Counseling Corner and Therapy Tidbits by Corrie

How to Handle Confrontation!

2011-09-11T12:40:00.001-04:00

How do you handle it when someone uses emailing as a form of confrontation? What do you make of it?

I call it the "BLAME GAME"!

Using email or written form to cope with ones' stress and anger can sometimes be a very inappropriate way of handling a problem or issue especially in the workplace. Whatever the case is about that you might be having or experiencing with someone, it is best to process the information verbally and in person. Sometimes through email (or in other written formats), words and tone can come out in a manner that sounds degrading and can also seem as though you are blaming instead of helping to take part of the responsibility of fixing or solving the problem (especially if the problem is mutual). As a counselor, coach, and mental health therapist - we are taught and trained thoroughly that CONFRONTATION (all though not something we want to do) is necessary and a grave part of life. There is a way to do this in person that does not degrade or disrespect another person/s. It has to do with having mutual respect as well as having respect for yourself. I'll talk about boundaries in the next posting (part 2 on parenting confrontation)! Pam's going to help out with this one - Holla at me Pam!

Blaming is an irrational way to look at any problem. In therapy we call these "irrational thoughts" or thinking distortions a way of "stinky thinking" (Albert Ellis). "Stinky Thinking" needs to be changed because it is the negative thinking that can interfere with choosing a positive lifestyle. Here are some common thinking distortions that Sigmund Freud, Albert Ellis, and other psychology researchers have termed over the past 150 years. We all do them. What's important is how we can use these distortions less in our lives and change the way we think over time. It's ultimately a choice. As humans we are creatures of habit - change is hard but inevitable!

Patterns of Thinking Distortions:

All or Nothing: This is where one sees everything as all good or all bad. No room for meeting in the middle. Wanting absolute perfection in yourself or others. Purely black and white thinking.

Jumping to Conclusions: Assuming a negative result will happen when it has not happened yet.

Negative Expectations: Expecting an experience to be negative (similar to jumping to conclusions).

Grandiose Expectations: Expecting those to give you something in return for your past contributions or good work, etc. A few examples might be: you expect the $100,000 salary per year job because you believe you are the only one for the job because you are much smarter or better than all the rest - so you pass on the less paying job and end up unemployed and frustrated. Another example might be: that the woman you just took out on your second date "deserves" to give you want you want afterwards - meaning sexual favors.

Overgeneralizing (entitlement): thinking if something happened once - it will always happen that way.

Victim Stance: affects how you interact with people. This is the "poor me" when things are not going right. You believe everyone else is the cause of your problems. This can flow right into overgeneralizing or entitlement thinking as well.

Catastrophizing: a catastrophe is a disaster, a situation in which everything has gone wrong and there's no way out. In catastrophizing you assume that everything bad is going to happen because one thing goes wrong.

Minimizing: making something big seem like a no big deal because you do not want to focus or take responsibility for the behavior.

In order to change some of these thinking distortions....psychologists, counselors, and therapists use "cognitive restructuring" -- a way of thought changing - the way you think! More on C.R. later.

What is Self-Actualization?

2011-09-10T09:15:00.001-04:00

Read this blog on the Characteristics of the Self-Actualized Person. Kendra's Psychology Blog is updated a few times a week - great info on this About.com site. Just thought I'd share!

Happy Reading.....

Corrie :-)

What makes us moral?

2011-09-09T06:26:00.001-04:00

Many aspects of personality are controlled by morality. As a result, most behaviors are influenced by moral motives. Many conflicts and misunderstanding's originate from the differences people have in the levels of their morality. Do you think good morals will lead you to good relations with others and eventually a happy life?

Please post your thoughts/comments. Thank you!

Corrie :-)

Health Benefits of Sex

2011-09-08T20:33:00.002-04:00

health benefits of sex

Phew! Busy summer!!!

2011-08-27T16:18:00.000-04:00

My blogging went on summer break without me! 

More tidbit of informative information coming soon!

Recovering from my 4 months of intense work!

I've been busy as a bee!!!

;-)

Perfection = Procrastination!

2011-05-10T12:02:00.000-04:00

Continued from my blog on Your New Life in 2009: Procrastination & Time Management post.

Sometimes, as grown ups (and we tend to learn and pick up this perfectionism trait as children/teens) that being perfect is the way to get things done! Well I'm here to tell you it is NOT! I've obviously learned this the hard way! Therefore, I'm here to share some of my experiences with you. By doing so I will share how to manage your time, stay organized, stay focused...and yes, STOP TRYING TO BE PERFECT! Trying to be perfect all the time - places you in the RED ZONE of despair! Quit it! How about making it your New Year's Resolution?

Thoughts/Comments?

More to come!
Coach Corrie

{photo above courtesy of: istockphoto.com}

Domestic Violence Resources for Men.

2011-04-23T15:40:00.002-04:00

http://domesticviolenceresourcesformen.blogspot.com/

http://www.oregoncounseling.org/Handouts/DomesticViolenceMen.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/domestic-violence-against-men/MY00557

http://www.dvmen.org/

http://www.theduluthmodel.org/ (based on the one towards women)
There is little research on domestic violence on men. Found some here. Hope it helps. I had some requests for this topic from students.

Peace,
C

Check out my psychology blog.....

2011-04-13T08:15:00.000-04:00

Learn to Appreciate the World of Psychology with Professor Corrie!

Procrastinator? 7 Ways to Push Procrastination Aside and Elevate Your Game!

2011-04-02T15:00:00.001-04:00

Procrastinator Challenge Article Published at Ezine Articles!
How can you have better time management?
comments/suggestions?
Please post!!!

Who gives me INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION?

2011-03-01T17:22:00.000-05:00

The women in my life!

"The Twins" - Aunt Joyce & Mom

Grandma & Cousin Karen

Kim, Pam, Corrie

(Always the 3 Muskeeters!)

Kim & Pam @ Beach

Corrie & Melissa

Corrie & Cindy

Corrie, Tammy, Nancy

Monserrat & her girls!

Corrie & Shirin @ Shirin's daughter's wedding

Kristie & Corrie @ Beach

Purchase counseling sessions now!

2011-01-14T11:35:00.004-05:00

After you click and purchase your session/s, an email will be sent to you to set-up an appointment time with Corrie via telephone or skype! It's that easy!

Ask me!

2011-01-02T14:28:00.002-05:00

HAPPY 2011!

2011-01-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

New Year?

New Resolutions?

Let's call them NEW CHALLENGES instead of resolutions!

Did you know....

50% of Americans make New Year's Resolutions and about 75% of them keep these resolutions for the first week of the new year only??? As many as 46% keep their resolutions for the first six month....that's not a big figure! (Source: npr.org)

Therefore....let me help you make resolutions (challenges!) you can stick with!

Here are my top 5:

1. Be realistic. Be specific. - Be practical and relevant and set a time limit so you can measure your progress.

2. Make plans in advance and write down your goals. - Have a small book, journal, blackberry diary list, that only YOU have access to. It is important that you also write down how you will reward yourself.

3. Be detailed with your plans. - Be truthful about the reasons for wanting to reach the goal. Remember why you failed before and how you can learn from these lessons/experiences.

4. Take it one day or one minute at a time. - Tell yourself it's just for today and measure your progress steadily. Don't place a heavy burden on yourself.

5. Stick to it for at least six (6) weeks. - Research shows us that most new habits become part of your routine within six weeks, and if you can keep it up for six months, your on your way to a lifelong habit!

Stay warm this January,

Coach Corrie ;-)

*The above article by Coach Corrie was published two times: once in The Gainesville Sun Newspaper on Dec., 29, 2006 as well as on ezinearticles.com.

Mourning the loss of your pet ;-(

2010-11-06T13:06:00.002-04:00

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/11/06/on-mourning-the-death-of-a-pet/

Coffee Talk Anyone???

2010-06-05T15:58:00.006-04:00

Coach Corrie is THE Stress Management Coach!

Whose on board? Who needs to de-stress!!!???

Coach Corrie guides her clients in breaking through the negative stress in their lives, with research proven strategies and “thinking” transformations. Through these simple techniques individuals are able to move to a more regulated type of positive stress. Clients are able to use these essential tools for a total body and mindful change.
Those who I’ve helped facilitate change in their lives…

Whether you are a:
Leader at work…
Parent under too much stress and pressure…
Stay-at-home/work-at home mom…
Students unable to gain control over their academic lives…
On the verge of burn-out syndrome…

Or…
Need help managing boundaries with others…
Need to build confidence, find focus and career direction…
Have issues with rest, relaxation, sleep….
Want to learn how to apply the Laws of Attraction so they WORK for you…
Have NEVER taken a vacation for sheer pleasure & relaxation!

Then….you‘ve come to the right COACH!

You may obtain these life-changing strategies though
the Coaching Club Transformation trainings via
COFFEE TALK with Coach Corrie on TalkShoe.com LIVE Teleclasses!
Click here to sign up via DreamCatcher Business and Life Coaching
Come vent to me during an episode of COFFEE TALK!

Learn….
How to take the stress off your challenges!
To use guided imagery!
How to build self-confidence!
How to manage your time more effectively!
How to correctly apply the Laws of Attraction in your life!
How to write your resume effectively: Resume Writing Series
and much more!

About the coaching club: Coffee Talk is a group coaching club for those individuals wanting to experience career and life coaching with proven d-stressing techniques. This will be led by Coach Corrie who is a registered mental health counselor in the state of Florida. However, she will not be conducting psychotherapy. Coaching is different. To understand the differences between psychotherapy and coaching please click here:
What’s the difference between psychotherapy and life coaching?

Sign up is taking place NOW for July 2010.
Day/Time: Mondays at 9pm EST and Fridays at 9am EST - this is subject to change based on the desires of the participants and Coach Corrie. Topics change weekly so check out the blog for more weekly details:

The first Friday of every month at 11am you can listen in for 15 min. of FREE LIVE BROADCAST of COFFEE TALK where you can come with your questions for Coach Corrie and see if COFFEE TALK is for you!

To join the FREE sessions log into http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/74053
Or call in with your telephone: Phone Number: (724) 444-7444 Call ID: 74053
So come as you are and grab your beverage and join me for Coffee Talk.

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change!” – Wayne W. Dyer
Warning: Stress can cause severe health problems and, in extreme cases, can cause death. While these stress management techniques and research strategies have been shown to have a positive effect on reducing stress, they are for guidance and educational purposes only, and readers should take the advice of suitably qualified health professionals if they have any concerns over stress-related illnesses or if stress is causing significant or persistent unhappiness. Health professionals should also be consulted before any major change in diet or levels of exercise changes. The advice on this blog is for educational purposes only.

Coffee Talk (new time...Fridays @ 10am EST)

2010-05-27T11:53:00.005-04:00

Please join me for tomorrow's FREE Coffee Talk Episode....about exploring self-empowerment for women.

May motivational quotes.....

2010-05-20T12:19:00.003-04:00

The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible. - Authur C. Clarke

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence therefore is not an act but a habit. - Aristotle

Coach Corrie's Women's Self-Empowerment and Positive Parenting Series.................

2010-04-19T06:55:00.010-04:00

will be coming this May 2010! Check back soon for details!

photo: istockphoto.com

Happy April Fools Day!

2010-04-01T00:33:00.004-04:00

Just for fun post!

What are you doing for fun to fool someone today?

Share your comments below at the link, please!

Spring Foward!

2010-03-15T11:44:00.010-04:00

How many of you are having a hard time adjusting with this Spring Forward time??? I know I am! On top of my hectic last week and weekend with family and friends....I've been trying to get cracking on working today but the time change is affecting me a wee bit!

By the way....

Whose joining me for COFFEE TALK this week??? You still have time to sign up before we meet online with TalkShoe for the next series of learning about the Laws of Attraction and how you can use the LOA to work for you!!!

Here's the link so you can sign up and join me for this 2 part COFFEE TALK series this month!

Laws of Attraction 101 with Coach Corrie!

Click here!

Spring Break!

2010-03-09T12:26:00.008-05:00

I'm taking some time off for Spring Break!

However, Spring Cleaning is calling my name!!!
Looks like Molly's resting...and not gonna help me out! ;-)

Her fav pastime is watching the birds, ducks and people walk around the lake in our backyard! She's a relaxer, for sure!

What are you doing productive this week???

Share in the comments section!

COFFEE TALK w/Coach Corrie.....continues!

2010-02-22T11:25:00.006-05:00

For those of you that missed the 3 part Resume Series of COFFEE TALK -

you can sign up for the next series:

The Laws of Attraction (2-part series)

along with learning how to do a correct vision board!

Here are the dates: March 3 and 17, 2010!

You can sign up via this link!

The cost is $97 for the monthly coaching club (via COFFEE TALK)

which will include free unlimited coaching emails from me Coach Corrie!

So sign up today - space in this telecourse is limited!

One more week and then February is over....

what are you waiting for this new year???

Let the Laws of Attraction work for you to bring you ABUNDANCE

and that new life you've always wanted.

Understanding E-therapy vs. Live Therapy/Counseling

2010-02-12T20:35:00.000-05:00

I found this site today: The ABC's of Internet Therapy and I wanted to share it with you. Since the question of online vs. live one-on-one therapy/counseling has risen on a few occasions lately for me. What exactly are the differences? Which is right for you?

Hope this helps!

Please post your comments or thoughts - or email me privately:

coachcorrie {at} yahoo {dot} com

or visit me on Live Person {dot} com

click on the 'Virtual Office' button at the top of my blog!

~Coach Corrie

COFFEE TALK! TOMORROW 9pm EST!

2010-02-02T09:57:00.004-05:00

Join me! For the 2nd Show of COFFEE TALK tomorrow 2/3/2010 - Sign up here!

The Resume Writing Series!

- In person and telephone interviewing Skills

- Social Networking to land your next job!

-Basic Resume Writing (yes, there's a write and a wrong way of doing a resume/c.v.)

If you missed my 1st Episode of COFFEE TALK tonight...

2010-01-20T23:39:00.012-05:00

Check it out by clicking on the

TalkShoe Link at the top of this blog!

FREE SHOW!

Topic: Turning New Year's Resolutions into CHALLENGES

and then LONG TERM GOALS!

Subtopics: Time Management, Procrastination, Using S.M.A.R.T. goals, Goal Setting, and feelings of being overwhelmed...

Looking for help with 2010 CHALLENGES???

I'm here to help with tips

and coaching advice!

Who is affected?

Time is a GIFT!

What are you doing with your time???

Have you seen this??? Effects of Stroke Victim

2010-01-17T11:44:00.007-05:00

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, PhD discusses how it "feels" to have a stroke. Dr. Taylor is a brain science researcher, advocate, and National Spokeswoman for Harvard Brain Tissue Reasarch Center. I share this presentation with my students during our brain anatomy lessons each term and wanted to share her unique way of describing the BRAIN and how it functions or does not function depending on the situation!

She paints an EXCELLENT picture to her audiences around the country about how our human brain works and what happens when something goes wrong and the effects the trauma of being a stroke victim herself.

Enjoy this link!

What is a "tweenager"?????

2010-01-12T08:15:00.009-05:00

It's a term that professionals use to describe the developing child from the ages of 10 and 14 years of age. Here a fellow blogger - "The Pocket Psychologist" writes a post about tweens here.

What are the developmental milestones and crisis stages for children in this age range.

Does your "tween" fall into this category of "typical" or "atypical" behaviors?

How can you recognize it maybe time to ask for some professional help for your tween?

Could be a possible COFFEE TALK session in the future! Comments/Thoughts...

PLEASE post at the link below!

Thanks for your input! Your input does help me -

so post, post, post your thoughts please!

-Coach Corrie ;-)

Coffee Talk w/ @coachcorrie begins January 20!

2009-12-29T13:45:00.007-05:00

Group Coaching experience....where you can sit back in the comfort of your home or office with your coffee or favorite beverage and discuss life and career issues in a safe and confidential environment. You can sign up for our first session which starts on, Wednesday, January 20 at 9pm EST. Click on this link to sign up!

New Year's Resolutions to Time Managment!

2009-12-19T12:43:00.003-05:00

Coming soon!

Join @CoachJaynine.....for.....

2009-12-19T10:52:00.002-05:00

a FREE event this January 9, 2010 in North Carolina!

Check out @CoachJaynine's new post.....

2009-12-18T08:50:00.003-05:00

about cell phones...............

http://coachjaynine.com/blog/

and

email ettiquette!

Happy Friday!

~Coach Corrie ;-)

What are you willing to change in 2010......to have a more satisfying life?????

2009-12-12T21:30:00.004-05:00

Thoughts/Comments?

post them or email me!

coachcorrie {at} yahoo {dot} com

What are you THANKFUL for????

2009-11-26T21:00:00.001-05:00

Comments from Thanksgiving week's Twitter report!

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: COACHCORRIE

I'm thankful for....

anonymous said...."life"

Coach Jaynine said: "I am thankful for great friends, family, and abundance of everything that really counts".

Designgal1229 said: "I am thankful I have a roof over my head, a job that pays the bills, food to eat, awesome family and friends to share my life with".

Coach Corrie said: "that I'm alive and well...and have a great circle of family and friendships".

anonymous said...."cherished family memories".

anonymous said..."the gift of my newborn baby".

Thanks guys for sharing!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

~Coach Corrie

Gifted Children....more questions - but where are the answers???

2009-11-20T16:49:00.003-05:00

I found this article online today about gifted children.

This topic keeps coming up from my clients and from the

parents of some of my young clients.

A trending topic...let's see how many I can find this week.

Motivation - Ambition could end up = Boredom???

2009-11-18T10:26:00.007-05:00

Good message board link on mamapedia.com about gifted children being bored.

Here are some answers from other parents and how they

challenged their children to reverse the boredom!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAMMY!

2009-11-16T11:11:00.004-05:00

Enjoy your day! See ya soon!

wow - lots of b-days this month!

More blogging soon! Please check back!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS!

2009-11-03T12:36:00.004-05:00

HOPE IT'S A GREAT ONE ALL WEEK!

LOVE YA!

Check it out! New Resource via Coach Corrie!

2009-10-06T08:56:00.005-04:00

Check me out!

Thank you, Alltop!

2009-08-22T12:17:00.003-04:00

Alltop approved my blog for professional listing!

Check me out on Alltop!

Hope everyone is enjoying the last bit of summer....

Football season starts in 2 weeks!

Tuesday Motivation!

2009-08-11T20:39:00.003-04:00

"If you can DREAM it, you can DO it".

-Walt Disney

I've been slackin'.......

2009-08-08T10:21:00.008-04:00

[Fiji photo courtesy: travelbeach.org]

.....with my posts lately! I have a good reason....It's been a busy summer! First part of summer was relaxing and I had some fun beach hopping and spending some quality time with myself. Hey self-reflection is important.

Most recently I've been busy getting my classes to wind down but

as promised - more motivational and inspirational posts to come soon!

New series.....check back next week!

"coach"

Another....Motivational Quote for August!

2009-08-06T14:47:00.007-04:00

{photo: Cortona, Italy}

"What could you achieve in life if you decided to become totally and blissfully impervious to hostile criticism and to rejection"?

—GARY S. GOODMAN

A LITTLE AUGUST MOTIVATION!

2009-08-03T12:21:00.012-04:00

"To love someone deeply, gives you strength.

Being loved by someone deeply, gives you courage".

-Lao Tzu

{photo courtesy of self - on this summer's trip to a beach in FL with my significant other!}

Featured Cause in Gainesville, FL

2009-07-20T15:45:00.006-04:00

Every August The Children's Miracle Network is hosted at UF Shands Hospital. Check them out here!

Featured Cause!

2009-07-15T22:28:00.005-04:00

Giving Back!

Check out Ashton Kutcher's cause here (plus other celebs).

You can even sign up on Twitter for updates.

Thanks, Tina!

2009-07-11T09:44:00.005-04:00

Everyone knows I love carrot cake! Yum-O (as Rachel Ray would say!)

I stumbled upon Tina's blog last year when I began my new year's resolution!

Check me out on Tina's Blog Roll over at Carrots n Cake!

A great blog/site dedicated to healthy eating and living!

I try to keep up with Tina weekly. Great blog to check

out if you haven't already (she's on my blog roll too!)

Hope you all are having a great summer!

Cheers!

Coach Corrie :-)

The "Causes" Month!

2009-07-11T08:49:00.005-04:00

Join Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore in the quest to find homes for animals!

Check out Broadway Barks! Too cool!

Another worthy cause!

The "Causes" Month!

2009-07-10T17:20:00.005-04:00

We are devoting the month of July to supporting good causes!

From Joey's Let's Get This Foundation to help children in need of books...

to the newest one we found.....Rosa Loves!

Check out this cause - help support those in need by buying a limited edition t-shirt! Here's where the fundraising goes.

Joey's Caring Nature...

2009-07-03T12:14:00.007-04:00

Joey's caught caring again!

We're with you all the way Joe....

Whose gonna round up some children's books with me???

email me and I'll collect the books to send to Joey's Foundation!

coachcorrie@yahoo.com

Needing a little R & R this summer....Try Miami!

2009-07-02T10:40:00.003-04:00

Check out the Fountainbleau's Summer Specials.....this is a DEAL, for sure!

Let's Get This! Help Joey's Book Drive!

2009-06-24T23:39:00.008-04:00

Join me in supporting this cause - The Let's Get This Foundation - helping kids all over get a jump start to early childhood literacy! Surf his new website for info regarding this worthy cause. Watch the Vlogs by Joey Mac himself which are updated regularly.

Let's Get This!!!

Peace,

Coach Corrie :-)

P.S. - Definitely some inspiration and motivation here, right??? Thanks Joey!

Summer Time! Inspiration & Motivation? YES!

2009-06-18T17:00:00.005-04:00

Pardon my break but I've been beach hopping in FL. Enjoy this pic of one of the sunrises....the blog will be up and running again soon!

We all must take time for rest and relaxation!

I hope this summer brings you peace, tranquility, inspiration and motivation!

Peace,

Coach Corrie :-)

Little fish....big ocean...or BIG FISH...small pond?

2009-05-10T11:33:00.025-04:00

I had a student email me this week saying people were "talking" about me on rateyourprofessors.com.

So I had to check it out!

Thanks for the kind words...

I appreciate your critique of my work!

I SAY THINK BIG!!!!

THINK BIGGER!!!!

As Micheal Port says in the THINK BIG MANIFESTO/REVOLUTION..."a personal manifesto for thinking bigger about who we are and what we offer the world...it's a professional manifesto, too, of course. After all, your profession is as much a part of your hopes and dreams as your personal life, or is should be if you're thinking big" (page 17).

He goes on to say..."Inspiring others to think big is perhaps the single most important act of any one individual thinking big" (p. 18).

"We will think bigger about who we are and what we offer the world" - Micheal Port

Micheal Port is the creator of ThinkBigRevolution.com, a social networking site for big thinkers and he is a marketing "guru" as termed by the Wall Street Journal. He's been seen on MSNBC and Donny Deutsch's Big Idea several times. He's a great mentor and coach as well. Thanks Michael for your leadership and innovative ideas. It has helped me grow my business tremendously.

Work Cited Resource: Port, Michael. (2009). The Think Big Manifesto. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND!

2009-05-08T14:36:00.010-04:00

Who gives me inspiration & motivation? My mother!

Thanks mom for all you do for me and for our family!
You are definitely an inspiration to me.

Happy Mother's Day!

To My Mother:
For all the times you gently picked me up,
When I fell down,
For all the times you tied my shoes
And tucked me into bed,
Or needed something
But put me first instead.
For everything we shared,
The dreams, the laughter,

And the tears,
I love you with a "Special Love"
That deepens every year.

- Poem's Author Unknown

Aren't these Orchids beautiful! I bought them at Fresh Market

here in Gatorville....one for my mother and one for my aunt - for MOTHER'S DAY!

Grandma - who's 95...loves yellow roses - so she will receive roses instead!

What gives you Inspiration & Motivation?

2009-05-03T19:08:00.011-04:00

Children!

Children give me inspiration and motivation!!!

I went to the butterfly museum with some clients these past two weeks. It was so amazing! I wanted to share these pics with you!

{all my photos were taken at the

UF Natural History Museum - Butterfly Rainforest Exhibit}

Happy May! New Topic Series!

2009-05-01T09:45:00.009-04:00

Using Travel for Inspiration & Motivation!

What gives you inspiration & motivation? For me its travelling!
Here's my Trip Advisor Profile...a fun place to socially network with other travelers and get the truth about places before you go!

More to come! Stay tuned!
Coach Corrie :-)

Munich, Germany

Regensburg, Germany

Salzburg, Austria

Genoa, Italy

Milan, Italy

Pisa, Italy

Venice, Italy

Monaco-Ville, Monaco

Jamaica, Caribbean

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Destin, FL, USA

Saint Augustine, FL, USA

Boston, MA, USA

View my profile

Create your own travel map or travel blog

Travel Info at TripAdvisor

Motivational Quote for Earth Day!

2009-04-22T09:35:00.006-04:00

"Hold out your hands to feel the luxury of the sunbeams".

-Helen Keller

Let's Eat Cake! Update!

2009-04-20T10:08:00.007-04:00

Here's the update on the event "Let's Eat Cake"! featured in this month's Gainesville Today Magazine! Go Melissa and the MasterPiece Wedding's Team!

For those of you that know my dad.....did you find him?!?!?!?

{Hint: Ludwig Gross}

Have a great week....I actually think we are done with the cool weather in North FL....it was 75 when I woke up today! Summer is just around the corner!

Coach Corrie :-)

Dog in need of good home please!

2009-04-15T12:29:00.008-04:00

A friend of mine needs to find STOGA a good home! She's the sweetest dog ever! If you are interested please email me: coachcorrie@yahoo.com for more info! She's here in Gainesville, FL

Believe......

2009-04-13T11:18:00.004-04:00

"If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. But when I believe I can, then I aquire the ability to do it even if I didn't have it in the beginning". - Ghandi

Sunday Motivation! Happy Easter, Everyone!

2009-04-12T11:04:00.012-04:00

Happy Easter!

"Our life is what our thoughts make it."

- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

"To love one another truly is to walk in the light, to live in truth, to be truly alive, and perfectly free."

- R.D. Laing, 1989 (quoting from Furchte deinen Nachsten wie

dich Selbst by Paul Parin, 1978).

"The affirmation of one's own life, happiness, growth, freedom, is rooted in one's capacity to love, ie., in care, respect, responsibility, and knowledge."

- Erich Fromm (1947, Man for himself)

Yahoooooo! To Low-Stress Jobs!

2009-04-11T16:24:00.007-04:00

Happy Saturday!

The sun is finally shining here in good ole...Gainesville! :-)

Looking for a new direction in your career!

Check out Yahoo's article on Low-Stress Jobs!

What's on your mind?

2009-04-04T12:46:00.009-04:00

Spring Cleaning!

New topics coming soon!

Are there any interesting topics you'd like for me to post/discuss? Please send me your thoughts and comments to this posting link or email me privately at coachcorrie@yahoo.com Thanks!

Motivational Quotes to Celebrate My 100th Posting!

2009-04-01T08:40:00.008-04:00

"Love is trusting, accepting, and believing, without guarantee. Love is patient and waits, but it's an active waiting, not a passive one. For it is continually offering itself in a mutual revealing, a mutual sharing. Love is spontaneous and craves expression through joy, through beauty, through truth, even through tears." ~ Leo Buscaglia

"Friends are those rare people who ask how we are, and then wait to hear the answer". ~Ed Cuunningham

To all my friends out there who "listen" for an answer...I say THANK YOU!

Much Love,
Corrie :-)

How wild will you be this summer/fall?????

2009-03-31T10:24:00.006-04:00

One of my most favorite books to read....as a child....and now in theatres....I'm going to see it! Who's going with me?!?!?!

Lights Out - Saturday Night!!!

2009-03-26T10:26:00.007-04:00

Thanks to my e-news from Santa Fe College....sharing a bit of it here with you all!

"Earth Hour, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday night, is when people around the planet will turn out their lights to raise awareness about the need to fight global warming. Learn more online at the Earth Hour website linked below. Organizers are calling it the world's first global election: Lights on, you're voting for global warming. Light's off, you're for the planet".

What are your quarterly goals?

2009-03-26T07:53:00.006-04:00

Are you taking time for you?

My quarterly goals (for spring and part of summer) are the 3 r's.....Rest, Relaxation, and Reflection.

Whose joining me?

Thoughts/Comments/Share yours please!

Motivational Quote....

2009-03-25T15:13:00.003-04:00

"The work of your heart, the work of taking time to listen, to help, is also your gift to the whole of the world". - Jack Kornfield

Bringing Energy to You.....!

2009-03-20T22:33:00.005-04:00

I've got the bug......I'm heading to AZ at some point this year!

Looking for spiritual energy???

If you have not had an opportunity to study or read up on the Vortexes in Arizona......harmonic convergence happens there....in Sedona!

Check out these links.

About.com

Sedona Vortex Tours

Sedona Spiritual Vacations

How about this for a little R & R!

More to come!

Coach Corrie :-)

Just some positive thoughts your way....

2009-03-06T14:46:00.003-05:00

Found it on Facebook! Thought I'd share.....

"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect . It means you decide to see beyond the imperfections".

THINK BIG! Always......

2009-03-06T08:14:00.014-05:00

I think Michael Port brilliantly summarized 2 posts for me! The ones I wrote on "Leadership and Morals"! Thanks Michael!

Therefore....today I bring to you - a special post from Michael Port appropriately titled: "Submit to Authority to Be an Authority". This is from his new networking site in which I've recently joined - The Think Big Revolution! It is a meeting place for BIG THINKERS! His new book, The Think Big Manifesto is coming out this Summer!

I've read his other books and they are truly revolutionary! You can pre-order The Think Big Manifesto as well as some of his other books on Amazon. The other 3 books are: Book Yourself Solid, Beyond Booked Solid, and The Contrarian Effect: Why It Pays (Big) to Take Typical Sales Advice and Do the Opposite.

Michael's been seen on MSNBC, Donnie Deutsch's Big Idea (Naturally!), CNBC, New York Times, Boston Globe, USA Today, and many more!

He's quite the innovative thinker. Thanks Micheal for your Leadership.

Check it all out!

Happy TGIF!

Coach Corrie :-)

TV-Turnoff Week (April 20-26, 2009)

2009-03-05T21:38:00.007-05:00

This April, millions of people in homes, schools, libraries, churches, and community groups across America will be voluntarily turning off their TV's for the National TV-Turnoff Week. Which was created in 1995 by the TV-Turnoff Network, a national non-profit organization that encourages adults and children to reduce the amount of TV watched in order to promote a richer, healthier, and more connected lives. For more info click here.

Will you join me?

Wrapping up a few loose ends.....

2009-03-04T09:25:00.024-05:00

Please pardon me for my lack of posts lately, I've been busy expanding A Brighter Tomorrow's services. However, I wanted to wrap up a few loose ends (from some of my earlier posts)....first off we had the parenting series! Which was loads of fun because I was able to probe the minds and parenting styles from some of my friends who have children. Pam (my B.F.F. in West TX) helped me out with a few of the posts. I wanted to say "thanks Pam" for your thoughts of wisdom and for being a "guest blogger" and To David (Pam's hubby) who inspires great guidance as well! Love you both! I had asked Pam to have her son's Samuel Dalton and John Jeffery write about what they felt were important qualities parents should have. I had to share some of their answers - boy do they get credit for helping out Auntie Corrie because this ends the parenting series for now!

Out of the mouths of children...

Dalton (almost 11 years old) writes:

1. Their Love!

2. They help me with homework.

3. They kiss me.

4. Sometimes they are mean.

5. Sometimes they are nice.

6. They let me play the PlayStation 2.

7. They say "good-night" they say "good-bye".

6. They say "I love you".

7. My brother and I get to cuddle with them.
8. They tickle me.

9. They take me to school.

10. They cook me dinner.

11. They are funny!

12. We take pictures.

13. We go to New Mexico.

14. We go to FL!!!

15. They read me stories.

16. They give me hugs - I give them hugs.

17. We go to restaurants.

18. We play in the backyard.

19. They give me gifts - I give them gifts.

20. They tuck me in at night.

John Jeffery (aka - J.J.) (7 years old) writes:

1. They love me!

2. They are funny!

3. They ground me - spank me.

4. They tickle me and scratch my back!

5. Hold the door for me.

6. They tell me what to do and what not to do!

7. They say goodbye.

8. They buy me presents.

9. Tell me to take out the trash.

10. They cuddle with me.

11. They buy me a fish.

12. They tell me when things are too "expensive"!

13. They buy me cars, toys, clothes.

14. They tell me how to make my bed.

15. They tell me how to clean my closet.

I love the #1 quality they both put down - Their Love! It's nice when kids can express that about their parents. Thanks Dalton & J.J. for ending our parenting series and being "guest bloggers"....Hugs and bunches of Kisses!

Auntie Corrie :-)

{Photos Courtesy of: Pamela Adams}

Cultural Taboos Around the World!

2009-03-04T08:50:00.011-05:00

I found this on Yahoo! hompage today (with my morning cup of coffee and e-news!). So when you travel around the globe this spring and summer (or if you travel for business often) maybe this article will help you not indirectly insult others!

Have a good Wednesday!

Ciao,
Coach Corrie :-)

Om.......

2009-02-26T10:31:00.011-05:00

Check out this article:

effects of meditation in helping to reduce crime rates!

It's an older research project that was done in 1993...maybe we could start a new one???

Continue the research? Add more variables? What do you think???

Thoughts/Commets?

Please post!

:-)

I have been....

2009-02-25T13:24:00.011-05:00

....e-published!

Most of you already know that I've been "secretly" writing articles and e-books for a while now....and the scripts have stemmed from my master's thesis. I've finally have most of them complete! Whohoooo! I am now an "Ezine Article" expert author! Click on the link above to see my first publication!

This is only one of my exciting pieces of news for the new year.....more exciting news in the next few weeks....and I will be completing the follow-ups to the last few blog posts on the parenting series (thank you Dalton and JJ!), values/morals, procrastination....and much more! So check back soon....

Have a great week!

Ciao,

Coach Corrie :-)

Make-A-Referral Week!

2009-02-18T00:18:00.005-05:00

Make a Referral - jump start the economy!!!

I’m pledging to make a referral to a business I want to help as part of a national campaign to make 1000 referrals March 9-13. What a great small business stimulus plan - won’t you join me? http://www.makeareferralweek.com/pledge

Make a Referral Week is an entrepreneurial approach to stimulating the small business economy one referred business at a time. The goal for the week is to generate 1000 referred leads to 1000 deserving small businesses in an effort to highlight the impact of a simple action that could blossom into millions of dollars in new business. Small business is the lifeblood and job-creating engine of the economy and merits the positive attention so often saved for corporate bailout stories.

The week long event also features a killer list of referral experts providing valuable marketing advice.

Do your part to stimulate the economy by telling your world about making referrals and Make a Referral Week - you’ll be in good company.

All the best,

Coach Corrie :-)

Let's Eat Cake! Success!

2009-02-17T22:32:00.011-05:00

I was so happy to be at Let's Eat Cake! tonight.....it was amazingly fun! My friend Melissa and her staff at Masterpiece Weddings did a phenomenal job organizing putting on the "show" for the fundraising event.....and I promise to share some great pics and stories with you all soon.

It was a great event and thank you all for coming out (or donating) and supporting the children at St. Jude's!

Peace,

Coach Corrie :-)

Are you going to finish strong?

2009-02-16T22:30:00.005-05:00

Click Here!

Blogging will return in another week.....

2009-02-09T20:39:00.011-05:00

{Miami Skyline - Curtosy of: Dreamstime.com}

Just wanted to share something of interest from a starbuck's cup I had the other day!

The Way I See It #141

"I used to feel so alone in the city. All those gazillions of people and then me, on the outside. Because how do you meet a new person? I was very stumped by this for many years. And then I realized, you just say, 'hi.' They may ignore you. Or you may marry them. And that possibility is worth that one word." --Augusten Burroughs (Author of Running with Sissors)

Something to think about!

Coach Corrie :-)

Blogging will return in a few weeks.....

2009-02-02T10:50:00.012-05:00

because I'm working on a big project that I'll share with you soon! I have 3 posts to follow you up on, I know (from Morals....to values....and why we try to be perfect!) So until then....here's a motivational quote to get you through the next 2 weeks!

{photo by Corrie}

"Everyone has his unique way of stating the truth as she/he sees it and that uniqueness is important because there will be only certain people you and I will touch in this lifetime and for those encounters honesty will be the container of all gifts we will give and receive. - Hugh Prather

Reminder.....for LET'S EAT CAKE!

2009-01-30T21:48:00.008-05:00

Let's show these children some love! Hope to see you there!

http://letseatcakefundraiser.blogspot.com

In honor of the Presidential Inaugration Day...

2009-01-20T10:01:00.007-05:00

What makes a good leader?

Is it leadership style?

Assertiveness?

Likability?

Morals?

Ethics?

Thoughts/Comments? Please post!

Thanks!

Coach Corrie :-)

Fight Climate Change!

2009-01-19T22:45:00.005-05:00

Click on the Picture to find out more!

A Motivational Quote....

2009-01-15T10:49:00.010-05:00

....to get you through the end of the week!

"Achievement seems to be connected with action. Successful men and women keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit." - Conrad Hilton

Everyone can use a coach...what's your game?

Birthday Wishes....

2009-01-12T08:27:00.001-05:00

Happy B-Day Melissa!
Hope it is a great one!

Hugs & Smooches!

xoxoxox

Bullies in the Workplace

2009-01-10T11:52:00.009-05:00

According to the New York Times via Brain Leaders & Learners blog...bullies are on the RISE in the workplace. Check out the article by clicking on the link.

The GATOR NATION is everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-09T20:06:00.011-05:00

There's nothing like being a GATOR! The only thing that tops it (with a cherry on top!) is winning Nationals! It is great to be a Florida GATOR!

Titletown has come home again! Well Done TEAM!

Let's Eat Cake!!!!!

2009-01-05T15:23:00.013-05:00

Masterpiece Weddings, an event coordination agency founded by Melissa Margarita-DiStefano, is working really hard to put on an amazing fundraiser in February called Let’s Eat Cake! - which will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - an incredible organization that’s dedicated to treating children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Let’s Eat Cake! is a wedding cake competition, featuring Wedding Cake confections from all over the United States. Bakers will feature their cakes to be judged by Local and National Culinary Celebrities (my dad is one of them!). In addition bakers will be asked to make enough cake to feed the general public, so that they may judge the cakes as well! Our Goal is to raise $50,000 for this extremely worthy cause, we know times are tough for everyone out there. But that doesn't mean that kids still aren't getting sick. Please help spread the word about our goal, and our mission. If you can help financially, that'd be great, if your blogging about this right now.... your spreading the word - and that's all we can ask for!

Thank you for your time and helping us with this worthy cause! Please let Melissa @ Masterpiece Weddings know you are donating because you read it on this blog...and I'll donate a $1 to every person who donates via my site as well!

Here's to helping children @ St. Jude's!

Happy 2009!

Coach Corrie :-)

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!

2008-12-28T15:53:00.009-05:00

Good things are happening here at "A Brighter Tomorrow" in 2009!

Stay tuned for details to come!

Merry, Merry Christmas - to All!

2008-12-23T14:04:00.012-05:00

Enjoy some inspirational words for the end of 2008.........and let's make 2009 a better year!

Let's Call 2009.........."New Beginnings"!

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” [Ralph Waldo Emerson]

“You see things; and you say ‘Why?’; But I dream things that never were; and I say ‘Why not?’” [George Bernard Shaw]

“Nothing will work unless you do.” [Maya Angelou]

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” [Unknown]

“Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead.Just walk beside me and be my friend.” [Albert Camus]

“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” [Mark Twain]

Have you heard? TX girl asks Santa to Stop her Molester!

2008-12-19T13:28:00.015-05:00

HURRY and HELP ME SANTA!

This is a very unpleasant posting today, but I had to share this with you all.

While standing in the long line at my post office today...the topic of conversation was child molestation. Over the past few years (I believe) the post office has a identifiable Santa mailbox in which children of all ages can send their letters to Santa in the North Pole. Kids asks for a variety of things, but when talking to the local postmaster she explained that most of the letters are mere confessions or sad notes of help or despair. What is going on with children in America?! We have some very sad and abused children out there....Here is the article about the Texas 9-year old girl asking Santa to help stop her molester (and come to find out her 10-year old sister as well). This breaks my heart but at least he was caught - smart girl!!!!

Please be safe with your loved ones this holiday season. I strongly advise that you talk to your children about safety and to be open with them about abuse of all kinds (physical, emotional, and sexual) so this does not happen to them. It is important that children feel protected and have a high sense of self-esteem so than can say NO and protect themselves from danger of any kind.

Take Good Care,

Coach Corrie :-)

10 Days Till Christmas Eve!

2008-12-14T11:43:00.022-05:00

{Photo: Corrie, Mom, and Dad - Christmas 1977}.

In our family - Christmas Eve is bigger than Christmas Day! So...when counting the days to Christmas we always minus one day...because if holiday prep has not been accomplished by Dec 23...then we're in big trouble! Simply because we entertain approximately 20-35 people in our home each year. This has been a tradition since WAY before I was born. My family is Italian and German and I have a ton of relatives and friends (when you're Italian friends and dogs [see Brutus below] are family too!).

The patriarch of our family is my grandmother Ann. She will be 95 years old on December 26. Yes, you read correctly....95! She is the oldest living relative in my entire family (on both sides!). She has surely seen great change in this world. We are thankful she is still with us. She has Alzheimer's Disease . Over the past few months it has become progressively worse where sometimes she does not remember who we are and it is difficult for her to take care of herself. This next family photo is from grandma's 80th birthday (1994). Gosh we all look so young!

This year we decided NOT to buy gifts for anyone in our family. We chose to donate money to various charities, spend our time doing good deeds, and only purchased gifts for underprivileged children. We even adopted a pet or two through ASPCA, in dedication to our two deceased family pets, Brutus (above in elf costume) and Tisen (below). There are also many other organizations that could use our support as well as yours. You many click on any of the aforementioned in the "Notable Charities" column to the right on this blog (scroll down a bit).

Most of my family and close friends have had a pretty rough year. There have been deaths, tragedies, sickness, surgeries, and sadness. For these reasons we wanted to recognize that spending quality time with each other and really appreciating the fact that life is valuable and a gift is really all we need to enjoy this holiday season. We understand that "Jesus is the reason for the season" not the gift giving. We wish you and yours the best this holiday season. Please take time out to be with your loved ones. Live each day as if it were your last.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy 2009!

Cheers! Alla Salute! Prost!
(To Your Health)

Coach Corrie :-)

Procrastination & Time Management!

2008-12-10T15:34:00.020-05:00

Every one of us gets caught up in procrastinating and losing track of time....or for some all the TIME! During the holidays life becomes even more stressful and a push to GET THINGS DONE ON THE LIST!

That infamous list!

Do you find yourself avoiding specific tasks or not getting around to things that need to get accomplished? Guilt, though a common reaction, guilt is of little use, and often serves to just discourage you further. If this is an issue for you, try focusing on the following ideas.

COMMON CAUSES OF PROCRASTINATION:

1. Being overextended. Is it humanly possible to meet all the obligations you currently have? If not, can you omit or reschedule some of these obligations?

2. Low motivation. Is the task relevant to you personally? If it is another person's goal rather than your own, try to find some personal reward or relevance for your completing the task. Are you really interested in the project? If not, can you find a way to make it interesting or let go of it?

3. Lack of training. Are you unprepared or incapable of completing the task? On a new task do you find you afraid of the unknown? Are the expectations ambiguous? You may want to ask for guidance, support, or a new perspective from someone who is more familiar with the process or skilled in the area.

4. Faulty assumptions. Are you assuming that if you ignore the task long enough it will disappear? Do you tend to underestimate how much time and effort the job will take? Do you have a tendency to over-estimate the difficulty of getting the task done? Try sitting down and writing out each step of the job, how long each step will take, and then tackling the job one step at a time.

5. Perfectionism. Are fears of doing a less than perfect job interfering with your productivity? Remember that perfection is unobtainable. Often it will feel worse to not do a job at all instead of doing it in a less than perfect manner. Try to assess how important the task is, and what level of performance really matters in relation to the task. Ask yourself "what level of performance on this task would I expect from a friend/co-worker?"

6. Fear of Evaluation. Are you over concerned with another individual's response to your performance. Try to evaluate how much total impact upon your life this one reaction will have. No one performs highly all the time, or in every area. Try to focus on completing the task in with a goal of lessening your workload and anxiety, regardless of the evaluation.

7. Avoidance of negative experience. Do you just HATE DOING THIS TASK? Does it rate up there with dental visits or cleaning out the refrigerator? Is there any way to make it more pleasurable or enjoyable? If not, try doing the dreaded task first, while you still have energy. Often it can be helpful to have a friend or co-worker nearby for encouragement (and to keep you on task!).

What action will you take to end procrastination and fine tune how you manage your time?

If there is something you've been wanting to do, something you've been wanting to achieve....

A career that you really love,
Time and Stress Management,
Business or professional growth,
Creating the life that you really want to live,
An organized, uncluttered home and work space,
Finishing that project,
A special relationship,
Fitness and weight loss,
That goal you've not been able to nail so far,

Call Coach Corrie!
Give it a try, risk free, by sending an email to coachcorrie@yahoo.com.

I offer FREE telephone consulations!

Make 2009 your year to end procrastination and gain more TIME! Are you ready for your NEW LIFE?!

Save the Seals

2008-12-09T16:52:00.005-05:00

A cause worth fighting for...Save the Seals!

NATIONALS HERE WE COME!

2008-12-07T23:03:00.007-05:00

GOOOOOOOOOO GATORS! Chomp...Chomp!

We won the SEC against 'Bama last night....Wow...what a game! Here's a copy of today's Gainesville Sun article. Long live the GATOR NATION! It is great to be a FL Gator!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Corrie :-)

December is.....

2008-12-05T23:19:00.005-05:00

National Drunk Driving Prevention Month....(makes sense.)

Please be safe this holiday season.

Happy 2009!

2008-12-05T22:07:00.010-05:00

Sorry FSU....

Molly says.... "the GATORS are up for the challenge"!

GO GATORS! SEC BOUND!

BEAT BAMA!

Happy Thanksgiving....

2008-11-27T23:39:00.006-05:00

Ya'll!

Thanksgiving Poem
For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends. - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

Taking some time for FUN!

2008-11-24T09:39:00.037-05:00

For those of you that know, in my private life, I've been trying to have some more FUN than usual this year! I'm not ashamed at all to say I'm a New Kids on the Block fan since 1988. They were a huge part of my life when I was a teen. I've been following their reunion world tour all year (and yes went to 2 shows so far) but I'm so proud of them, honored to be a part of this reunion, and thankful that I've the opportunity to go twice (so far - yeah I keep saying that)...I had to share this clip from last night's American Music Awards on ABC. By the way...they look stellar ANY way they dress. According to millions around the world, they still do have the "Right Stuff"! I couldn't agree more! They are also going to be in a German Film (medieval comedy) released this year. Here is the trailer clip.

Pam, Kim, Cindy...."Let's Get This!"

Project NKOTB's Alexis and Kim....see ya next year, Holla!

Peace, Love, and Happiness this Holiday Season. Take some time out for your kind of FUN!

Coach Corrie :-)