UP, UP AND AWAY!

Yes! We did it! The skies cleared, the wind died down, and the Goodyear Blimp sailed into the sky yesterday with my dad in the co-pilot seat. When I saw him sit down and put on the headset, I was grinning and crying at the same time. I said a million thank yous in my head to answered prayers, to all who made the flight possible, and to my father for all he has done for me. What an amazing feeling to give something back to him.

Our whole family was able to go and we were joined by another couple. The man was 91 and had waited two years for his flight. It just goes to show that having life-long dreams keeps you young.

Watching the blimp coming out of the hangar.

My dad - 82 and proud of it!

Preparing for the six passengers to load for our one-hour flight.

My dad getting ready to cross one off his life list!

An unexpected bonus - Allan and Gabby were able to go up too! Thanks Goodyear! (Gabby was a little nervous, can you tell?)

MOVE OVER MEAN GIRLS!

After months of writing, editing, planning and unexpected delays, my new Circle of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Facilitator's Guide has finally arrived! Like the anticipation of an overdue baby, I am thrilled to finally have it in my hands, and even more excited to get it into yours!

It's filled with over 65 small group activities to help girls ages 8-14 develop confidence, positive friendships, and emotional resiliency. The exercises are designed to help girls learn more about themselves and gain empathy for others.

If you work with girls in any capacity, from classrooms to camps to scouts - I believe you'll find the guide to be worthwhile. Plus, I'm offering one year of free support consultation to implement the ideas - so look out mean girls! A new dialogue is about to begin.

ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH YOUR CAREER?

Do you wake up every day excited about your job? Or, do you feel like you're just earning a paycheck until you figure out what you really want to do? I believe every person has unique strengths. The most satisfied individuals know and value their strengths, and build a career and lifestyle around them.

If you're feeling stuck or dissatisfied with your career, join me Tuesday February 26 1:00-4:30 PM at the Holiday Inn in Independence, OH for my workshop, Strength-Based Career Management. You'll learn why it's a waste of time trying to be "well-rounded" and how to re-discover what you've been good at for a long, long time but may not have had the courage to acknowledge.

This program is sponsored by the Cleveland Chapter of the National Association of Credit Managers and is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. The fee is $55 . To register call (440) 871-7878. Feel free to post your questions here pre-program. Hope to see you there!

CHANGE YOUR LIFE IN 2008!

Are you ready to make a change in your life? Maybe you've tried before and it just didn't work. Or, you know you want to change something, but what? How?

I'll address these questions and offer specific steps you can take when I speak at the Lakeshore Professional Retreat taking place February 1 & 2 at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Independence, OH. It's two days filled with education, networking, and relaxation. Do as little or as much as you want!

On Friday night following dinner, I'll present "The Seat of Change: Making the Emotional Connection" (6:30-8:30 PM). Saturday, I'll present, "Strengths-Based Career Management" at 8:30 am AND 1:15 pm. There will be several other speakers and vendors.

For more information, prices, and registration contact Lakeshore Educational & Counseling Services at 800-600-5327.

UPCOMING MEDIA APPEARANCES!

The holiday season is upon us, and for some that means spending way too much time with annoying relatives! If that's your story, tune in Monday November 19th to Cleveland's Good Company (channel 3, 10:00-11:00 a.m.). I'll be offering survival tips on managing the pressures of extended family.

If you need more than tips and want to talk about reducing your stress levels, consider a few counseling sessions. You can make an appointment to see me in Independence by calling Lakeshore Educational & Counseling Services at 800-600-5327.

On Friday December 14th, I'll be joining my husband once again for the Q104 morning show (5:30-10:00 a.m. EST). Tune in live or online. We'd love to hear from you!

Take care,

Susan

PARENTS, ATTEND THIS FREE COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING SEMINAR

If you're the parent of a teenager headed for college, trade school, or the military I highly suggest you attend the Parent Education Series Wednesday November 14, 7:00-9:00 PM at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center in Brecksville.

It's free, but you have to register online or by calling 440-746-8115. The organizers have a terrific line up of topics and I'll be speaking on Developing Self-Reliant Students. It's perfect for helping you and your child think ahead for those last couple years in high school and beyond.

Hope to see you there!

Susan

FOCUS ON THIS

For readers of my Communication Tip Sheet, scroll down for the debrief:

What you focus on expands. This is especially apparent when we’re upset with someone. It’s as if we put on glasses that filter out everything but annoying traits that we compile to make our (distorted) case.

Instead, what would happen if we focused on what’s going right, or solutions versus problems? This does not mean problems should be ignored. It’s important we acknowledge situations that need to be changed. But, the only way change comes is by focusing on it.

We are constantly blocking out helpful information because we are so focused on supporting our pre-determined story. Test yourself. Watch this video of students playing basketball and count the number of times the white-shirt team passes the ball. IMPORTANT: Watch the video before reading any further!

DEBRIEF: When you were busy counting the number of passes, did you notice the person dressed in a gorilla suit enter the picture? After beating his chest several times, he exits. If you did, congratulations! Most people miss the whole thing.

If right now you're saying, "What gorilla?" Watch it again! Then look around. What else might you be missing?