Published by Mark Matloff, Ph.D.

Two projects have kept me busy and away from my newsletters. They are:

Project 1 – The printing of my e-book

 MY E-BOOK IS NOW A PRINTED BOOK!
I am proud to announce that my new book is now being printed. So, in addition to downloading it as an e-book, readers now have the option of purchasing a printed version. The name of the book is still “Strength in Caring: “Giving Power Back to the Alzheimer's Caregiver”.

This book provides a wealth of information and emotional empowerment for the people who care for others with Alzheimer's disease. It includes articles by a physician educator, an attorney, and a clinical psychologist (me).

Please check it out. You can learn about the e-book and download the first chapter for free at:

www.StrengthinCaring.com

Just click on the link and scroll down to the offer.

You can learn more about the full book by calling me at 315-446-3101, or by emailing me at aikidoc@aol.com

Project 2 – Preparing for an important event

I have been busy preparing to be the Keynote speaker at the upcoming "Power Caregiving: Rising to the Challenge" workshop which is being presented Saturday, November 5, 2005, at May Memorial Church in Dewitt. The workshop is sponsored by the CNY Alzheimer's Association and the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth. This day-long educational workshop is for anyone caring for an older family member, who wants to provide the highest quality of care while maintaining his/her own quality of life.

For more information, please call the CNY Alzheimer's Association at (315) 472-4201, or the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth at (315) 435-2362.

 Please spread the word!

We often hear about how important "balance" is to us.  We are encouraged to eat a "balanced" diet, lawmakers want a "balanced" approach to deal with problems, businesses are evaluated according to their "balance sheet," etc. Naturally, our bodies need the right degree of balance just to get around - can you imagine how hard it would be to live life walking on your tiptoes, or scuttling around on your knees? 

What would happen to a tightrope walker or a gymnast who had poor balance?

Our lives often seem like a juggling act. We have friends, family, intimate relationships, work, inner and spiritual interests, the desire to learn, financial concerns, recreational needs, etc. At different times, each and every one of these areas may invite our attention and energy. They give us a wide variety of demands, challenges, and opportunities. It can be too easy to lose our balance.

Oftentimes we must neglect one area of our lives to satisfy a more pressing need (As an old supervisor of mine once told me, "You can't satisfy 'A' without giving up 'B.'"). Sometimes a life event can be so insistent that it throws us completely off balance - think of what Hurricane Katrina did to so many of the people in its path.

Balance is an important concept in our life. We deal with life best when we are balanced, or in equilibrium. Balance allows us to deal with problems that inevitably come up, as well as to recognize and explore new and exciting opportunities.

Often one of the first things a life coach does is to help evaluate his/her client's balance, which is the equilibrium in his/her life. This enables the coach/client team to identify life areas which need some attention. Although I can't give you the full experience that goes along with this customized process, I can invite you to have a substantial "taste" of this balancing experience. 

Think about each important area of your life. This would include your: social life, recreational life, intimacy and friendships, spiritual life, work life, finances, health, and (add your own).  

Now, for each area of your life, ask yourself: "Am I getting as much as I want, or do I want/need more for myself?"  Some areas will probably be fine, but others may appear to need more attention/energy. Pick the one "need" area that stands out, and ask yourself, "What would improve this area for me? What small change can I implement, to improve this part of my life - even a little?" 

See what happens with your change, and your sense of balance.  After a few weeks, try another area!

Good luck.

Warmly,

Mark

Mark Matloff, Ph.D. is a psychologist, coach, trainer, and consultant with over 28 years of experience helping people and organizations change for the better. In addition to his private practice, he teaches undergraduate psychology courses at Columbia College.

When he is not at work, he teaches and trains in Aikido, and is a second degree black belt in that art. He lives with his wife in Syracuse, New York.

He loves to help people envision and achieve the changes they want.

CONTACT HIM FOR A COMPLIMENTARY COACHING CONSULTATION

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Mark Matloff, Ph.D.
409 Standish Drive
Syracuse, New York 13224
(315) 446-3101

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