Thursday Thoughts: Dreams Don't Work Unless ...

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To read how I do what I can with what I have (and how you can, too!), check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase!


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Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

The blog is moving!

Hello to all of my faithful Blogger followers! I'm excited to report that my business is growing and changing at such a pace that I explored all new ways of creating my online presence. As part of that, I recently moved my blog so that it can be more integrated with my main website. There are all sorts of technical reasons to move it that I won't go into here. The move was quite a project and I learned a lot. Of course I wrote about it for today's post, which you can read at the new site, http://www.dawntrautman.com/urbannomadusa.

The only sad news about integrating my blog with my main website is that it will no longer be here at Blogger for you to read in your reader. I feel a bit like I'm leaving a community, but I'll still be stopping by to read your blogs and comment from time to time. I certainly don't want to loose contact with you either, so please come join me over at http://www.dawntrautman.com/urbannomadusa. You'll see a few ways to subscribe in the sidebar of the new blog. I even have a link to my Pinterest page (just for fun) and my Vimeo channel (because I love to make videos). By the way, all of your favorite posts from the past are migrated over there, too, so the history is not lost as I make room for the future.

The new blog home is only part of what's next for me and my business as a life coach. I can truly say that I can hardy wait to see what challenges and opportunities are around the corner!

Thursday Thoughts: The Picture in our Head

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To read a bit about my adventure and clarify the picture in your head about your own adventures, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, contact Dawn to arrange for a live book release cabaret with your organization in August, 2012.

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Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Look Before You Leap

{Theo, planning his next move}

I often have the pleasure of cat sitting Theo. He is a pleasant cat who lives in a pleasant apartment on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Like many cats, he loves to climb to the highest available surface, and then leap from one place to the next. The part that fascinates me is that I always know where he's going to jump. He looks at his target, pauses, adjusts his body, and then jumps. Maybe we should be doing the same every time we leap into something.

1. Look. Know where you're going.
2. Pause. Consider whether this is really where you want to go.
3. Adjust. What needs to be lined up before you leap?
4. Jump. Once you decide to go, completely commit to it.

Perhaps by following this careful planning process, you too can always land on your feet, just like Theo.

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For additional ways to land on your feet, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, contact Dawn to arrange for a live book release cabaret with your organization in August, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Monday Musings: Wasted Time

{Photo credit: theberry.com}

When do you fall into the bottomless pit of wasted time? Because I don't own a television or play video games, my wasted time generally happens online. I start out visiting favorite sites and checking news and information that is relevant to me or my business. I know there's a problem when I'm done with those sites but I stay online, watching or reading things that are not that important or even that entertaining to me.

What's the harm? Well, not much in the short term. The problem comes when you pretend that the filler activity is truly relaxing instead of an entertainment choice with a beginning, middle, and end. The problem comes when you aren't interacting with real people or completing real projects. The problem comes when it's keeping you up late or causing you to not eat as healthy as you could.

I am not against television, video games, or the internet as a whole. Sometimes each medium can be helpful, necessary, or downright entertaining. What I'm against is not making an active choice about it. When we passively fall into these activities we are no longer active agents in our lives. We are half-participating in something that does not benefit us or anyone around us. Sometimes we are also sacrificing actual, restful rejuvenation for an activity that actually keeps our brains quite active. Sometimes we are avoiding a real-life situation by distracting ourselves with someone else's story.

Step 1: Set a boundary on your entertainment, your media and anything else where it's necessary. You may be surprised at how much time you have.

Step 2: Choose something to do instead.

• Need to relax? Take a short nap, go to sleep for the night, sit outside, walk a dog, do yoga, pray, draw.
• Need to interact with people? Call someone, visit someone, go to a coffee shop and see who's there, join a club.
• Need to do something that you've been avoiding? Get it done, so that you don't spend more time remembering to do it. 
• Need a good story? Read a book, write a story, ask someone about their childhood, see a live performance.
•  Caught up on everything and still have time? I believe that every person was created to change the world. If you're not sure how you'll do that, I''ll help you devise a plan. 

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For something to read when you shut off the television, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, contact Dawn to arrange for a live book release cabaret with your organization in August, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts: Theme Song

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To read a bit about my adventure and gain some focus for yours, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, contact Dawn to arrange for a live book release cabaret with your organization in August, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts from Laura Ingalls Wilder

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To read a bit about my adventure and gain some focus for yours, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, contact Dawn to arrange for a live book release cabaret with your organization in August, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Do Things in Batches

{Photo found (where else?) via Pinterest}

When you bake, you generally don't make just one cookie, brownie or cupcake. You make a batch. Why? Well, the obvious reason is that you'll want more than one cookie, plus a few to share. Another reason is economy of action. If you're going to gather the supplies, mix, bake, and decorate one, you may as well do a bunch of them. Voila! A batch.

This concept translates easily into other foods. I know many people who cook their main dishes once a month, freeze them, and then heat as needed.

What about other tasks? I have found a great freedom in doing other things in batches, especially things related to work. Here are some examples of things that go well in batches:

• Answer or delete emails in a batch instead of taking attention away from what I'm doing the moment the email comes in.
• Write blog posts, eCourses, presentations and other creative outputs all at once while I am in a thoughtful zone. 
• Read complicated or deep publications without interruption.

I'm sure you have examples in your own life. When we attempt to move quickly from one type of task to another, we spend too much time reorienting ourselves and getting back in the flow of it. By doing things all at once, we have a greater ability to work ahead, be strategic, and be more efficient with our tasks.

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To read a curated collection of posts from this blog, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase!

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Monday Musing: Preparing for a Big Transition

{Photo credit: schatzskindergarten.blogspot.com}

A friend of mine brought her 5-year-old to kindergarten round up, and then posted this status on Facebook:

Jake's comments from Kindergarten Round-up this morning: "I LOVE this school. When are you going to leave so I can learn?" "I really like my best friend I met. I don't know his name, but he's my best friend." "They gave me a book! We better read it tonight 'cause I gotta do my homework." Whew, I think he'll handle the transition well!

This 5-year-old instinctively knows how to embrace the next big stage of his life.

1. "I LOVE this school." Embraced the institution. If you have to go there every day anyway, why not love it?
2. "When are you going to leave ..." We often must have a temporary separation from our loved ones in order to enter new situations alone to join others who share our role or life stage. 
3. " ... so I can learn?" We have a certain task to do, and we must be clear on what that is.
4. "I really like my best friend I met. I don't know his name, but he's my best friend." Make a friend to share the experience. Study after study shows that people who have a best friend at work are more likely to stay in the position. This probably applies to any new situation.
5. "They gave me a book!" Whatever they offer, be open and accept the gift.
6. "We better read it tonight 'cause I gotta do my homework." Be prepared for your new experience and follow through on your commitment.

Good luck with kindergarten, Jake! Let us know when you learn your best friend's name.

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To read a curated collection of posts from this blog, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase!

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts: Dear Younger Me

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To read how I have gotten better with age and created a life of purpose and passion, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase!

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Tuesday Travel Tip: The Garbage Bin

{My newest bag}

Every time I get a new bag, I designate a garbage bin within the bag. This is where I stuff wrappers, Kleenex and anything else that I will want to throw away as I am on the go. It is not always convenient to throw something small away while I am on the go, and littering is certainly not an option, so I stuff it into my garbage bin within my bag. This keeps the garbage away from my other, non-garbage things. Also, by designating the garbage bin, when it is empty I don't put something else important in there, running the risk of getting it covered in crumbs.

I like to give everything a designated space, even the things that I intend to throw away.

***
To read a curated collection of posts from this blog plus the story of how I became an Urban Nomad, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret in New York City tonight, May 8, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization in August, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

A Life of Purpose and Passion: Misconception #5

{Photo found via Pinterest}

I am doing a series on the top five misconceptions about a life of purpose and passion. You can see the previous posts here.

Misconception #5: Passion is for other people.

We all love passion - in other people. We love the story of the local hero or the teacher who made a difference. We marvel at the superior athlete or artist. We watch movies for that moment when the character truly commits to a person or idea and goes after what they want.

We just think passion is for other people. We tell ourselves, "I'm too old/young/short/tall/fat/thin/smart/unsmart/fill-in-the-blank." Worse yet, we never even consider a life of purpose and passion for ourselves, passively watching others lives their lives and just letting things happen to us however they may.

As it says on the bottom of every page of my website,

"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." - Frederick Buechner

Passion can be a positive, selfless way of life for people of all ages, sizes, types and personalities.

What the world needs is you, living out your purpose and passion.

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To read more about purpose and passion, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret in New York City tomorrow, May 8, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization this fall.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

A Life of Purpose and Passion: Misconception #4

This week, I am doing a series on the top five misconceptions about a life of purpose and passion. You can see the previous posts here.

Misconception #4: Passion is too messy.

To follow a passion, it often means doing tasks with a sense of flow. Flow is a psychological term that you may have heard, meaning that the person's skills are a good match for the task - not too easy, not too hard, and it requires their total attention. Athletes, artists, programmers, surgeons, and others all talk about this phenomena where they loose sense of time and space, and become calm and focused, even as they are performing at extremely high levels. It's an elusive state that doesn't fit into a nice little box.

Over time, a passionate life can mean living a bit outside the accepted norms, for the sake of following the passion. Sure, it might get "messy," but is it too messy? Is it too messy to live your life in tune with your true calling, making a difference among the people around you? Is it too messy to overcome obstacles, deliver on promises no matter what, rearrange your life at the service of a greater good?

It's messy. But not too messy.

***
In honor of my birthday this week, I'd love to sell a huge amount of books to passionate people. The book includes some messy and some not-so-messy ways to live with more purpose and passion. If you want a signed copy of "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" go to the page for the book release cabaret in New York City, click "I can't attend, but I'd like you to send a signed copy" and be sure to fill in your address before you pay.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

A Life of Purpose and Passion: Misconception #3

{Photo found via Pinterest}

This week, I am doing a series on the top five misconceptions about a life of purpose and passion. You can see the previous post here.

Misconception #3: Passion is only for young people.

We can all remember a time when we were going to change the world. The possibilities were endless. We could do anything. But then reality hit and we had to be practical, right? No more dreams, or only dreams that can be delayed until retirement, right? Passion is for young people without too many responsibilities.

Well, today I am turning a not-so-young age. I mean, it's not super old but it's not those ages one might associate with passion, like, say, 22. And yet I still seek to live with purpose and passion. The best part is, I have mentors and role models who are even older than me who are also living with purpose and passion.

All of your major life decisions are not behind you. You can still make a difference. In fact, with your life experience, wisdom, connections, and resources, you probably have more chance of making a lasting difference than you did before.

Get started today.

***
Hey! It's my birthday! In honor of the day, I'd love to sell a huge amount of books to passionate people. In fact, if you want a signed copy of "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" go to the page for the book release cabaret in New York City, click "I can't attend, but I'd like you to send a signed copy" and be sure to fill in your address before you pay.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

A Life of Purpose and Passion: Misconception #2

{Photo found via Pinterest.}

This week, I am doing a series on the top five misconceptions about a life of purpose and passion. You can see the previous post here.

Misconception #2: Passion is selfish.

When asked (in the abstract, of course) about people who live with passion, some respondents immediately believe that the passionate person must be quite selfish. To follow a passion must mean using only yourself as a compass for what to do, and not taking into account the needs of the community. They will tell you that the person with a true servant heart does what is needed, not what they want to do. Passion is a luxury to pursue only when everything else is taken care of, and when will that be?

First of all, why are they mutually exclusive? Can't we take care of our responsibilities to the community and also pursue a passion? And might we be passionate about serving the community?

Second of all, who's to say that the passion will not also serve the community? A recent assignment in my eCourse asked participants to spend 1-2 hours doing what ever they wanted, as long as it was moral and legal. They "had" to find the time to do it because it was an assignment. The results were fascinating. When they gave themselves the time to do what they wanted, they keyed into a passion and worked at a very productive level. They produced a very high quality output. Second, more than one person discovered later that someone else could really use what they produced. It turned out that their community really needed the results of their passion.

Perhaps when we are able to accurately identify our passion and act on it, that's the still small voice of God telling us what our community needs, and that we are the ones best suited to create it.

What is your passion, and when will you act upon it for the good of your community?

***
To read a curated collection of posts from this blog, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret in New York City next Tuesday, May 8, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization this fall.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

A Life of Purpose and Passion: Misconception #1

{Photo found via Pinterest.}

This week, I am doing a series on the Top 5 Misconceptions about a Life of Purpose and Passion.

Misconception #1: Passionate people are angry (and that's always a bad thing.)

For many years I lived in an area of New York City known for its peaceful, yet sometimes robust, protests. The attendees were driven by their belief that change is important, and gather to make their voices heard. I've been at church meetings and political meetings where there is a proposed change, and individuals on both sides take the floor to voice their concerns. We've all seen, and perhaps been involved in, larger displays of national passion. What was the Arab Spring about, if not passion for a better future?

Every time I see that type of passion, I think, at least they care. Yes, sometimes they become angry. The struggle with passion lies in its relationship to both love and anger. Something that starts in love can easily cross the line into anger. Sometimes it's difficult to discern where one ends and the other begins, yet somewhere, embedded in an angry passion, is love.

Even in anger, passionate people care enough to show up and do something and fight for what they want. Even as one or both sides may become angry, they are deeply invested in the outcome. Passionate people are involved in their communities and in the lives of the people around them. 

Over the long term, apathy is much worse than passion gone awry. Apathy leads to bored people in declining communities, devoid of innovation, losing hope.

Sometimes passion stays in the realm of loving commitment. There is passion behind every person who quietly creates change in his or her community, even when it never makes the news. There is passion driving people who launch a new program, raise money for a charity, or spread awareness about an issue. There is a more celebrated passion among Olympic athletes, software developers, and novelists.


In some circles, grand displays of emotion, both positive and negative, are generally frowned upon. People are uncomfortable with passion on either end of the spectrum. Things still get done, but in a much different way. However, we must not forget the quiet passion of a mother who goes the extra mile for her child. There is passion driving the ladies who make quilts to send overseas and the local grocer who takes pride in keeping his store clean every single day.

And I hope there is passion driving you.

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To read a curated collection of posts from this blog, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret in New York City next Tuesday, May 8, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization this fall.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts: Are you holding on?

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To read a curated collection of posts from this blog plus the story of how I became an Urban Nomad, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret in New York City on May 8, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization in May or August, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Carry an Extra Layer

{Photo found via Pinterest}

Sometimes rain is fun, and sometimes you just end up wet and cold.

Sometimes rain creates a pleasant mist, and sometimes it rains so hard that even a quick dash to a car leaves you soaked.

And that, my friends, is the reason to never travel with only the bare minimum of clothing. When you get home all soaked and cold, you need the option to change into something dry.

When I lead hikes in the Rocky Mountains, one of my fellow counselors always carried one extra layer that he never put on. This was a bold choice, since we actually carried everything on our backs over rough terrain at high altitudes.

The reason he gave is that no matter how cold or wet he got, he knew that he had one more warm, dry layer waiting for him. Knowing that he had it was more important than actually putting it on.

If you are going to be somewhere that you cannot get home quickly and easily, have one more warm, dry layer somewhere.
***
To read a curated collection of posts from this blog including other adventures from my time in the Rocky Mountains, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret in New York City on May 8, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization in May or August, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Monday Musing: The Gift of Doors

{Second story doors in the French Quarter, New Orleans}

I love doors, both literally and figuratively. In New York, we are warned at every stop on the subway to "please stand clear of the closing doors." These are literal doors that will close on you and not feel so good if you get caught in them. In The Sound of Music, Mother Superior says, "When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window." These are the figurative doors of which good musicals are made. The character finds a new, creative way to get to the other side.

When a door stays open, you don't have to make a choice about whether you want to be inside or outside. People, sound, light and everything else flows freely in and out. Sometimes this is desirable because you don't have to make a choice about whether to be inside or outside. When I was living in Florida, many people had their living rooms set up in their garages. I even saw a couple fully decorated Christmas trees in garages. On nice days (which was almost every day) they opened the garage door and had a pleasant indoor/outdoor space. They didn't have to make a choice about being inside or outside. They had both.

Sometimes there is a door, but it opens easily and stays open. Opportunities arise, we grab them, and the rest is history. However, there are times in life when a closed door helps us. It forces us to make a choice about being inside or outside. When faced with an obstacle, we must make a commitment to remove the obstacle or walk away. When things come easily, we don't have this moment of decision, and it doesn't serve us well. One example is in this New York Times article on the downside of cohabitating before marriage. Couples just eased into a relationship without ever assessing whether they really wanted it. In many cases, it turned out they didn't really want it.

When something does not come easily, assess whether you really want it. Welcome the "closed door" as an opportunity to consider your options. If you really want it, find the open window that Mother Superior was talking about.

***
To read a curated collection of posts from this blog plus other writings of mine, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret in New York City on May 8, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization in May or August, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts: The Soul Always Knows

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To read a curated collection of posts from this blog plus other writings of mine, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret in New York City, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization in May or August, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Monday Musing: Creative Remix

{Book Release cabaret, photo by Nathan Lind}

You may have read that I wrote a book. (I wrote a book! You can buy it here.) I knew that I wanted to do a book release party of some sort, but I wasn't sure exactly what that would be. Then one day, going about the mundane business of my day, I suddenly knew what it needed to be: a cabaret of show tunes on the themes in the book. And thus the Urban Nomad Life Coach Cabaret and Book Release Party was born.

Yesterday, less than a month after having the idea, I had the world premiere of the event. Things can happen quickly if they are a creative remix of things you have done in the past. All of the months and years of writing, singing, coaching and creating events all came together. It also doesn't hurt that I had a team of amazing people offer to help in many and various ways. It was so much fun, and I can't wait to do it again in New York on May 7 and potentially other places.

How can you "remix" some of the things with which you are gifted into something new, exciting and life giving?

***
To read a curated collection of posts from this blog plus other writings of mine, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret in New York City, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization in May or August, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Curate Your Photos

{One of my photos from a recent walk in the park}

More is not always better, and this includes photos. When you travel or experience a major life event, you might be inclined to take photos, and then post them on your favorite social media site or share them with friends. As with many things, this should always be done in moderation. Why? If you share them all, two things will happen:

• No one will want to look at them all, thereby missing the best ones at the end.
• You may include a photo where someone looks truly awkward and won't appreciate your sharing it.

Just like a museum curator or a film director, help people see what's important by cutting out the parts that are not important. Respect your audience enough to delete the bad ones and not waste their time. I have a friend who has a entire online photo album for each day of his son's life. I'd love to see a few cute photos, but I stopped looking long ago. It's simply too much. I'm going to miss something wonderful at some point, but that's the risk I'm going to take.

Curate a short photographic recap of your event, and your friends will appreciate your efforts.

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To read a curated collection of posts from this blog plus other writings of mine, check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret currently planned for St. Paul and New York City, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization in April or May, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts: What Do You Want to Be Known For?

{Photo credit: http://thoughtquestions.com/page/2 via Pinterest}

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Ask these and other important questions in the 4 month eCourse that starts this Monday, April 9! Join our world wide movement of Good People Going Great Places. You'll be in a group of intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded people as they examine questions of identity, purpose and passion, and then actually do something to make a difference in your world. Find out more, and register today.

Check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret currently planned for St. Paul and New York City, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization in April or May, 2012.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Give Yourself (even more) Extra Time

{Photo credit: http://www.benjerry.com}

I have written other blog posts about the importance of leaving extra time for travel to any destination of any importance. My previous posts focused on reducing your own stress when you encounter roadblocks on your journey and honoring the other person by not keeping them waiting or wondering where you are. Those are still valid reasons for giving yourself plenty of time.

Recently I noticed another reason to give yourself plenty of time: it allows you the freedom to take advantage of unexpected opportunities along the way. Let's say, for example, that you didn't know that Tuesday, April 3, 2012 was Ben and Jerry's free cone day. Then, on your way somewhere else, you happen to pass a Ben and Jerry's. If you gave yourself plenty of time, you have the freedom to stop and get your free ice cream cone. If you are running late, you miss out on an opportunity.

It's almost like you get to have a free ice cream cone as a reward for leaving early. How nice.

Of course, now you know that today is free ice cream cone day, so plan that into your day, but leave yourself plenty of time. The line may be long.

***
Check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret currently planned for St. Paul and New York City, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization in April or May, 2012.

Join our world wide movement of Good People Going Great Places in an eCourse that begins April 9. You'll be in a group of intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded people as they examine questions of identity, purpose and passion, and then actually do something to make a difference in your world. Find out more, and register today.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Monday Musing: Living Outside Your Comfort Zone

{Photo found via Pinterest}

There are a few questions to which I am never sure how to answer.

"How did you sleep?"
(Fine, I guess. How do I assess that, exactly?)

"Where do you live?"
(This is a can of worms for a person who has no permanent residence.)

"Are you doing this actor/life coach/author thing forever?"

I realize that those who ask don't truly mean forever, but I think they mean for the rest of my professional career. A question like that implies that all of the major decisions about my career are behind me. I suppose there are still some people who decide what they will "be" in their twenties, and then they spend several decades making a progression through one career.

 That's not what I'm doing.

I don't truly believe that every door is still open to me. For example, I definitely don't want to go back to grad school, which precludes me from becoming a doctor or a lawyer or some such thing. I also am much less willing than I once was to carry anything heavy or sleep on the ground for more than a week, which rules out any number of careers. (Himalayan climbing guide comes to mind.)

However, I don't know that I'll be an actor/life coach/author "forever." I might, or I'll be whatever comes after that. Even though I don't know what's next, I know it will be something that makes sense. What I am now flows nicely out of experiences and interests I had ten years ago. I continue to be the same person, growing and changing in relationship to the people and opportunities around me, and the ways in which my skills and talents can better serve others in new situations. I like to think that I am cultivating a life of meaning, not just playing out the logical conclusions to decisions I made long ago. I'm willing to take the risks, explore the next opportunity, and yet trust myself to not lose focus and direction.

My life as it is today is something I never could have imagined ten years ago. How could I possibly know the things for which I am preparing myself in another decade or two or three? I can only imagine how I'll be able to serve in the coming decades, but I am excited to figure that out. What I do know is that I will be attempting to push my comfort zone and live more fully every step of the way.

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If you are happy in your comfort zone, I'm happy for you. If you are ready to change your world, and in turn change the whole world, let's talk! Check out my new book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" now available for purchase! Better yet, get a signed copy at the book release cabaret currently planned for St. Paul and New York City, or contact Dawn to do the cabaret with your organization in April or May, 2012.

Ask these and other important questions by enrolling in the 4 month eCourse that starts April 9! Join our world wide movement of Good People Going Great Places. You'll be in a group of intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded people as they examine questions of identity, purpose and passion, and then actually do something to make a difference in your world. Find out more, and register today.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Friday Flicks: Urban Nomad Life Coach Cabaret

If you've been reading along, you know that my book, "Urban Nomad USA: Travel Sized Life Coaching for Journeys of All Sorts" is available in paperback! Much of it is based on this blog, so if you love the blog you'll love the book!

What better way to do the book release party than in the form of a cabaret? This video explains it all. (If you're having trouble viewing it here on the blog, you can also view it at my website.)



Join me in St. Paul or New York  City, or contact me to talk about doing the cabaret for your organization. As you know, my bags are always packed and I'm ready to travel!

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Join our world wide movement of Good People Going Great Places in the form of an eCourse that starts April 9. You'll be in a group of intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded people as we examine questions of identity, purpose and passion, and then actually do something to make a difference in your world. Find out more, and register today.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know an intelligent, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.