ENewsletter: February 2009

 Renee Trudeau & Associates

Dear Friend:

One of the hardest lessons for me to learn—but one that changed my life profoundly—was the importance of asking for and receiving help.

As a career strategist, I work every week with mostly mid to senior level professionals from around the U.S. on career changes, launching new businesses and identifying, finding and creating work that is a fit for them inside and out.

Hands down, people who are comfortable asking for and receiving help—whether that’s from a coach, a therapist, a mentor, professional organization, business partner or colleague—experience greater success and feel more connected and confident at home and at work. 

Having a support system can have a huge impact on how you experience day-to-day life. Research shows that individuals who have robust support systems:

  • are more effective at work and at home (they feel as if they have a “team” behind them and that they’re not all alone)
  • keep resolutions, particularly those involving their health and physical well-being
  • weather personal and professional challenges more easily
  • are less likely to feel overwhelmed and find it easier to maintain perspective
  • stay healthier on all levels—mentally, physically and emotionally
  • are less likely to feel isolated (isolation can lead to feelings of despair and failure)
  • experience less stress and burnout
  • have children who are comfortable asking for and receiving support and help from others

In Creating Your Personal Support SystemChapter Three from my book The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal, I share about my journey to becoming more comfortable asking for help.

This month, I challenge you to give yourself the gift of support (one of the kindest forms of self-care; read more on this in my blog).

There is no need to feel like you’re out at sea in a rowboat alone. Reach out and take that step to get the help you need. There is no better feeling than knowing you’re not alone.   

February Challenge:   Set aside 30 minutes to work on Building Your Support Network.  After you’re done, share your completed support wheel with a friend or family member and take action!  There are many wonderful resources out there for support—you just need to reach out and make the call.

P.S. Let us know how my team and I can support you; check out our calendar for some great upcoming workshops and retreats, learn more about how to start or join a Women’s self-renewal circle or visit Career Strategists to explore our one-on-one career, small business or life balance coaching services. 

Take good care---Renee



Upcoming Events and Training:

  • February 26: Finding Your Career Mojo Workshop: A career change “jump start” package for professionals in career transition. Includes more than $650 in support services. Highly popular and packed with resources/tools and inspiration!  On a tight budget?  Check out our awesome new $99  DIY Career Change and Job Search Toolkits!
  • April 24-26:  Women’s Self-Renewal Retreat at The Crossings Spa & Retreat Center in Austin, TX.  Bring a friend and commuter rates available. Bring your girlfriends, mom, sisters; a wonderful Mother’s Day Gift!  Early bird rate ends March 2nd!
  • Are you a therapist, coach, doula or women’s empowerment advocate who loves supporting women and helping them nurture their emotional well-being? Learn more about becoming a PRG Facilitator and join a national community of leaders who are changing women’s lives through powerful life coaching groups centered around The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal.
  • Visit our online calendar to learn about upcoming self-renewal retreats and events.
  • Did you know Renee travels around the world speaking to corporations, organizations and at national conferences on Creating Balance from the Inside Out (and other related topics)? Learn more about having Renee speak at your next event, workshops or conference. We’re scheduling spring and summer events now.
  • Interested in introducing the self-care message to your friends, school group, neighborhood circle, book club, mom’s group or clients? Consider learning more about how to host a (free) popular Self-Renewal Party for women!