ll probably begin to question yourself and your goals. For example, if you’re involved in a job search, you might start second-guessing your credentials, doubting your skills, or questioning your direction altogether. Or, if you’re trying to lose weight, you may lose your motivation and go back to the erroneous belief that your stalled progress is related to a lack of discipline. The biggest challenge during a dry spell is to be patient — to sit back, take a deep breath, and know that despite what appears to be “the end of the road,” over the horizon is a path that will lead where you most need to go.

Whenever we decide to make a major change in our lives, it’s important to know that along with taking new actions, we also may need to let go of some things in order to welcome in new experiences. Joseph Campbell said it well:

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.”

While it’s certainly true that a period of stagnancy or inertia sometimes means that we just need to have faith that we’re on the right track, other times, it may mean something more. It may be that you need to loosen your grip and let go of something — an old habit, an outdated belief, or a strategy that doesn’t serve you anymore. Sometimes this letting go is more tangible like ending an unsupportive relationship to set the stage for becoming the “new you.” And other times it might be that you need to let go of an unrealistic expectation. I remember one friend who realized this when she reached a weight loss plateau and had to give up the fantasy that her body would ever look like something out of a fashion magazine. Only then could she continue without sabotaging her success.

The moral of this story is: don’t lose hope! A dry spell may be exactly what you need to re-evaluate your progress so you can redirect the course of your life. To help you use a dry spell as a catalyst for success, answer the following question:

What do I need to let go of in order to welcome in the new life I desire?

Then, pay attention to what immediately comes to mind. Listen with your heart (not your head) and write down the answers regardless of how strange or unexpected they may be. Once you do, sit with this information for a while before taking action. Then, proceed with a patient heart. When you understand that dry spells are merely speed bumps on the road to a great life, you’ll begin to see them as gifts — a reminder to slow down so you can get your bearings, reevaluate your plans, and slowly shed the old you to make way for the new!

~*~ Take Action Challenge ~*~

Living through a dry spell requires faith and support. Use our Life Makeover community boards to connect with others (you’ll find them here), or our Touch of Grace button on our homepage for a little Divine connection (you’ll find it here).

In the News

There are still some spaces left in “The Writer’s Workshop” Mexican Riviera cruise. If you are an earnest writer who’s committed to getting your message out into the world you’ll want to check out this important opportunity to learn the ins and outs of getting published. Along with a comprehensive program, you’ll be invited to attend a special event with Reid Tracy, president and publisher of Hay House, who will answer questions about what they look for in a successful author. For more info click here.

Would you like a little laser coaching from Cheryl? Call in during her live Internet radio show, Coach on Call, on Mondays at 5pm ET (2pm PT, 10pm GMT) at www.hayhouseradio.com. Simply dial (866) 254-1579 if you live in the US, or for international callers dial, 1-760-918-4300 after your country code. Cheryl discusses a variety of topics related to practicing Extreme Self Care and living a high quality life.

We have a variety of unique life-changing gifts in our webstore at www.myextremeselfcare.com. You can have books personally signed for you or a loved one with a note of encouragement or support, include a hand-written gift card with your order, or find a special item to support your own self-care. There are heart ornaments, books, audio programs, lotions, and our popular Mesmerizing Oggz Egg (you need to see it to understand :). Check them out here: www.myextremeselfcare.com.

Listen to the free Practice Building Workshop telegathering on audio podium and learn to build your client base in a relaxed and authentic way. Whether you’re a coach, therapist, lawyer, massage therapist, or other service oriented business owner, you can learn about our program and the important steps for practice development by calling (405) 244-4000 – Box 104. For more info on our PBW audio program, click here.

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Week 10 – Let Go: How to survive a dry spell

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