Happy New Year !

And welcome to your January, 2007, issue of Ki Moments.

I'm a nidan! That means I'm a second degree black belt in aikido. I successfully tested on December 4. Thanks to all who knew and wished me luck.

Have you heard me sing? If you missed my first "singing newsletter" in November, you have another chance below. And you can view any past issue of Ki Moments on our BLOG page.

With ki,

Judy Ringer

P.S. Don't hesitate to share your newsletter! There is a link at the bottom of the page to make it simple. (We never disclose subscriber information.)

High Hopes

My friend, Suzanne, is an inspiration. One of her favorite songs is "High Hopes" - as in "high-apple-pie- in-the-sky hopes." (Listen below for my personal rendition).

I see Suzanne regularly at the Portsmouth Indoor Pool. Sometimes I give her a ride home after our morning dip. She recently helped organize a kayak trip, and now kayaking is one of her favorite sports. She also loves swimming, walking, and being in nature. She plays league scrabble (currently undefeated) and poker with friends. She has a wry and wonderful sense of humor and an upbeat attitude toward life. I don't believe I've ever seen her down.

Suzanne had a life-altering stroke some years ago. At age 40, her left side partially paralyzed, she lost the ability to walk without the aid of crutch and leg brace. She moves slowly and gracefully. It takes her about 20 minutes to get into the pool in the morning (something I do in less than 5), and about 45 minutes to get showered, dressed, and ready to head home (me? maybe 15). Nonetheless, in 2006, she walked 162.5 miles (she has a talking pedometer) and swam 859 laps in our pool (26.84 miles). She says, "To be honest, I had no idea I had put this kind of distance on. Done one step at a time, it can really add up."

Suzanne is a life teacher. One time I grumbled a bit when she asked me if I could drive her home from the pool. I'm embarrassed to say this, but it's true. I can accomplish tasks in less than a third of the time it takes Suzanne, but I somehow don't have time to help someone in need. Suzanne speaks often about how she feels "lucky to have so many who've touched my life in even the slightest way," yet I, Judy, sometimes feel besieged by the responsibility of having to "do it all myself."

Watching Suzanne, I have come up with two New Year's resolutions. One is to notice with gratitude the many who touch my life with their generosity of spirit. And the second is to spend less time thinking about what I need and more on whom I can help. Giving a friend a ride will be a good beginning.

Listen to Judy sing "High Hopes"

February Workshop

February 27, 9 - 4, Portsmouth, NH
I CAN'T BELIEVE I SAID THAT! GETTING A GRIP (ON YOUR EMOTIONS)

Are you emotionally savvy?

Today more than ever, decisions about career advancement are made on how well you manage your emotional energy, express yourself, and manage people and situations. At the heart of every work project and family conflict lies interpersonal effectiveness - your ability to manage yourself and your relationships.

If you hear yourself saying, "I can't believe I said that!" or "Why didn't I speak up?!" -- Join Ann Driscoll and Judy Ringer in this one-day workshop designed for skill building, practice, and fun.

Details and registration information

Judy's New CD

My new CD, "Conflict in the Workplace: An Aiki Approach," is available as an automatic download to your computer/iPod - or as a CD for your car or home system.

In a 30-minute interview, I answer frequently asked questions on conflict in the workplace and offer practical advice on transforming difficult people and situations into opportunities to increase influence and personal power. Whether you're a CEO, supervisor, manager, or employee, you have an influence on your environment. Why not act more intentionally to create a workplace that's positive, productive, and energizing?

The downloadable audio is $5.00, the CD $10.00, and both are available on the NEW Products Page of my website.

Learn more/Purchase Judy's CD

Portsmouth Aikido

Many of the principles reflected in Ki Moments come from aikido, the Japanese martial art that teaches self-defense through the redirection of energy.

If you're interested in practicing aikido and you live locally, Portsmouth Aikido is an ongoing martial arts school at the Seacoast Family Y in Portsmouth. Classes are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. You can stop by anytime and watch a class.

The next Aikido Beginner Class starts January 14. The eight-week course will run through March 4, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. each Sunday. The cost is $95.00 per person for the course and includes a Portsmouth Aikido t-shirt. Anyone aged 12 or older is welcome. Gift certificates are available!

Learn more about Portsmouth Aikido

Contact Information
JudyLogo

Judy Ringer
Power & Presence Training
76 Park Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
voice: 603.431.8560
website: www.judyringer.com

Judy Ringer is Founder of Power & Presence Training, a Portsmouth, NH company specializing in unique workshops to help you and your organization manage conflict, communicate effectively, and co-create a more positive work environment. E-mail Judy at judy@judyringer.com for a free initial meeting to discuss your training needs.

Ki (from Ai-ki-do) is Japanese for life energy. Ki Moments is a complimentary monthly "e-zine" with tips and how-to articles to help you manage the key moments in your life.

If you enjoy our news and stories, feel free to share them with friends or colleagues. Use our "FORWARD" link below to pass it along with our thanks!

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email: judy@judyringer.com
phone: 603-431-8560
web: http://www.judyringer.com