Let’s face it, we all have difficult situations to face. We meet people who hold different views, styles, or opinions than us.  We experience unequal treatment or discrimination as a woman, a minority, an LGBT person, due to a disability, or simply because we view the world differently than someone else.  How well do you handle these situations?  Can you stand confidently in who you are and respond? Or, do you react impulsively and emotionally creating a trail of drama and destruction in your path ultimately sabotaging your best efforts?

Last week California Supreme Court Upheld Prop 8 which created untold complexities for many families.  I can only imagine how confusing it is for kids of the affected families. Some good tips on helping kids cope with Prop 8 were shared on Mombian.   Frankly the tips are pretty handy for people of any age.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue, the point is — it is one difficult and sticky situation.  That means that tempers flare, emotions run high, and people need to determine their best response individually and collectively.

What I know from Comfortable in Your Own Skin Coaching is that when you fully embrace your own self and emotions, you are in a more empowered and charge-neutral place to respond.  Note I said charge-neutral not lacking opinion, passion, or emotions.  Rather, the ability to respond fully, compassionately, and in alignment with who you are in a way that can be heard.  When arms are flailing and tempers are flaring, no one is listening.  Ever seen two people adamant and steadfast in their opposing views argue?  Who is listening to whom? No one…

So, today on the 4th Annual Blogging for LGBT Families Day, take a few moments to reflect upon how you handle difficult situations of all kinds and ask yourself — “How can I be more solid in who I am so that I am better able to relate and respond to those around me (those that share my views and those that don’t)?”

Announcing the release of the eBook “Career & Money – How to Create a Life You Love On the Job and Off”. If you happen to read my column at Queercents you might remember the Career & Money series I wrote starting in March of 2007. It seemed almost like ancient history to me when Nina suggested I update it and compile it into an eBook. Well I am happy to say that it is now available for download and is recently updated.

As I reviewed every word of the original series I realized that it is so relevant in today’s environment. Now more than ever it is imperative to consciously create your personal and professional life in a way that fuels who you are while also providing the financial means to live the way you most desire.

There’s nothing flashy about this book. It is about the fundamentals. The foundational questions you need to answer for yourself as it relates to your life and career. They are even more true today than they were 18 months ago when money and the markets were still flying high. Regardless of the economic climate I am a firm believer that today is the first day in the rest of your life and it is imperative to seize the day and live fully in the present moment while also creating an inspiring future.

Here’s a look at the table of contents:

Part 1: Intention, Plan and Goals
Part 2: How to Determine if You Want a Career or a Job
Part 3: What are your values? How much do you need/want to earn?
Part 4: How Can You Earn Money?
Part 4A: Skills vs. Passion
Part 5: Landing the Job (Part One)
Part 6: Landing the Job – Make and Close the Deal
Part 7: Staring Your Own Business
Part 8: Making the Most of Your Career
Part 9: Re-pot, Re-invent, Re-visit
Part 10: Work & Happiness
Part 11: Retirement
Want to Learn More?

I cover a lot of ground in this book. I guarantee if you do the exercises contained in it you will walk away with clarity and actionable next steps.

If you are ready to learn how to get started designing a professional life that fits WHO you are instead of how you were told it “should” look today… Buy the Career & Money eBook here for just $7.