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Ruth Kaufman - Award-Winning Author and Romance Writer

Ruth Kaufman is the author of My Life as a Star, My Life as an Extra, My Once & Future Love, The Bride Tournament, Follow Your Heart, At His Command and other books.

One step forward…two steps back?

October 16, 2008 By Ruth Kaufman

The huge step forward: Good news. 1) lots of voiceover work! Did my largest project (in terms of word count) to date–tutorial narrations and some script editing for an Internet site going live next month. And so far at least, they haven’t asked for any retakes. Also got a small project for a national warehouse club and a very small project from a returning client. 2) My WIP tied for first in the first contest I entered it in and the final round judge requested a full manuscript.

The two steps back (pun intended): Foot surgery recovery is enervating….having trouble sleeping, elevating foot is a challenge, driving isn’t a problem but walking more than a block is harder than I’d expected. Grocery shopping remains a daunting prospect. It’s only been two weeks and day, but seems like months. The boot comes off today, though, so my hopes are high for improvement and returning to a normal schedule.

My sympathies go to anyone dealing with a life setback. I Yahoo! searched that and found the following advice:

–Begin now during those routine, ordinary days to practice cultivating an eye for fun and humor. Debbie Mandel, BellaOnline’s Stress Management Editor

–…when we criticize ourselves for steps backward, we destroy momentum. Instead, to recognize that backward steps can happen when we run into resistance helps us not be demoralized when it occurs. But we can’t wait long before taking the positive steps forward again. When you find you have taken steps back in diet or exercise, for example, assess the situation quickly and continue on. Don’t stop. Arden Mahlberg

–Make a plan. Given that negative emotions are the primary driver of major setbacks, you can encourage clients to create “stress response plans” by filling in the blank: “When I feel stressed or upset, I will deal with it productively by _____ .” Help them identify two or three options that work for them. They might exercise, meditate, call a friend for support, distract themselves with immersive experiences like going to a movie, and so on. Productive reactions to stress are a powerful predictor of life change. Dr. Stephen Kraus

And every day, take time to remember all the things you are grateful for.

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Comments

  1. Morgan Mandel says

    October 17, 2008 at 3:46 am

    Great advice, Ruth. I’m glad you’re a positive thinker.

    Also, glad you’re losing the boot. Hope your foot gets better soon.

    Morgan Mandel
    http://www.morganmandel.com
    http://morganmandel.blogspot.com

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