What qualities are you looking for in a partner?

To all you young and perhaps not so young men and women who are searching for a partner in life, preparing a ‘Must Be/Must Have’ list may bring you some clarity and insight that will certainly help you on your quest.

Here are just a few qualities to consider. By no means stop here. Your list will evolve as you evolve.

1.   Respectful
2.   Honest
3.   Loyal
4.   My best friend
5.   A sense of humor
6.   Tolerant
7.   A good listener
8.   Supportive of my needs
9.   My biggest fan
10. Fun to be around
11. Good parenting qualities
12. Integrity
13. Patience
14. Hard working
15. Passionate
16. Able to “not sweat the small stuff”
17. Willing to compromise
18. Time for me
19. Open and willing to communicate
20. Friends with my friends
21. Qualities that make me feel at ease
22. Humility
23. A love of animals
24. A love of travel
25. Athletic
26. Ambitious
27. Smart
28. Attractive to me
29. Strong family values
30. A good money manager
31. Kind and generous
32. ………………………….Etc.

Here’s another question for you, “Which of these qualities are you proud to own?”
~Lesia S.

Whether you’re in the midst of conflict or despair, feeling overwhelmed, searching for answers or waiting for your luck to change, love is usually the farthest thing from your mind, right? We can sooner relate to anger, disappointment, blame, feeling like a victim…

So, what’s love got to do with it, you may be asking?  Here is what.

The power of love can move mountains.

It’s what makes the world go round.

It’s in all of us because it’s in the air.

Remember that with love in your heart you will never have to say you’re sorry.

So don’t let love pass you by.

Because all you need is love.

Do you recognize the phrases? They contain words of wisdom that have been performed on the world stage. If my attempt at a witty answer has warmed your heart a little or put a smile on your face, you’re one tiny step closer to feeling what love in your heart can do.

When you are ready, think about these questions.

With love in your heart how will you speak?

How will someone looking at your face describe it?

How will you act?

How will you react?

How will you greet those you meet?

How will you love your body, your mind and your spirit?

If you are willing to apply your answers, you will see first hand how love can and will transform your life.

Life is a journey and some of you reading this will not be ready to invite love in just yet but do save this for future reference. I know one day soon you will.

With love,

~Lesia S.

Let’s face it; we have all practiced some poor listening styles at some point in our lives.
And we continue to practice them without realizing what impact they may have on the quality of our relationships.
Which one of the following poor listening styles can you relate to?

• Do you pick out select words and let your mind run with them or pretend to listen and just nod a lot?

• While someone is speaking, are you judging, getting ready to advise or probe?

• Are you personalizing what’s being said? In other words are you self-centered listening?

• Do you simply ‘zone out’?

What else?

If you’re wondering how your listening skills can influence or change a personal or business relationship and you’re curious how, here’s an exercise you can try.

Begin by noticing, recognizing and acknowledging your own ‘poor listening style’ then make it your intention - for one day (today) - to focus entirely on listening without doing what you ordinarily do.

Reflect on how you felt and what you observed after each conversation and again at the end of the day.

The next day, do it again. Keep at it for a week and see where it goes.

Warning: This can be a very challenging exercise but it will certainly be insightful.

Bottom line; a key to developing a good listening style is to manage it. Be aware of how you’re listening, make it your intention to focus on what is being said, practice this daily and reflect on what overall changes you’re seeing. You will be amazed at what you may find.
Give it a try and share your thoughts with us.

~Lesia S.

What will you do this year to make your life happy?   Let me share with you a number of ways to bring more happiness into your life.

~Will 2009, be the year you dedicate to celebrating your uniqueness?

By ‘celebrating’ I mean putting yourself on that ‘to do’ list and consciously choosing to embrace the ‘original you’ and the unique qualities you were born with.

Some of you may feel a little lost when it comes to knowing who you really are and what makes you unique or perhaps you feel that your sense of self is a reflection of the work that you do or the roles that you play day to day. You’re not alone.

How are you feeling about yourself? A healthy self-esteem is vital to being truly happy.

True personal happiness stems from knowing, honouring and living true to the unique qualities, strengths and values you possess - each day of your life. Do you know what yours are?
~When you think of the work (employment or other) that you do and the roles you play, are you doing what you love?

How does your work (or lack of) affect other parts of your life and subsequently your happiness?

The ‘work’ you choose to do that will bring you happiness may not necessarily be the kind that brings you an income.

~Nothing warms your heart more than helping others, true? So what can you do?

Lend a listening ear, offer a drive, read a story, bring a smile to someone’s face, share a meal, donate warm clothing, save or care for animals, do whatever you can with whatever you have. Follow your heart. ‘Doing’, brings happiness.

~When was the last time you socialized with people who’s company you enjoy? Being around people is an opportunity to share, learn, grow and experience. And when you’re with them feel free to let out that great sense of humour we all have but don’t seem to share often enough. What’s up with that?

I challenge all of you to take charge and bring happiness into your lives today. I trust you will!

- Lesia S.

TO MY FELLOW UKRAINIANS AND TO ALL CHRISTIANS WHO ARE CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE TRADITIONAL JULIAN CALENDAR, I WISH YOU 

Vasaly Sviata  - Happy Holidays

KHRYSTOS  RODIVSYA  (Christ is born)

 SLAVIM YOHO  (Let us Glorify Him)

- Lesia S.

Dear Family, Friends and  Clients – all of whom I consider my friends as well,

I take this opportunity to wish you Abundantly Good Health, True Happiness,

Peace  and  All the Riches that life has to offer and you wish to experience.

Last but most certainly not least, I wish you Laughter.

Elbert Hubbard once said, “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.”

May 2009 Be Outstanding!
~Happy New Year!

- Lesia S