12 Lessons to Move You from Fear to Freedom in 2016

Are you ready to move from fear to freedom?  Do you want support in doing so?  I can help!  Here's a look ahead to what you'll learn on my blog in 2016.   Read on for a list of topics I'll be covering.  

Happy Holidays

I'm taking this week off to rest and rejuvenate.  I wish all my readers a joyous, low-stress holiday season.  If you need support, check out my post "5 Tips to Survive a Family Thanksgiving", or contact me directly.

Next week, look for a list of topics I'll be covering in 2016.

How to Free Yourself from the Disempowering Effect of Goals

A 2012 study by leadershipiq that looked at 4,182 workers from 397 organizations came to the conclusion that goals are not particularly helpful.  My personal experience confirms that.  Fortunately, Fearless Living gives us a new way to move forward.  By creating intention statements, rather than goals, willingness and choice overtake should and guilt.  Compassion takes center stage, and self- punishment is lessened, or perhaps eliminated altogether.  Sound good?  Read on.

4 Ways to Combat Expectations

What do you expect to find in the snack aisle of the supermarket?  Chips?  Candy?  Nuts?  What if you discovered olive oil and vinegar instead?  How would you feel?  What would you do?

Years ago, while doing my Christmas baking, I realized I was out of crushed pineapple.  We lived in a rural location. A trip to the store meant at least a couple of hours' delay in my baking plans.  Grudgingly, off I went.  Sheesh!  I had expected to find cans of pineapple in my pantry.  

5 Tips to Survive a Family Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a joyous time of family connection.  Or is it? It's fine until Aunt Molly begins telling you all the things she dislikes about the way you're raising your children.  Or your husband starts comparing your cooking to his mother's award-winning pumpkin pie.  Or cousin George turns the tv up to full volume, loads up his plate, and disappears to the den.   Are you ready to tear your hair out just thinking about it?

AAA's Thanksgiving forecast for last year predicted 46.3 million people would travel.  That's the hugest number since 2007.  Most travel to visit family and friends. Thanksgiving gatherings can be stressful.  The tips that are given here can focus you, and relieve you of the burden.

How to Beat Overwhelm by Turning Should into Choice

Do you wake up in the morning thinking about what you should do today?  Do you make your decisions based upon what others think you should do?  Should you be doing something other than reading this article right now?

As a homeschooling mom, I've bombarded myself with shoulds in the past.  I should create a schedule.  I should ensure my child is performing at or above grade level.  I should research the most effective math program.  I should ensure my child is socializing with his peers regularly.  I should be sure he's participating in sports. I should have her participate in a volunteer program.  I should take them to the library on a regular schedule.

What's All This Talk About Fear, Anyway?

Lately, it seems as though fear is a buzzword.  Sexy, almost. It's a challenge to feel fear, to move through fear, to conquer fear.  But why? How?  What the heck is this fear everyone's talking about, and why on earth would anyone want to knowingly seek out fear?

Years ago, I was given a huge promotion at work.  I went home from work on the weekend as a junior manager leading a department of one.  I returned on Monday as the sole senior administrator of a health care facility, in charge of a management staff of 8, a nursing and support staff of 100, and the well-being and comfort of 100 long term residents.  Thrilling?  You bet.  Terrifying? Absolutely.

Welcome to My Blog

Welcome to my new blog.  My name is Marla Kostis, and I'm a Certified Fearless Living Coach, under the tutelage of Emmy Award winner and bestselling author, Rhonda Britten, America's first life coach, star of the reality tv show, Starting Over, and founder of the Fearless Living Institute.

My goal is to help you learn how to get your needs met and move from confusion to intention as you begin to craft your future, your way. If you've been stuck in a rut, this blog is for you.

I plan to post once a week. I don't intend this to be a monologue; rather, I look forward to us having a dialogue.  I want you to give me your comments in the feedback section. I will read every comment and respond as I am able.

If you have a topic you want me to address, please leave a comment below.  I am looking forward to connecting with you!