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Commuter Chronicles
March 2006 | Volume 1 | Issue 4 |
In this issue:
• From the Desk of Dr. M...
• Something to Think About
• Feature Article
• Pass it On...
• Health Tips
• Cost Savers
• Effective Communication
• Dr. M Recommends
• What's Happening |
FROM THE DESK OF DR. M...
The Canada geese have returned. We heard them on the frozen
lake this morning. Just two, but still a sign that Spring is almost here. The first pair get the prime real estate, the island just yards from the
shore but safe from most predators, or so the geese assume. Here they lay eggs, bring tiny beings into the world and raise them from fledgling
goslings learning to swim, to immature geese flying off with their parents.
Last year a heron spied the eggs and swooped down to attack the mother until
she might give up her job of protecting the eggs in order to protect
herself. The heron may not have seen the father sentinel swimming about,
eyes everywhere. But he felt him! The father grabbed for the heron just as
he was about to land and a great fight ensued.
My boys, who happened to be on another part of the island, broke up the fight
and rescued the heron. Rowing ashore, they lifted the great gray from the
boat, too exhausted and hurt to resist. The wing was held on by the thinnest
piece of skin. It did not look good.
We drove the forty minutes to the wildlife rescue station with our buddy in
a box. He underwent surgery and, days later, we got the report that he would
survive. The next week he was waddling around the grounds when we visited.
Now he is fine, but his home will be the beautiful station because his wing
will never again allow him to fly.
At home, we watched as the eggs hatched and the goslings swam about with
their parents. Peace had returned to the lake.
Change, growth, renewal, the signs of Spring, is the theme for this issue of
Commuter Chronicles. Our feature article is “Changing the Dreaded Commute.”
We want you to take action to reframe the commute from a dreadful experience
into a tool for progress at work and in life. It can be done and the article
will help. In “Pass It On”, we report on the changes to Commuter-Assist.com.
We hope you are as proud and excited as we are with its progress and you do
pass it on. We will continue to list the link for the survey. This is a
great way for you to have a voice in how we grow and tell us what you want.
It only takes minutes but the impact will be great. In Cost Cutters, we
discuss the windfall that might be coming to you. And in The Health section,
the healthiest way to lose weight is outlined. We have also added some
inspiration for change and recommendations for growth. Spring is a lovely
time of the year to change and grow.
Be well!
Dr. M.
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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUTAll change is a
miracle to contemplate; but it is a miracle which is taking place every
instant.
- Thoreau
Be the change you want to be in the world.
- Mahatma Gandhi |
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PASS IT ON...
Wow! Our web site was ranked four out of ten by
Google in just its second month of operation. Unheard of! It’s supposed to take
three to four months to get it listed somewhere on Google. Its Alexa rating went
from 4 million at inception to 273,120 as of Wednesday, 8 March (The lower the
Alexa number, the more popular the site).
Help us do better. Our goal is to get a Google Page Ranking of 7/10 or better
and an Alexa Traffic Ranking of 100,000 or better by June 24, just three and a
half months away. You can help by telling friends and colleagues about us and by
visiting the site often. We are always updating and we welcome your suggestions.
Take the survey (click here)
or at the home page (www.commuter-assist.com). Tell us what you want and need.
Pass the word- Commuter-Assist.com is where to go if you need relief from the
stress of the long commute and help in meeting your life and work goals.
So, with this issue of Commuter Chronicles, we are inaugurating the
PASS IT ON CAMPAIGN
and we want you to be part of it. Our goal is 2,00 new sign-ups to the
articles and newsletter in the next 30 days.
We want people to know what is on the web site to de-stress their commute
and make for an excellent life. We want them to take the survey so they can
get more of what they want at the web site. We want more testimonials so you
can see how we are doing. We want them to sign up for the new e-book and
other services. |
FEATURE ARTICLE
CHANGING THE DREADED COMMUTE
How do you change something that you have become so
accustomed to dreading and turn it into a positive experience and force in
your life? Many of you would look at this and think that it isn’t possible.
But, in a few simple steps there is a way to turn your commute into a
healthy and fulfilling experience.
So you ask, “What will I do about it?” The answer is complicated by what is
realistic to do and what you are willing to do. Let's take distance. It's
not realistic to think of how to shorten the distance if you continue to
work for the same company and you are not willing or can't change companies.
So, what to do? Actually, there are a number of things that can be done to
make the travel more comfortable, less taxing and even beneficial! And this
is true for anything that is making the commute difficult.
Attitude, or perception, is everything. Without a good attitude, everything
is harder - paying the bills, cleaning the bathroom, even traveling to work.
When we look for problems, we find them. I am suggesting that the first and
primary change that will help bring a good commute is working on changing
your attitude toward it. Remembering that you did choose to take this job
that is X miles from home actually puts you back in control of the situation
and takes you out of the victim role. If you're like most of us, you will
feel empowered by using your right to choose.
A change in attitude might have you view your commute as something that you
chose to undertake in order to allow you a pleasant home environment while
still making an acceptable or good salary and advancing your career. Just so
we are clear, the bad attitude might go something like this, "I hate driving
all this way to work. I wish I could retire. What's the use of having a nice
house when I don't have any time to spend in it?" Can you feel your shoulder
muscles tighten just reading this? Alternatively, a good attitude might say,
“Because I live this distance from work, I can live in this community, in a
beautiful house of my choosing.” Just watch those muscles relax. |
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COST SAVERS
Are you getting a tax refund this year? What will you do with it? Some
people see this windfall as found money that can be used for fun. Some use
the money to get a bit ahead on bills. But have you thought of using it to
invest? Depending on how large an amount you receive, you could even divvy
it up between different areas.
Before you get the return is a good time to plan what you will do with the
money. You’ll be less pressed to act and have time to read about various
options and discuss them with your accountant or financial planner.
We reviewed some financial web sites and came up with a list of suggestions
for you to consider:
You might begin or add to your retirement fund.
If you don’t have an emergency fund, seriously consider this option. Life is
very adept at handing you an emergency when you’re least prepared.
Add to or begin an investment portfolio. There are many funds available and
with a little research, you can find one to meet your budget. Being an
investor give you pride as well as a push in how your assets grow.
You might begin or add to your child’s college fund.
Finally, you might make a charitable donation with all or part of the
return. Just think how good you’ll feel by helping others.
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HEALTH TIPS
ARE YOU READY FOR
SUMMER?
Don’t diet, it won’t work. Research shows that the greater
number of dieters gain their weight back and more after going off their
diets. This is not to say you shouldn’t lose weight if you need to. But
keeping the basics in mind will work for the short and long run.
In order to lose weight you must expend more calories than you take in.
Doing this over time causes you to lose weight. You must use 3500 calories
to lose one pound. Eating less and using more energy by being physically
active will quicken your loss. But the recommendation is that you lose just
a few pounds a week. Some experts say only one or two pounds.
Some tips to help you lose are:
1. Set reachable goals. Targeting the first five or ten pounds is more
doable than planning to lose fifty. Once you’ve met your first goal, you can
always set another.
2. Plan to change your eating habits. Portion sizes have crept up,
especially in restaurants, and it shows on our waistlines. Do work on having
smaller portions and more vegetables and fruit, which will fill you and make
you healthier.
3. Become more physically active both in your everyday life and by
exercising or playing sports. Long distance commuters are sitting sometimes
hours a day. Add to that the sedentary work most of us do and planned
physical activity becomes a must. Without it we will have to eat even less
and that could jeopardize our health.
A healthy, fit body has a positive effect on our confidence and energy
increases when we’re not carrying around extra weight. Losing weight the
wise way is good for the body and the soul.
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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION - A KEY TO SUCCESS
While this time of year compels us all to make changes
in our eating and exercise-code words for changes to our bodies- just think
of the effect on our lives if we also spent time making changes to our
communication skills. Most of the people who come to me have in their list
of needed changes, concerns in how they approach others, make their wishes
known, and direct those they supervise so that the work atmosphere is cordial
and productive. Added to that list is how they communicate with their loved
ones.
Effective communication skills are essential to success in your work, no
matter what that work is- doctor, lawyer, corporate CEO, manager of a
midsize company, a one person enterprise, an in-home business, or just
beginning to climb the steps of success.
One article I reviewed for this piece stated that “mis-communication” is so
common that it should be assumed. Actually, this is just another way of
stating one of the rules of good communication- ask for feedback. Don’t
assume the listener understands what you are saying.
Knowing who your audience is will also help in effective communication.
Their interests, their educational level, the attention they are paying will
help you tailor your message. No use in having a long complicated message if
no one is listening.
It is vitally necessary to decipher the non-verbal as well as the verbal
language that is in front of you. Looking away from the speaker may mean the
listener wants to leave. Can you pick up when you’ve talked too long and the
listener wants his or her turn? Staying tuned into the audience, one person
or more, is difficult but will make you a better communicator.
A gracious “No” is also good to have in your tool box. Not knowing how to
say no will leave you overwhelmed with duties. Saying no harshly can damage
your relationship with the asker.
Finally, Remember that communication covers a wide area, not just speaking,
but writing memos and e-mails, telephone conversations and messages left. |
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DR. M RECOMMENDS
CDs:
The Best Kept
Secrets of Great Communicators:
Nine Secret Weapons to Shine Socially, Uncover Opportunities, and Be
Perceived as Smarter, Sharper, and Savvier
(Click here)
(Audio CD)
Available at
Amazon.com
THE PRODUCT FACTORY:
Michael Port and Mitch Myerson have developed a unique program that gets
people to go from coming up with a “grand vision” to marketing it in ninety
days. If you have something percolating in your mind but can’t seem to get
it developed, this program is for you. They teach what works, break students
into groups who help one another, and provide names and numbers of experts
that, alone, would be worth the cost of the course.
There is a list on the site of products that came out of the Factory-
e-books, CDs, blogs, e-courses, books, e-zines, teleclasses. The energy is
palpable and will move you along. A new program is starting soon. If you
would like to sign up for a free teleclass that describes the program and
gives great information, just click
here. If you join, please let us know. We
would love to do a series in the Chronicles on your experiences. |
WHAT'S HAPPENING
TELECONFERENCE
Teleconference set for the First Thursday of each month.
We are instituting a monthly teleconferences beginning April 6th, 2006.
We will be
discussing issues of importance to the life of the commuter and will invite
experts to share their knowledge with us. The calls are 9:00 PM Eastern Time
(6:00 PM Pacific) and the call in number is 1+319-256-0200, pin code is 681685#.
For those new to teleconferences, call in one or two minutes before nine
o'clock. You will be prompted to use the pin code plus the # key. You will
then be connected to the conference call. It will last one hour and you will
have an opportunity to introduce yourself, ask questions and make comments.
We expect a lively call and at least one or two laughs along the way. Do
come join us!
Want to know how to get more time In your day to get what you want, move toward your goals faster and Increase your success? Then register NOW for our monthly Teleseminars:
HAVE YOU TAKEN OUR
SURVEY YET?
We value your opinion and appreciate your
support of Commuter-Assist.com. Please let us know that changes or
additions you would like to see that will make our site more useful to you.
Than you for taking the time to fill out our survey and for being a vital
part of the growth of Commuter-Assist.com.
Click here
to take the survey now!
Estimated time: 3
minutes
CONQUER THE COMMUTE: TOOLS FOR THE ROAD AND LIFE
will be ready soon for a great value at only $29.95!
Click here to email and reserve your copy of this new e-book
today. You will also enjoy a 30 percent discount
- only $20.96
- that's a savings of $8.99 with your reservation.
Pre-order your copy today! |
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Dr. Mastria is founder of
Commuter-Assist.com, which publishes e-books, CDs and cassettes to help
commuters get the most out of their commute and life in general. Dr.
Mastria speaks, offers workshops, and consults to businesses. She also
provides life, wellness, and business coaching to groups and individuals.
To contact Dr. Mastria email
info@Commuter-Assist.com or call 570-839-6394.
All content Copyright © 2006, Dr. Marie
A. Mastria, CLC, PCC /
Commuter-Assist.com. All rights reserved.
You may copy or send it to family or friends who may benefit from it so long
as the format and credits are intact. You have permission to publish this
article electronically, free of charge, as long as the by-lines are included
and links are activated and maintained. A courtesy copy of your publication
or link to website would be appreciated. |
Want to know how to get more time In your day to get what you want, move toward your goals faster and Increase your success?
Then register NOW for our monthly Teleseminars:
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