Holiday Bother or Bliss? You Decide.

By Mary Grace Musuneggi

A few days ago a client of mine wished me “Happy Holidays” as she left the office. “Oh, no,” I shuddered. “It can’t be that time of year again!”

Although I love the holidays, I know the stress they can sometimes bring. So much to do. So many deadlines. The decorating, the shopping, the cooking. The company, the parties, the family gatherings. Some of us approach these with excitement…and some of us with dread.

I don’t so much mind most of this, and in fact I delight in the sounds and sights of the seasons; but point me in the direction of the mall or Wal-mart and I break out in a cold sweat. For me, that is stress at the highest level.

No matter what part of the holidays stresses you out, there are truly only two ways to approach the coming days, just as there are only two ways to approach most things in life: You can be a Winnie the Pooh, or you can be an Eeyore.

Winnie the Pooh is one of my heroes. Pooh knows what will make him happy, and he pursues it with passion. When the honey pot awaits, he is not diverted by anything that gets in his way—not bees, not blustery days, not getting stuck in a tree. He is persistent, single-minded, and never has a harsh word to say. Every day for him is delightful. All of his adventures are fun.

On the other hand, Eeyore spends his days worrying, complaining, doubting, and insisting that nothing good will ever happen. He goes through each day planning for everything to go wrong.

At the end of the day, Pooh is reveling in a pot of honey, while Eeyore has had the kind of day he had expected, too.

As we approach the holidays, as we approach life, who will you be: Pooh or Eeyore? The results of your choice will be a wonderful holiday season…a wonderful life…

…or not.

Self-Defense 101

What would you do…

… if someone physically got their hands on you?
Grabbing your hands or arms. Maybe your shoulders or neck.
Squeezing…being manhandled…forced into a position that you don’t want to be in.

Would you let fear take over and paralyze you?
Or, would you FIGHT BACK and survive the encounter?

Not knowing what to do in this violation of physical space can lead to fear, paralysis and great suffering.
DO NOT let this happen to you (or a loved one)!
Instead, learn how to fight back and defend yourself against a close range enemy or threat.

On Tuesday, October 11th from 6:00PM – 7:30PM, Pittsburgh Combat Club is hosting a private group lecture and demonstration for Single Step Strategies.

In this dynamic workshop we will cover:

• The nature of self-defense
• The paradox of learning self-defense
• Anti-social vs. A-social Aggressors
• Understanding PA force law and it’s ramifications
• What your attacker wants and does not want
• Basic safety tips
• General awareness strategies
• Demonstrations of simple strategies and techniques
• 50% off discount for upcoming seminars/workshops
• 6 FREE classes at the studio
• And much more!

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

Workshop – Self-Defense 101
When: October 11, 2016
Time:  6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Greentree SportsPlex – PCC Studio
600 Iron City Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205

REGISTER HERE

All registrants, please be sure to complete this waiver prior to the workshop. (You are not required to participate in the demonstrations, but there will be opportunities to do so if you wish. Please complete the waiver either way.)

The “To NOT Do” List

By Mary Grace Musuneggi

Have you ever complained that there is just not enough time in the day? Could you use another day in your week…or maybe a couple extra weeks in your year?

Most life coaches will tell you the best way to get control of your time is to have a daily “to do” list. Being a bit obsessive compulsive, I live off of mine. I always make sure my life has room for personal things—time alone and time with friends, meditation, exercise, and spa visits all appear on my “to do” lists. Of course, when career needs arise and family needs call, those other personal plans go to the back burner. Isn’t that what we women do? We just jump to the occasion. We never quite know how to say “no.”

That’s why the best strategy I have learned for managing my time is to take control of my “to NOT do” list. There are just things I do not like to do, and saying “no” to them is a blessing. I don’t like to walk the mall. I don’t like to golf. So an invite to do either, even from a good friend, gets a resounding “no.” I don’t like participating in organizations or joining committees that don’t have a strong focus on the things I think benefit me, my family, or my community. So they are on my “to not do” list. I have learned that every request for my time and my resources need not be an affront against my sense of fairness. As a result, I do not need to feel guilty if I say “no.”

So it is alright if we need to say “no” to the request to be the den mother, drive another car pool, cook for the community picnic, build the scenery for the school play, write the office newsletter, or join the card group. Our children will survive and prosper. Our community will survive, too. And this will leave more time for us to focus on those things we like to do. On those things we want to do. On those people and things we love. You’ve probably heard the saying, “if you want something done, ask a busy person”…but remember, that busy person does not always need to be you.

Know where your talents lie. Know what you love and what you really want to do. But also know what you don’t know and can’t do, as well as what others can do. I know there are things I can do but others can do easier, faster, and better than I can. So I delegate, saving myself time and energy. And many times, even when I spend money, I save money. I don’t do grass cutting, house painting, car maintenance, or dog grooming. These are at the top of my “to not do” list because talent, expertise, knowledge, and experience are invaluable tools that are worth paying for. And “to not do” these frees up hours, days, even weeks on my “to do” list.

So as you’re working on tomorrow’s “to do” list, try writing “create To Not Do list” at the top. It will be a single step toward a happier, healthier you!