On Line Support Group

[mrsgoethert]

Hello all! I think that we should start by naming our group, and then we can post weekly check ins. What I would like to do is start by introducing ourselves. Post something about ourselves, what our situation is like, what we would like it to be like and what our plan is to get started. Then we can chart our progress, or lack of progress, get feedback and be held accountable, etc. How's that sound?

So we should get in the habbit of checking this board everyday, to offer support, or receive support.

In order to name our group, we should look for something we have in common. It appears that we can't find a group in our area. Here are some other things about me that we may or may not have in common.

I'm married (after being divorced for 20 years), 46, living in the south for one year. Unhappy with the church, lacking that community. I have a son who is grown and living in Michigan. Most of my family lives there, and all of my friends. I'm unemployed right now. I love to cook and bake, read, love movies, work out regularly, love spirituality, Martha Stewart, Audrey Hepburn, Stephen King and Lord of the Rings. Righ now, I lack the motivation to do anything! I am an Aerobics Instructor, a Massage Therapist, worked as a secretary most of my life, and I sell Mary Kay. I'm a vegetarian, and am into holistic healing.

Please post all about you!

[Barbs]

Hello Everyone,

I am just starting the "Stand Up For Your Life" and I really want to take part in this online group.

My name is Barb and I live in MN.
I am married (21 years in April), have two children (18 year old daughter, 17 year old son). I love having time with my family, going to movies, being on my computer and reading (I read books about business, mostly on sales & marketing).
I work out of my home as a sales representative for a few companies and love what I do!

Why am I taking part of "Stand Up For Your Life"?

I have spent so much of my life walking on egg shells. I never want to say things that hurt others feelings, offend others or make anyone feel uncomfortable...

In the last few years, taking a good long look at what I thought were friendships, I am realizing they aren't friendships at all. Because I can't say "no", I feel taken advantage of. I have truly become a "walk-on".

It's time I "Stand Up For My Life" and take it back!

I look forward to getting to know all of you, and will be as much support as I possible can.

BarbS

[mrsgoethert]

I'm so glad that you checked this thread out! I have to review the book (Stand Up for Your Life) because I have no idea how to have a group.

I just know that we can all overcome, scary as that may be, but Standing Up will change our lives! I had to do it once to a boss, and it was scary as anything I've ever done, but I had never felt so in control (eventually) and empowered. It took a lot of deep breaths, and started with a shakey voice, but by the end, I think both of us were shocked! All I can say is that you'll know what to do when the time comes, just steady your nerves and proceed. Once you start, it will feel natural.

Linda

P.S. So we are both married, both have children, both love movies and reading. I am from the North, we were practically neighbors! I think our ages are similar as well.

[jenn s]

I'm new here, am just getting started, so I'm sure I'm going to need and hopefully give a lot of support.

I'm Jenn (32) newly divorced, single, stay-at-home mom to Razzy (4) and Kath (1).

I look forward to getting to know you all...

[Barbs]

I'm so glad that you checked this thread out! I have to review the book (Stand Up for Your Life) because I have no idea how to have a group.

I just know that we can all overcome, scary as that may be, but Standing Up will change our lives! I had to do it once to a boss, and it was scary as anything I've ever done, but I had never felt so in control (eventually) and empowered. It took a lot of deep breaths, and started with a shakey voice, but by the end, I think both of us were shocked! All I can say is that you'll know what to do when the time comes, just steady your nerves and proceed. Once you start, it will feel natural.

Linda

P.S. So we are both married, both have children, both love movies and reading. I am from the North, we were practically neighbors! I think our ages are similar as well.
Linda,
Yes we do have a lot of the same interests! I am 42 years old.

Barb

[Barbs]

Hello Jenn and Welcome!

I am also new to all of this. I just started the "Stand Up For Your Life". I also just ordered "Life Makeover".

I am only in the first chapter...so I am very, very new!

Again, welcome...

Barb

[elenar]

Hi everyone;

I have not checked in about a week (Just life getting in the way again). I am glad to see the group is growing and moving along. I am also glad to see I have a lot in common with a couple of you...40something, kids, love movies and reading...

I live in Canada and am the mother of three girls (12, 11 and 7) and live with great guy who is very supportive and a great partner. He has three boys (15, 18, and 21) as well. The boys do not live with us. I am divorced from my girls' dad for 9 years now and have been with John for 7 years. I am 41 and I work full time. I am also starting my own Creative Memories business and having a really great time with that.
I have started reading “Stand up for your life" and it sounds like it’s just what I need. Most of the time, I walk around doing everything and not getting any one thing done. I feel like I am walking in a fog. Not sure where I am going but knowing that I am not where I am supposed to be.


Should we review the book by chapters or maybe by exercise?

[buttercup12]

Hi everyone! I'm glad that this group is finally getting started :)

It looks like I am the odd man here... I'm 25 years old and have no kids, but the cutest dog in the world :) I'm from Houston, Texas and am currently in New Hampshire, with my boyfriend of 3 years, until the summer time. I work for myself at home. I am into spirituality like someone else mentioned, so I guess there is something in common with us. I'm just loving life and curious to see whats in store for the future.

I have read Cheryl's "Touch of Grace" and "Life Makeovers" books, and have "Take Time for your Life and Stand Up For your Life" as well.

I'm glad that this group is getting going now. I will be checking back later to see who else signed up and what we will be doing next!

Welcome everyone :)

[buttercup12]

Is this going to be more like a book discussion club where we talk about a chapter a day or will it be more about talking about life experiences with grace?

[Barbs]

Hello Elenar,
Sounds like you have a very busy life!
I love your idea of reviewing the book together.

We could do chapters and discuss the exercises. Share our goals and progress on the exercises.

How does this sound to everyone?

Elenar...what chapter are you on in the book? I just started and am in chapter one.

Barb

[LGB705]

Hi,

I am Laura.
I've been reading Cheryl's books over the past 4 yrs along with some other life coaching books and love the way we can change our life for the better. I am interested in joining to continue this process with others.

I am 40 yrs old (mid-life crisis in a big way)- I left corporate america 2 yrs ago to spend more time with my kids and I love it. Though I do miss some of the corporate world and my "big girl" clothes.
Married for 4 yrs to my second husband who is my biggest supporter.
My children (from marriage #1) are boys - 9 yrs and 13 yrs (teens can be a challenge!) and my step children are 20 and 22 (a girl and boy respectively) who are away at college. A blended family has given me an opportunity to see how relationships work, how you are formed by the parents that raise you and how you take those lessons into other relationships. I was a step child, so I enjoy reflecting on what I wanted as a step parent when I was their age.
My father was diagnosed w/cancer of the pancreas at Christmas, and we are in the last days/weeks with him. I am very close to him, he is my only in-state parent and 64 yrs old. There is a lot of grieving going on in my heart right now.
Otherwise, there is a lot of happiness in my life and I enjoy where I am right now.

I am anxious to learn through exercises as well as through others in our group.

[mrsgoethert]

That's exactly what I had in mind! Yeah! I'm glad we all seem to be finding each other. Glancing through the introduction of Stand up for your Life, these are my suggestions. Feel free to jump in.

What I'd suggest first is that we all read the introduction because there are some important points in there about recognizing what some of our blocks may be. We can discuss some of this and perhaps get motivation from each other. There is a list of guidelines that we can begin to use.

1. We cannot commit to confidentiality, as anyone who wants to read this can. However, we don't have to give full names, etc.
2. I don't think we have to worry about giving equal time, as we just type and read at our leisure.
3. As far as advice goes, it says that only if someone asks for it should we give it. Of course, we can't be critical.
4. There is no need for anything here about sharing facilitating.
5. Focus on the positive.
6. Speak from your own experince.
7. Honor the group. We need to have check-in meetings to make sure that we are in agreement about how this is running.

What I envision is naming the group and having a "name of group" weekly thread. It seems to me that Sunday is the best, as you have a fresh new week to plan and one to look back on. So, whoever gets to the computer first begins a thread, "soandso" check in - 4/2. At that point, everyone checks in and begins with the progress they have made, (staying positive) the setbacks, and what they hope to accomplish in the upcoming week. We can ask for any advice, support, prayers or whatever might be needed to get through a challenge.

You can check in anytime you like during the week. Or should it be monthly, bi-weekly. What are your thoughts everyone?

Anyway, let's read the into, and just post thoughts and feelings that may come up from that as well as feedback from the above.

Thanks.

Hey, Elenar, glad you posted about creative memories. I'm working on my scrapbook (third) and you can keep me updated about what new products are out there! You can email me at lgoethert@bellsouth.net and send me your web-site or something. Yippee!!!

Linda

[mrsgoethert]

Laura, you must have been posting while I was posting my last comment. I am so sorry to hear about your father. You have quite a difficult time ahead of you! I've been through it, both of my parents. If there is anything I can do - even on line, there are many tools that can help you through this. I'd be happy to help out in anyway I can.

Linda

[elenar]

I am so glad to meet you all (Linda, Barb, Laura and Jenn)
I think the plan is great! Sundays work for me.
Laura my prayers are with you, your family and specially your father.
Linda I will e-mail you my web site. Thank you.


So let’s review the introduction. Talk to you soon

[Barbs]

Love the plan! When should we begin to post about the intro?

[jdoe]

Hello everyone, I regularly post at the finding myself/passion thread. I just happened to browse here and this sounds like just the book/thread I need. I don't have a copy of the book but will try and get one soon so I can participate:)

I will turn 37 in May, a stay at home mom to two boys in school, ages 9 and 6 and a 10 month old girl. Coming up on 10yrs. of marriage in May. Not sure how happy I am in the marriage or how happy it has even been for the past 9:confused:. Since having children I have only worked very part time jobs here and there that work around my families schedule. I have had an awakening recently that I have "lost" me in taking care of everyone else and not myself. Hence the reason for starting the finding myself/passion thread. I have made small changes and basically have started "Standing Up for My Life" with the hopes of getting back to ME!

Hopefully I can find a home here with all of you:) .

[mrsgoethert]

Hi everyone! I can't believe what has happened just by setting an intention. I was called the other day to do massage for the Masters Tournament. I won't be doing the players or anything, just the guests at the nearby hotel. Which translates into company expense and big bucks!!! After being unemployed for a year... Whoopie! I thought good things would come by finally doing something about my situation, but never expected that.

I wanted to metnion also, for those that have read the Celestine Prophecy, check with your local unity church because they are having a special screening this weekend!!!

Anyway, Should we start a new thread for the intoduction chapter or just continue? I guess I'll know the answer when I look here again.

I think we should all read the chapter and notice and share anything that comes up for us.

I can say that on the first checklist I have checked that I feel I am not living up to my full potential, and when I'm upset with someone I'd rather talk myself out of it than confront the issue. I also notice that Cheryl must have been my sister as I have been brought up with the exact same set of rules, with the exception of don't out-suceed your loved ones, my mother did want me to become something. I know that from all my years of self-help and unity and listening to thousands of lectures and cassettes, I've come a long way. 20 years ago I could have easily checked every single one of these.

I heard a minister say that you should look at your life and not be depressed over how far you have yet to go, rather be impressed by how far you've come!

It says to make sure that we all have journals for the exercises, and we have formed a group. We have completed the Take Action Challenge.
Congratulations.

Linda

[elenar]

WOW!!!!! The Master's Tournament!!! How exciting for you!!! Congratulations!!! That sounds like a great opportunity for you.

What do you mean “by setting an intension”?

I think that starting a new thread would be good idea. It will help to keep us focused on the work at hand. Let us know what the new thread name is. Have you come up with a name for us yet? How about “Circle of courage”

I too feel that I am not meeting my potential. I think I checked off more of the list that not. I too was encouraged to out-succeed my parents but have always gotten mixed signals when it came right down to it. I was the first in my family to Graduate from University; actually I am the only one that has. My Brother came close and he could very well have graduated through correspondence but the last time I checked he had not. Yet he is the apple of my parent’s eye. I do think that I am decisive though. When I make a decision, I rarely ask for input, I do gather all the data available and go with my gut. This is something that comes from taking care of everyone and not really being able to trust other people. WOW!! A “Light bulb moment”.

I have my journal ready to go. Let me know what you decide on the new thread.

[mrsgoethert]

By setting my intention, I just mean that I decided that something had to be done to improve my life and took a few small steps, journaling, praying, goal setting, posting on this board, etc... Just letting the universe know that I'm ready to be of service again!

I think that separate threads will just lessen the need for scrolling down through many many entries that are unrelated. I hadn't even considered that we'd stay more focused! Good one!

I like Circle of Courage. It sounds hopeful. Any other takers???

Elenar, it's great that you had a lightbulb moment while posting! That is encouraging.

[LGB705]

I like that name: Circle of Courage!
I will wait for the new thread too.

And thank you for your kind words regarding my father. Yesterday we met with the doctor to select in home hospice care. He said my father could be with us for a couple weeks or up to 2 months. So at least we know where we are. Dad wants us to help him make DVD videos for the grandchildren and leave special messages behind. He is so brave.

Laura

[mrsgoethert]

Wow Laura! I can't tell you how truly awesome that is. To be facing death, and have the presence of mind to be so generous. You are a lucky woman to have known and loved him, and that is something you get to keep forever.

[elenar]

Wow is right. What a wonderful idea to leave something for all of you to cherish. I was going to suggest a scrapbook but boy!! This is much better. Do what feels right.

Please know that my prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Make sure you take care of yourself through all of this. I hope that you are blessed with lots of friends to lean on through these times. Just know that we are all here too, if you just need to talk.

Elena

[Lmc382]

Hello everyone!

I'm kind of new to all of this, but I'm in a little bit of a rut right now, and I've come to the realization that I need some support. Hopefully, you'll have some insight.

I feel like I've completely lost touch with myself. I have the tendency to shut down emotionally and suppress my anger and fear. I'm in a relationship now for a year and a half and in about 3 months, we're moving into our new apartment together, and I've realized that I have no idea how to handle being in a lasting relationship. I don't want to ruin this one like I've ruined my other ones.

Does anybody have any suggestions as to how to get in touch with myself again?
-Lisa