sustaining group

[callaleia]

I am looking for tips on how to create a long lasting support group. The Life Makeover groups I've been in, have been great but have fizzled when we finished the book. Do you have any ideas of what to do after we've worked through all of CR's books?

[sagithree]

Hi Callaleia! :)

Guess the question is, once your group finishes Cheryl's books, does this mean everyone is now living the life they want?

Did they accomplish all they needed to? If yes, then perhaps re-defining the group's purpose is in order. Would you all like to make it a social gathering place? Or would you like to meet once a month to "check-up" and see if everyone is still living the life they designed or are adjustments needed?

If everyone has not achieved their ideal life, would it be beneficial to ask what is still missing in each person's life that they would like to achieve? Are there still goals that need work? Perhaps someone has changed their mind now that they have more info regarding their initial intended goal? What do they need to do now? Do you all share similar areas of life that need attention and might you all be able to spend additional time on a particular book or chapter that maybe requires more time than you gave it in the past?

I think it's great you found a group of people who committed to going through a whole book; even several books! :)

I wish you much luck in redirecting your group for a longer lasting relationship.

Sagithree

[Nancy B]

Callaleia,

I'm curious. How long did the group last? How long did you spend on each book? Did the group talk about the books or take action?

Some groups can become a book discussion group, talking about what they like and don't like, what they believe and don't believe. The secret of a Life Makeover Group is to do the exercises. Each member taking action between meetings and bringing back results to get support (and applause:) and strength to take the next action to change her life. That's what a good Life Makeover Group is about. As we share our experiences from a deep level we weave our stories and our lives together.

[Abundantmum]

Here is a lits of what our groups has tried.

Books:
1. Take time for your life
2. Life Makeover
3. Stand Up for Your Life

Open to new books on life direction and support

Guidelines:
Remain clear on the group goal - ours is to have and be acountable to action steps toward our life goals.

Honor the use of community as a support for Life success.

Group Meeting Structures:
Topic Discussion -sessions: all choose a favorite chapter and the group discusses this and how it can be applied to our life today.( all chapters come around over and over)

Guest Speaker: those that have been a part of the group for some time, have had profound expereinces with the LMO process and they are encouraged to share.

Ownership-responsibility - everyone has something to offer the group. Here are some of the roles we have created for our meetings- Facilitatior, welcome person, rules review, coffee/desert, location, share expereince etc..

Natural Migration: making a formal step of the group to say good bye to the regular meeting and to move on. Some groups have a begining and an end. Some people need this too.

Hope these suggestions help.
K

[GO4GR8]

I think if the level of committment and the level of support is there you can move on to other books. The support system of the group that leads to bonding will make all the difference. Sometimes people grow and feel they are done and sometimes I think they just don't feel they have the time to put into the group. I know for me I had to take a 3 month break because of a conflict with my job. I really missed that support. I eventually went to the group and asked if they would be willing to change one of the days we met so it would give me and some others a chance to make at least one meeting a month. The group was very supportive. I believe if you give your heart and your support to the group you will get back even more. Now why would I want to leave that.
-D