Cheryl's Blog

Week 13 – True Security: Making deposits that count

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Greetings!


Monday, (3/30 at 9pm ET) is our monthly telegathering and I’ll be joined by Gregg Braden, author of the new book, “Fractal Time.” Gregg is a remarkable man who has written a fascinating book about what we can expect from the mysterious year 2012 and beyond. To join us on the call, dial (646) 519-5883 and use pincode 2346# promptly at 9pm ET.

On Saturday, April 25th, I’ll be speaking about “The Writer’s Life” in support of the Newburyport Literary Festival again this year. I’ll be talking about how to get started, developing discipline, creating a writing space, finding your voice, discovering your writing rhythm, and using writer’s block to your advantage. If you live nearby, I hope you’ll come out and join us!

The Art of Extreme Self Care is causing a stir with chapters like, “Let Me Disappoint You,” “Does That Anger Taste Good?” and “You’re So Sensitive.” The topics contained in these chapters represent critical skills we all need to learn in order to connect with the best way of serving others. You can learn more, here.

Don’t forget to follow me on twitter by searching for “coachoncall” and please join my Public Page on Facebook here. I’m having so much fun connecting with people from around the world and I’d love to connect with you, too.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Cheryl

p.s. – Need a little Divine Direction? Use the “Touch of Grace” button on our homepage here.

cherylrichardson.com

 


Topic of the Week


True Security

“Money cannot buy peace of mind. It cannot heal ruptured

relationships, or build meaning into a life that has none.”

–Richard M. DeVos

While searching for a resource in past newsletters, I came across a topic I wrote about in 2000 that’s worth repeating during this difficult economic time. It’s about where real security comes from.

If you’re like most people, you probably equate a sense of security with how much money you have. I know I did. In order to feel safe and protected, I focused on earning and saving money as a way to achieve peace of mind. As I did however, I discovered something strange. My feelings of security and peace didn’t increase with my bank account. Regardless of how much money I earned (or saved), I never felt secure enough.

I’ve since learned that the key to creating security has to do with a whole lot more than the balance in your savings account. It has to do with the balances in other accounts as well. True security comes from having a reserve in all areas of your life – a reserve of community, love, self esteem, a connection to God, or health, in addition to financial reserves. Until you invest in these other areas, you’ll always feel insecure, regardless of how much money you have.

Of course money is important – we all need it to live and to make the kinds of choices that maintain or improve the quality of our lives. But it’s equally important to make deposits into other accounts as well. For example, consider the following questions:

1. Do you have a reserve of friends and/or family who are there for you in times of need?

2. Do you have a reserve of confidence and self esteem that allows you to stand up for yourself in the face of a challenge?

3. Do you have a reserve of courage that you can call upon when you need to take difficult actions?

4. Do you have a reserve of faith and a strong connection to a power greater than yourself for those times when you’ve done what you can and you need to surrender?

5. Do you have a reserve of physical energy that will allow you to do what it takes to succeed?

6. Do you have a reserve of colleagues or professional relationships that will support your career?

Just as you make regular deposits to your savings account, you’ll want to start making regular deposits into these other accounts as well. As an example, those of you who are looking for work or feel concerned about the stability of your jobs, will benefit from networking – getting together with friends and colleagues to share resources, referrals, ideas, and suggestions. Career experts agree that this is still the single, most effective way to land great work. With that in mind, you quickly realize that investing in a professional network creates the kind of protection money can’t buy.

When you view security from this perspective, it’s easy to see that regular dates with your best friend are just as important as regular deposits into your IRA. Or building a reserve of self-esteem is even more important than putting money away for a new home.

It takes time and attention to build reserves in each of these areas and it’s worth the investment. When you do, you not only make for a secure future, you create a secure present as well. And, when the present feels secure, you’ll make much better choices for you and your family. So, how about it – ready to start making new deposits?

Take Action Challenge

Take a large sheet of paper and create several columns. At the top of each column list an “account category” such as love, community, confidence/self esteem, courage, emotional and physical health, etc.

Once you’ve completed these columns, write down your current assets in each of these areas. For example, under “community” you might list close friends and family members. Or under physical health, you might list those things you already do to take good care of your body.

Once you’re clear about what you do have, notice what’s missing. Then, pick one area that needs more attention and make a deposit this week :).
Life Makeover For The Year 2009 (sm) is written and produced by Cheryl Richardson. If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission of this newsletter, please email: cheryl@cherylrichardson.com. © Copyright 1999-2009. Cheryl Richardson, P.O. Box 13, Newburyport, MA 01950. All rights reserved.
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