Write Thinking

Perspectives from a writer & life coach indulging her desire to intersect those two passions

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Location: Hoboken, New Jersey, United States

I am a practicing life coach who is currently writing a life coaching column called Game Plan for Foxbusiness.com: http://nancola.com/pages/press.html. I am also working on a book about the power and magic of life coaching.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Vegas and a song

I wrote this in my December 2007 newsletter and want to revisit:

GIVE A GIRL A DREAM:
I have a smart, sweet client named Mirna who wants to be a professional singer. In 2006 she was a finalist at the USA World Showcase in Las Vegas. She'd like to enter again in 2008 and has already begun her enthused mission. The thing is, the contest has a $500 registration fee and Mirna is homeless. She is on track for finding a home soon and is really putting her life back together after an unfortunate turn. If you or a business you know might be interested in sponsoring her for this spring event, please contact me. Thank you!


Since this ran, Mirna is oh-so-close to getting herself to Las Vegas! I am so thrilled to be working with someone so appreciative, diligent and talented. It makes it all worthwhile.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Mixing it up

Went to a really fun networking event near my home tonight. Nice vibe. Outgoing, interesting people. Sometimes there's nothing like mixing the professional with the social in just the right way. There was very little hardcore selling, but talking about our work in a relaxed atmosphere. And it had a nice community feel.

Much more effective than stuffier versions I've attended.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Let the sun shine

I long for the day -- soon -- when the sun is shining and only a light jacket is required. This winter has been fairly painless, yet I can feel that warm weather ease just around the corner.

It is calling my name, baby.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Pretty woman

I haven't seen Valerie Bertinelli's book, but I have seen her being interviewed and I have a lot of respect for her. She was compelled to tell the truth.

While I don't think airing dirty laundry is necessary in many cases -- even in this one -- it means something to me to hear Bertinelli speak her truth because I was so enamoured with her life back in the 80s. She got Eddie Van Halen, for Pete's sake.

Now she tells us what was really happening. It's courageous. She's grown.

We all have.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Teacher

Talked to my former college journalism professor today. He's retired now and I felt like connecting. It was good to hear his voice and to hear what's happening in his life. Even now I feel the ripple effects of his confidence in my talent.

An amazing man.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Writers shine

My favorite moments on the Oscars:

Ratatouille writer Brad Bird thanks his junior high guidance counselor for his repeated skepticism when he said he wanted to make films. "I only realized just recently that he gave me the perfect training for the movie business."

Juno writer Diablo Cody winning best screenplay. She seemed stunned and humbled. Her reaction was so real, her accomplishment so inspiring.

Let's hear it for the writers.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Weekend

A low-key Saturday afternoon. Meeting friends for lunch. Strolling in and out of shops to check out what's new for spring. Running a few errands. Shopping for fresh ingredients for a late dinner.

Just right.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Life is good

I am so enjoying writing my Game Plan columns for FOX Business. I really loved writing today's piece about the company called Life is good. There are two sisters who just opened one of these in Hoboken and it's just so upbeat. Check it out:

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/lifestyle-money/article/spread-news-life-good_487976_20.html

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Well versed

What an enjoyable morning I had! Poetry!

My cousin's daughter, Dominique, competed in the region 2 finals of "Poetry Out Loud," a national recitation contest for high schools. Nika, as we call her, was terrific -- confident, poised, animated and clear. And, much to my delight, she sang in the last of her three performances -- A Song for Soweto by June Jordan. Who knew she had such a great voice?

Another highlight came near the end. I was sooooo hoping one of the participants would recite Still I Rise by Maya Angelou and it wound up that two young women had chosen it. A double dose. What a treat.

I think I'm inspired to pluck something off my poetry shelf ...

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Greenery

Each day I am more delighted by the ivy plant weaving its way around my bedroom window sill. So full of life. Actually, so persistently alive.

I took the opportunity to reflect upon it and make a confession regarding plants in my February newsletter:

http://nancola.com/pages/newsletter.html

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Antidote

The wind carried me two blocks today as I ran errands. Every hair on my head was windswept.

I came home to write.

But first I made chicken soup, just so I could smell it while I worked.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Floating

Tomorrow my new firm super plush mattress will be delivered. I could have gone into deep slumber in the showroom alone, a la Sleeping Beauty.

Happily ever after ...

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Pendaflex heaven

Got my brand spanking new filing cabinet yesterday. Nice wood with a black stain. A piece of furniture that will also make it a joy to stay organized.

And so I got my red Pendaflex hanging folders and I'm going to embark on a file journey.

It makes my dorky little heart sing.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Take me down home

As an avid fan of The Food Network, I have been intrigued by the coming attractions for a new show called Down Home With The Neelys. This is a family that runs a few barbecue restaurants in Tennessee and I saw them for the first time on Road Tasted, the show hosted by Jamie and Bobby Deen. They seem so inviting as entrepreunurs and as people.

So I watched the new show this morning and I love their energy, particularly their spiritual energy. You never know what you're going to get when you're watching a dynamic between couples, but theirs seems so real and vibrant. And, well, the food looks deadly good.

I don't expect to be in Tennessee any time soon, but I feel like I have a taste of it coming into my living room. Good TV.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Me

Writing, writing, writing. All day. So good.

Writer. It's who I am.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Quotable

Words on a mug that is my pencil holder speak to me today:

When I began I was like everyone else.
-- Claude Monet

Monday, February 11, 2008

In tune

Today was one of those days where things clicked into place. The reason a long-awaited check was delayed became clear. The reason I was compelled to sign up for a meditation series became clear. The reason I hadn't had a call back from someone I wanted to interview became clear.

Answers, obvious and not so.

And there were more.

I'm in tune.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Blast

Had a really nice family weekend. Shopping, eating well, hanging out.

Glad the bitter cold saved its appearance for the tail end.

Warmth is better.

Thursday, February 07, 2008

The beat goes on ...

Watched Eli Manning on Letterman last night. What a good interview. Dave was the perfect combo of funny and inquisitive about the final plays of the game. Eli was relaxed and showed his sense of humor.

What a swell diversion that Super Bowl has been in our crazy, mixed-up world.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

A day in the life

I watched fellow life coaches Martha Beck and Cheryl Richardson and author Louise Hay talk about the law of attraction on Oprah today. I am so aligned with all they spoke of, the affirmations, the positive thinking, the work on self.

It feels like I am in a continuous conversation about how to live life. The columns I write for FOX Business, the steady stream of vibrant clients, the life coach from Sweden I met this morning over breakfast and compared notes. Et cetera.

To boot, I met an amazingly creative guy today. We had a consultation. I so hope he becomes a client. I believe he's poised for a ride and I want to take it with him. Call me selfish, but I'm no fool. I love what I do and in this case I would be helping facilitate the growth of some really cool projects.

Two great client sessions tonight and, well, what a day.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Red, white and blue

Just an average day.

Voted to help determine the next President of the United States. Attended a parade for the Super Bowl champions. Ate some chicken.

Ho hum.

Monday, February 04, 2008

Top pick

Written about Eli Manning and published January 27, 2008:

You may understand nothing about football, or sports, but surely you understand this: When you’re the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft and you move to New York City, you don’t live with your college sweetheart. In Hoboken.

--New York Magazine

Uh, yeah you do.

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Hail, Eli

Hoboken is rockin' off its hinges right now. Horns are blowing. People are yelling in the streets. The Giants have won the Super Bowl in AMAZING fashion.

Eli Manning, we bow to thee. (He might be rivaling Sinatra for favorite Hoboken boy right at the moment.)

With just over a minute to play and behind 14-10 on a third-and-5 at his own 44, Manning avoided the rush, literally pulled himself free from the clutches of the Patriots' defense, and threw an astounding 32-yard pass to David Tyree, who made an equally astounding catch. That set up the Giants on the Pats' 24 and a subsequent touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress in the end zone to win the game.

As I watched that ball float into Burress' hands, I felt like I had just won a marathon. Honestly, I don't think I've ever worked up a sweat watching a sporting event before. It was exhilarating exhaustion.

Eli Manning, we bow to thee.

We do.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

Pen to paper

Sometimes you set out to write morning meditation pages and half a life coaching column pours out.

What a wonder art is.

Friday, February 01, 2008

Let's get physical

Forced myself to go out in the chilly rain this morning for a workout. The gym was quiet. I was in no rush. I felt each rep as I worked my lower body on weight machines. I love sensing the connection of physical power and mental power.

Sometimes it is all about being in the moment.