It's the Economy, Right?

Eighty percent of Americans in September of 2008 said the economy was a source of stress – up from 66% in April of 2008. Forty-nine percent said they felt nervous, anxious or depressed because of all the negative news. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics 5.1 million jobs have been lost since December of 2007. The national unemployment rate is 10% and could rise to 12% by fall of 2009. To add to this far from happy picture, 1 in 12 homeowners are losing their homes to foreclosure.

This gloom and doom is enough to drive anyone to eat a whole bag of chocolate chip cookies, or to the nearest fast food drive-in for relief. For anyone seeking healthier, more long lasting relief please pick up a copy of Intentional JOY – see below.

According to James Breckenridge, a professor of psychology at Stanford University, “negative information is stickier” and we give it more credibility. In the past, it was not only useful, but life saving to scan the environment constantly for potential threats. Today however, most problems aren’t life threatening, in the short term anyway. This tendency to select for the negative exacerbates stress and anxiety. Stress may not kill us today, but if left untreated, it can become what Dr. Pamela Peeke, M.D. and author of Fight Fat After Forty calls “toxic stress.” Stress becomes toxic “…when it never allows the body to shut down the stress response and can result in self-destructive behaviors, such as overeating, alcohol or drug abuse.”

Here’s a quick tip to flip that the negative economic news around and feel better in the process:

Reframe and Retrain: We may not have control over how the news is reported, but we do have choice about how it’s perceived. Reframing is a term used in psychology and coaching that means changing a statement or belief from the negative to the positive. With practice our brain becomes retrained to more automatically scan for what’s working, what’s hopeful and more positive. Be patient, because changing any habit or behavior takes about 21 days of repeating the new behavior.

Here’s how easy it is to reframe. Look at the negative economic statistics from paragraph one again and let’s flip them on their heads:

1) Five point one million jobs have been lost since December of 2007.

The Reframe: Millions more are employed than unemployed.

2) The national unemployment rate is 10% and expected to go to 12% by the fall of 2009.

The Reframe: Eight-eight to 99% of Americans are still employed, have found new jobs or started their own business.

3) One in 12 homeowners have or are losing their homes to foreclosure.

The Reframe: Eleven homeowners out of 12 are retaining their homes.

Personal Note

How many of you think that getting older means having a certain amount of shoulder, neck and hip discomfort?

If you’re having physical discomfort – hip, knee, shoulder or neck pain and have been told there’s nothing that can be done or just live with it, I have GREAT NEWS for you.

I have had hip pain for a couple of months exacerbated by my ZOOMBA dance class – if you liked Jazzercize, you’ll love Zoomba (check with your gym). Then my good friend Victoria, told me about Pain FREE by Pete Egoscue. I’ve been using the practices for two weeks and I am 98% pain free.

I highly recommend the book and the approach. It takes about 30-45 minutes a day – morning is the best time – until you’re PAIN FREE and then there’s a quicker maintenance routine.

How much would you like to be Pain FREE? You can order from Amazon or through local bookstores.

This Month's Spotlight

Lori Crivelli, Owner/Agent Crivelli Insurance Services, Nationwide Insurance 1572 Fulkerth Rd., Turlock, CA 95380(209) 668-3319

Lori started her insurance business in 1993. She has won several production awards, in a male dominated profession. She challenges herself to keep up with the big boys.
Lori is really sharp and follows up relentlessly. I’ve known her for four years and if she says she’s going to do something, she does it. She analyzes your insurance needs and then makes the best recommendation.

Thrive in ’09 Group Coaching Program:

We now have 8 incredibly motivated, action oriented women in this exciting group who are getting these kind of results:

“I sold over $100,000 in 1 month which exceeded my goal substantially and was the largest month in a year and a half. What Lynn helped me find within myself, helped me achieve this monumental feat!”
Lynn Quijada-Splan, The Warden’s Office, Modesto, CA
(209) 758-6730

There are still two spots open in this group. Just call for more information!!

Free for You

7 ½ Tips to Turn Stress into JOY – If you’re ready to relax, de-stress and feel better FAST Go to www.lynntelfordsahl.com and register under the 7 1/2 tips at top right of homepage. You will receive 3-5 minute STRESS Busting/JOY Enhancing audio tips every other day for 8 days. Ah….better already.

FREE Monthly Master Mind Teleseminar March 26 7:00 – 7:45

Master Minding is a combination of focusing on your goals along with meditation and stress reducing imagery. Magic happens when two or more are gathered together. The group is 45 minutes and is accessed by calling this bridge line: 616-597-8000 Access Code: 932084# Tell your friends!!

Upcoming Events

May 6th: 3 Tips to Turn Economic Stress & Anxiety into Freedom – eWomen, Roseville, CA (www.eWomennetwork.com)

May 19: 23 Book Tour Bend Oregon sponsored by The Sol Center’s President Joan Dudley.

June 3: 3 Tips to Turn Economic Stress & Anxiety into Freedom – eWomen, Elk Grove, CA (www.eWomennetwork.com)

Wealth is More Than Income - It's About $$ Consciousness

Wealth is More Than Income - It's About $$ Consciousness

How much can you save in four weeks? Ramit Sethi challenges people to save $1,000 in 30 days. Ramit is a 26 year-old Stanford graduate and has a popular blog, write-ups in the Wall-Street Journal and a bestseller, “I Will Teach You to Be Rich.” * He says Americans “suck at frugality.” I agree, although I think this economy is creating the motivation to change.

We live in a consumer culture that encourages us to spend and consume at every turn. Do you remember President Bush’s admonition after 9-11 to help the economy by going out and “spending?”

Anyone who survived The Depression learned about getting the most out of their money, and their resources, and it’s time to appreciate those thrifty lessons born of necessity.

Ramit observes that he and friends will be out driving and 2 minutes from home, when they’ll want to stop at the local fast-food drive-in, although they have plenty of food at home. Anyone reading this relate?

Did you know the average American spends $5.00 a day on fast-food, sodas and coffee? That’s $1,800 a year and could be a good down-payment on a vacation.

The way to riches according to Rich Dad/Poor Dad author Robert Kirosaki is “not how much money you make, but how much money you keep.”

Here’s my coaches challenge to you: 1) Write down everything you spend for the next month. Just this process alone will make you extra AWARE and ALERT to where exactly your money is going. Then decide how much you want to save in 30 days and 3) What treat you will give yourself at the end of 60 days of saving? The treat could be time with friends, such as a girlfriend pot-luck, a pair of shoes, whatever. (Just don’t spend all that savings.)

(* Modesto Bee May 09)

Call (209) 492-8745 with any questions or email me atlynntelfordsahl@gmail.com.

Personal Note

I have to say it - I’m feeling the effects of the economy on my business income. I’m a very positive, pro-active woman and yet, my income is still down from last year. “It is what it is,” is an old saying from EST, a 70s self-help organization.

I also have to say I’m not worried about it. I enjoy $$ and abundance as much as anyone, yet I’ve never been driven by $$ alone.

With reality in mind, my husband, Dave and I were looking at our income and expenses to date for the year and were tickled to note that we’ve been able to trim expenses without feeling deprived.

Yes, I’m shopping at Winco (my new favorite discount grocery store) and yes, I’ve brought back a budget routine from when I was raising children – make a menu for the week, create a shopping list and keep to the list. (Well, almost – love those Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches)

I know and trust that the networking, contact follow-ups and all the other good business strategies that we are adhering to WILL reap benefits when the economy turns back around.

July Spotlight

Nepotism Rules:

I am so proud to spotlight Extreme Paintball this month. My son Rich (5X World Paintball Champion) and his ambitious and very hard-working wife, Gina, started this company 10 years ago. They specialize in first time players, company outings and birthday parties.

I get why the guys like this game – it’s safe, pretend war. But women also enjoy it. I’ve played a couple of times and it’s a fun, adrenaline pumping experience. I have to admit I liked shooting paint at my opponents. Rich was a little surprised because normally I’m such a peace monger.

Extreme Paintball has a Paintball Park located at 7336 Dusty Lane, Modesto. The retail store is at 3600 Sisk Rd., Ste. 4K, just north of Vintage Faire Mall. Check out the special prices on party packages online at: http://www.extremepaintball.net 
(209) 545-7730 or 572-0210.

Thrive in '09 Testimonials

"I had a secret goal (neither Lynn nor The Thrive in '09 group knew) to double my income in the month of May and I did it by breaking my goals into daily and hourly tasks.

Coaching has helped me stop focusing on the negative: ie., bad economy and focus on the positive – what I can do to brighten my future. I can’t say thank you enough for offering group coaching that I could afford.”

Elaine Marlett,
Aflac Independent Agent
CA License #0F10148
Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 522-4282
elaine_marlett@us.aflac.com

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“Since I joined Lynn’s Thrive in ’09 Group I’ve sold over $100,000, in 1 month, which exceeded my goal substantially. This is the largest month I’ve had in 1½ years. What Lynn helped me find within myself helped me achieve this monumental feat.”

Lynn Quijada-Splan,
Director of New Business Development
The Warden’s Office, Modesto, CA
(209) 758-6730
lynnqs@sbcglobal.net

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"Within two months of working with Lynn I made my goal of becoming  the top sales person at ITSolutions|Currie, and I'm on target to accomplish the same this month."

Melissa Barry
mbarry@itscurrie.com
ITSolutions|Currie
"The Facilitator"
209-338-3562 Direct

Upcoming Events

Social Networking is hot these days and so want to include this:

Wednesday July 29: Modesto “Tweetup #5” 6:00 p.m. at Clayton’s Restaurant, 1016 H Street, Modesto, CA “a collaborative of Modesto’s twitter and social networking community” (http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=204122240426&mid=bcf3a5G5c9a5ff6fbf7fG7)

July 29: 11:00 a.m. PST Lynn will be on Leading Edge Parenting Radio Network hosted by Sandi Schwartz. The show has listeners in over 30 countries.http://www.loaradionetwork.com/sandi-schwartz.html

Aug 30: 7 PM Central Time - Lynn will be on eWomen Radio on WBAP 820 AM – Tune in or go tohttp://www.ewomennetwork.com, scroll down to bottom of page and you’ll see the radio “listen” button.

When the Going Gets Tough – The Tough Get Their Passport Renewed…

(Or 5 Things I Learned on Vacation)

1) Make sure passport is current, make sure passport is current, make sure passport is current…

2) Turn passport lemons into lemonade with lots of Emotional Freedom Technique, breathing & gratitude

3) Know enough Spanish to be able to call a plumber

4) Become a bug expert

5) Go with the flow and enjoy the adventure

1) Make sure your passport is current:
Many of you know my husband Dave and I were SO looking forward to our February Mexican vacation. To describe how much we were needing a vacation, the image that best fits is those men you see in the desert, crawling towards the mirage of water off in the distance, tired, thirsty, but determined. In other words, we were ready. To make a long story longer, the day of departure we were driven by Luxury Limousine Service (Marie Joiner, owner and Women’s Success Network member 209 537-5466) and arrived at the San Francisco International airport, walked right up to the gate to check in (no line) and as I handed my passport to the agent she said, “Do you have an extension?”

In complete shock, I responded with a “what?” It was all over - no entrance to the plane, no Mexico vacation. Dave figured out very quickly that this being Saturday and Monday being a holiday, we weren’t going anywhere until Tuesday at best. He marched off to cool off and I grabbed the nearest chair and started crying. Yes, sometimes crying is great stress relief. The good news is we made the best of a lemon of a situation.

2) Turn passport lemons into lemonade:
I called friends and sobbed (more stress relief) who provided quick support and no guilt, took twenty deep breaths and then booked Dave and I into the Mark Hopkins in San Francisco. We took Bart into the City (me, tapping with Emotional Freedom Technique all the way, crying and breathing). We allowed ourselves all Saturday to feel poopy and to take care of business.

We rebooked everything and Sunday dusted ourselves off and hung out until Tuesday when I could get a new passport. I have to say, that if a traveler is going to be stranded, San Francisco is the place to be stranded. We walked all over the cold and rainy City (us in our Mexico weather clothes), ate marvelous food, supported each other and repeatedly remembered all we have to be grateful for. It’s amazing how much staying focused on the good smoothes out the bad.

3) Know enough Spanish to call a plumber:
Wednesday, we finally arrived in Mexico at our time-share. Saturday we joined friends and went to a beautiful home on the beach. Ah, the warm air, the ocean, the margaritas and…the plumbing problem. Let’s just say, the smell of plumbing (I won’t describe it in detail) overrode all the pleasant smells for 3 days and in Mexico workers are on their own time schedule. Fortunately, our friends speak some Spanish and the situation was finally resolved.

4) Become a bug expert:
I know about mosquitos, but something else bit us relentlessly for the week we were at the home. We never identified what it was, though it happened at night, in bed and mosquito spray did nothing to abate the problem. A minor annoyance and I think the bite marks will be gone by May.

5) Go with the flow and enjoy the adventure:
This one is a great lesson for a control freak such as myself. But, as Dave and I kept reminding ourselves - what are ya gonna do? Moan and complain and make a bad situation more miserable? No thank you.

While I certainly don’t want to repeat the experience, we have great stories to share, we had a wonderful time all in all.

This Month's Spotlight

Nikki A. Beasley of B. Wise Consultants
Stockton, California (209) 944-9473
www.bwiseconsultants.com

I was introduced to Nikki at the Central California Women’s Alliance Conference last June and the first thing I noticed about her was her gorgeous shoes. I had to meet her. She later invited me to eWomen’s Network in Stockton,( she is a founding member of the Stockton chapter). She’s also a founding member and the President of the BNI Stockton Executives Chapter.

The more I get to know her she is not only passionate about using her 18 years of financial experience to assist those struggling with money issues, she is multi faceted in her approach; she creates tangible workable solutions to hold those willing to take a proactive approach accountable to their financial goals and objectives.

Nikki exudes the warmth, caring and practical skills to transform old behavior into freedom.

Her Motto...Be Still... Plan and Prepare.... Execute...

Thrive in ’09 Group Coaching Program:

The group launched in February and there’s still room for a couple of motivated women – Here’s what one new member reported yesterday: “I have been exercising – more than the goals we set – and have already lost 2 pounds. I’m so excited.”

*Get clear about what you want

* Focus your energy and abilities on most productive activities

* Gently clear out limits or blocks to success

When you synchronize the compassion and care of your heart with the limits and yes, even toughness, of will and determination with vision and persistence, then your dreams are ACTIONIZED into reality. (Call to register or for more info: 209 492-8745)

Lynn's Media Mentions

Intentional JOY "THE HIT BOOK":

The New York Daily News (3rd largest paper in country) Addictions & Answers column called Intentional JOY “the hit book” January 16th and “her terrific book” February 20th. See the columns by clicking the dates below:

January 16th

February 20th

The Central Valley Business Journal wrote an article about Life Coaches and I (and friend Carol McKay) are featured - "Life Coaches use inspiration to help boost employee productivity."Click here to read the article.

Upcoming Events

FREE Monthly Master Mind Teleseminar March 19th 7:15 – 8:00PM

Master Minding is combining the power of meditation with a group focusing goals and what you want to create. Magic happens when two or more are gathered together. It’s also great stress relief to meditate and be with a supportive group for 45 minutes at the end of the week.

This group call is accessed by calling this bridge line: 616-597-8000 Access Code: 932084#

Lynn’s Speaking Engagements:
April 7 Tuesday Kiwanis, Ceres 
April 15 Wednesday Soroptimist, Ceres Contact (209) 404-3391
May 19 – 23 Book Tour Bend Oregon sponsored by The Sol Center’s President Joan Dudley. 

Lighten Up Your Heart in 09

LIGHTEN UP YOUR HEART IN '09

You know how you feel when you’ve gone through your home and cleared out the clutter? Lighter, more free, happier? Did you know that our emotional self can become as cluttered as our homes? It’s just as important to clear out or LET GO emotionally. If you’re ready to feel lighter, more energized and happier learn how with TARA, part one of The JOY System^©.

Winter is the perfect time to do our inner work because the quieter energy of winter draws us within.

ARE YOU READY FOR MORE JOY and less clutter?

Have you realized you have more “stuff” than space in your home? Did you know that like our closets, our body and mind can become clogged and overloaded if we don’t regularly clear our emotional debris. You’ll love TARA, part of The JOY System because it is a quick and easy emotional clearing process that helps you feel better FAST. Going through this four step process is as satisfying as packing up the clothes you’re not using and it’s much quicker relief than digging around in your closets for hours.

The TARA (Touch, Accept, Release, Action) process literally takes about 10 minutes per situation. I’ve taught this practice to hundreds.  More detail is provided in Chapter Nine ofIntentional JOY – www.lynntelfordsahl.com)

THE JOY SYSTEM: Get ready to Lighten UP!!

I recommend writing this out.
First look back over the last couple of weeks to any situation that pushed your buttons enough that it’s still bothering you. Then go through this easy identification and release practice. This also works incredibly well for the long-ago memories that came up during the Holidays.
TARA – Touch, Accept, Release, Action

1. Touch: Identify your feelings about the situation using the four  primary colors of emotion – angry, sad, afraid, guilty.
   
   For example:  I feel angry (that or because) my boss has asked me to work overtime again this weekend. I’m sad that my mom isn’t around for Christmas anymore.
   (Write out as many ways you’re angry as come to mind)
   On a scale of 0-10 (10 high) how angry are you? 
   I feel sad that or because, I feel afraid that or because, I feel guilty that or because ___________.

2. Accept: However you feel is ok. Acting out our feelings on someone elseor ourselves isn’t. We’re more likely to go for sugar or over-spending if we are emotionally over-full. It’s amazing how just saying to yourself – “OK, am I mad and I have a right to be” can make you feel better.

3. Release: Take 10 breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. This type of breathing releases emotional energy.

   Now, ask again – on a scale of 0-10 how angry, sad, etc. am I? If the number hasn’t dropped at least 3 points, take 10 more breaths. If you know Emotional Freedom Technique use it to bring the number down to 0-1. (See special EFT offer below)



4. Action: What’s the next step? Is there a specific action you need to take?  For example – I need to talk with my boss and negotiate overtime more clearly.

When’s the best time to do the TARA practice?  When your buttons get pushed, when you can’t let go of something that’s troubling you, when you’re STRESSED or anxious, if you’re looking for clarity about a situation, or whenever your intuition tells you. Once the clogged emotion is released our wiser self can get through the previously busy signal.

Diane, who learned the practice in Intentional JOY said she practiced TARA on a work situation that she was angry about and was amazed at how fast she felt better. 

Personal Note from Lynn

I love musicals! Thank goodness so does my 6 year-old granddaughter Grace. She and I danced and sang our hearts out to Momma Mia last week on a Saturday sleep over. I have to admit singing is not my gift, but who cares when it’s in your own living room? 

My next step is to invite girlfriends over for a Momma Mia sing along and I encourage you to do the same. 

I remember my grandparents singing all the time. Singing brings us into our hearts, it’s fun and it’s cheap entertainment!

I am thrilled and touched by the excitement about my new book, Intentional JOY. Readers are telling me that they think JOY is “beautifully written, wise and compassionate,” “brave,” “tear provoking.” It warms my heart I appreciate all your support!

This Month's Spotlight

Wendy Malone – house painter, artist, muralist, faux finisher and handy woman extraordinaire!! I’ve seen Wendy’s work and she’s creative, listens to what the customer wants and CLEANS UP beautifully. Wendy goes the extra mile to make her customers happy. There’s no reason to put off those home projects because her prices are great.  (209) 352-5566.

Here’s what readers are saying about Intentional JOY:

About Intentional JOY: Does this sound familiar? “I’m stressed, anxious and overwhelmed and not sure where to go for relief.” The solution isn’t going come from an external source (so you can put down that Milky Way bar). It’s going to come from inside you – from listening to your heart AND using the strategies in Intentional JOY to get back in control and reclaim the peace, energy and aliveness you really desire.

“Lynn is a great writer. If an author doesn’t have me by the second page, I’m done, but you had me on the first page. I know this is going to be a bestseller.”Jennifer Sinnett, Modesto, CA

“I bought a copy of Intentional JOY for myself and my mom. She called me, really excited and said she couldn’t put it down and stayed up all night to read the entire book. Reading your book opened her eyes to all the reasons she’s been stuck in unhealthy patterns. She’s now on her second read.”
Melissa Barry, Modesto, CA & mom Connie, Wyoming

Closing

Remember the story about two little boys each in a room filled with manure? One gave up and one happily dug looking for the pony? Yes, there’s manure in the world, but it’s up to each one of us to decide which attitude we want. I love supporting you to find your ponies, clear out the emotional debris and make ’09 your best year ever.

Upcoming Events

January 27, 2009 6:00 p.m.

American Business Women’s Association Express Network & Tracy Express Network “Intentional JOY – How to Turn Stress, Struggle and Overwhelm into JOY” 

Where:  Holiday Inn Express, Tracy, CA  Call Bev 209 814-4899or Jacque 839-0889 to register

PS. Special Thrive in '09 Coaching Offer:

Are the stresses and emotional ups and downs of going it alone (or feeling as if you are) wearing you out?

• Are you worried about having enough money or making the most of what you now earn?
• Does your heart & soul yearn for more focus, clarity and direction – along with more energy & JOY?
• Are you tired of working too hard and not getting to your destination?

Imagine the excitement and peace of mind you create by having like-minded and like-hearted support, specific strategies to generate more $$ and abundance AND
the excitement you experience because you’re creating your BEST life yet.

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER – Until Feb. 10th and only for the first 15 “I’m READY NOW” folks there are 3 easy ways to participate:

• $575.00 (total 6 month package) 
• 3 payments of $194.00
• $97.00 per month
  
  (Visa/MC available)
  CALL 209  492-8745 OR EMAIL LYNN ATlynntelfordsahl@gmail.com to register!