WELCOME!

Once again we arrive at a time of transition. While the seasons begin to change, we -- hopefully reenergized and refreshed -- put away our beach attires and camping gear to embrace the routine of work and school. In this issue of the EGScoach newsletter, the feature article talks about the struggles between living life as it plays itself and the anxiety of achieving goals. Are we being flexible and being able to dance in this moment? After you read the article and the other items here, write back to me with your thoughts. I would love to get your reaction, comments and ideas. And maybe you will think of someone who would also benefit from reading it. Don’t hesitate to forward it to them.

I wish you all the best in your journey.
Until next time!

Elias Scultori
professional life coach

LIFE – A JOURNEY OR AN ENDLESS EXPECTATION?

This is the perfect example of things that are much easier said than done. We all know the answer to this question and we know that every day is a step in the process we began when we first arrived here on this planet. But in spite of knowing this, we continue to get ourselves caught up in a world of expectations that can only give us more frustration and anxiety. How can we take a day at a time and make this process a joy ride instead of a never-ending frustration? Here are 5 items we need to make sure we pack before we go...

 Presence
Where is your mind right now? Are you caught in the expectation of the future or in the memories of the past? Life is playing to us right now, in this very moment, and most of us are missing the most important moment: Now! Stop for a second, look around, look inside. Take a big breath and listen. Surrender.

 Purpose
When you look inside your heart, what is your goal? Have you ever thought about it or you simply live your days stumbling through your to-do list without much meaning. Having a clear idea of where you are going makes the journey smoother and meaningful. When you get caught in the expectations of the final result, step back and look inside. There resides your true passion. There resides your purpose.

 Planning
Planning gives us a clear view of our journey and puts us right on the path we are intended to be. But we need to be careful because planning comes with 2 warnings. First, sometimes we get caught up in the planning itself without executing it. Second, we need to always be open to make certain adjustments along the way. Life has a way of making turns we do not expect. Without excuses, can we be flexible and understand that what we see is ever so small in the great scheme of things?

 Persistence
As you go along the way, there will be days when it will all seem so very difficult and never ending. You will begin to doubt yourself and to even doubt the whole journey all together. Be present! It is here that you will find strength to continue moving forward. Listen and if necessary refine your approach, adjust but keep going. Never give up!

 Patience
Patience comes with faith -- faith in the journey. And the journey is not about the final result but about taking every moment as it is. Do you trust that life is giving you the exact moment that you are intended to live right now?

A whole journey is made up of a collection of every single moment. Even though we need to trace our path and to set our direction, as we start moving, the joy will come not by the urge to get to the final destination, but instead by paying attention to what is happening now and know that it is in this moment that life is playing at its best. Now is the only moment we can really live. If we live now, we will be living our journey.

VIDEO

REVIEW
“South Pacific” (Rodgers & Hammerstein)
Nellie Forbush, Kelli O’Hara
Emile de Becque, Paulo Szot
Vivian Beaumont Theatre -- Lincoln Center, NYC

My friend John and I had the opportunity to see the amazing revival of South Pacific on Broadway this past month. Of course I wouldn’t dare write yet another review on its incredible direction, cast, set design and lighting. You can find countless articles about this multiple award winning production by a click of your mouse. But as a life coach, I can’t help highlighting some of the aspects of the plot that caught my attention.

If you don’t know this musical at all, in summary, this is the story of Nellie, a naïve country girl who, while working on a South Pacific island as a US Nurse during World War II, falls in love with Emile, a middle-aged French man with a very controversial and diverse background. With the eagerness to know what life has to offer outside her small town upbringing, Nellie struggles between embracing the opportunities for happiness and fulfillment that life is presenting her and the prejudices and unchallenged values she grew up with.

If you don’t have the opportunity to see the show live, I would highly recommend seeing any version on video. As you watch it, think of the options and opportunities you may have in your own life right now. Are there any internal hurdles and preset ideas that are on the way for you to embrace them? What are the steps you need to take to open your heart, challenge your own values and take the plunge?

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 29/31 – Labor Day Gay Men’s Retreat, Rowe, MA
September 19 – The GLBT Community Center, New York, NY
October 7 – Q-Spot, Asbury Park, NJ

For more information or to book a presentation in your own organization call 732.419.2566.