What Matters Now: Lessons on Living with Ease

By Gail Jacob Barker

Busy. Hurried. Harried. Pulled in a million directions. No matter who you are, you can probably relate to these words and phrases in some capacity. The pace of our modern world is so frantic and frenzied that for many people, being overwhelmed is simply par for the course.

In What Matters Now, Gail Jacob Barker shatters myths about the nature of life and invites readers to find a new, less stressful way to live. No matter the challenge, no matter the dilemma, no matter the era, Barker suggests that there is a simple paradigm that takes away a sense of burden and replaces it with a sense of ease. Using her own life experiences as a guide, she provides concrete, easy-to-implement strategies and ideas for filtering through the complexities and challenges of lifeno matter what youre facing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Jun 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504327824

Gail Jacob Barker

Gail Jacob Barker is a professional life and leadership coach, inspirational speaker, and published author. Since launching her own company, Stellar Coaching & Consulting, in 2003, Gail finds herself regularly working with leaders who are ready to elevate their leadership game in the most meaningful of ways. Being surrounded by good books, good folks, and good food—these are the things that matter to Gail, although not necessarily in that order. When all else fails, a walk along the beach will revive her soul like nothing else. Gail lives in Strathroy, Ontario, with her husband, her children, and their dog.

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Copyright © 2015 Gail Barker.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5043-2780-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-2781-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-2782-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015902262

Balboa Press rev. date: 06/05/2015

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1:   My Story Begins

Chapter 2:   Balance, Schmalance

Chapter 3:   If Not Balance, Then What?

Chapter 4:   Follow the Values-based Road

Chapter 5:   Nobody Can Decide What Matters for You (But I’m Going to Tell You Anyway)

Chapter 6:   Holes in the Fulfillment Bucket

Chapter 7:   When (and Why) Does The Question Matter?

Chapter 8:   Who Can Learn this Idea?

Chapter 9:   My Story Continues…And Your Mission (if you choose to accept it)

About the Author

For Scott, Jacob and Olivia –

the ones who are always what matters now in my world

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The writing of a book – really, the creation of any project – requires the help, the input, and the support of many. This book has been no exception and I would be remiss if I didn’t take time and space to acknowledge those whose presence has facilitated the completion of this project, in one way or another. I know that I won’t be able to name everyone, and yet, the list I’m about to create is probably longer than you might expect. But, this is what my heart needs to say so I ask that you bear with me. Gratitude is such an important expression for me; I can’t shorten this at all without feeling negligent. So here I go, in no particular order necessarily (except for, perhaps, where I start and where I finish):

To my parents, George and Kunjandamma Jacob: to say that you have always been in my corner is such an understatement. Through thick and thin, through trials and tribulations, through times of doubt and uncertainty, and always in moments of celebration and joy, you have been there. You’ve encouraged me, you’ve pushed me, you’ve challenged me, and you’ve given me space in equal measure. You’ve been phenomenal examples of courage, of commitment, of what it means to do your best. For your unwavering love and support, for the steadfast example you’ve set for me, I am and will always be grateful.

Ben, Ange, Nicholas, Amelia and Lilah: what more could one ask for from a brother and his family? (Maybe just that you move closer to home). Thanks for the love, for the laughs, for the listening ears, and for your continual belief in me. It means more than you could possibly know.

To my extended family and friends in various circles: my in-laws, my library cohorts, my church family, my coaching colleagues, my leadership tribe, my friends throughout the years (there’s no way I could name you all) – thank you for your support in its myriad forms. Just knowing that you’ve been part of the journey and that you’re around to chat, to guide, and to offer support is a gift in itself. By virtue of being a part of my circle, in whatever capacity, your spirit and support has been woven into this book in some way. Thank you for being a part of my life.

Jennifer Alexander: mere words cannot express the gratitude I feel for you coming into my life, but I’ll try to cobble this together. Your grounded presence, your brilliant smile, your gentle encouragement – these are the qualities that make you such a gift to those who know you. Thanks for infusing my world with your energy.

Rev. Julia Sinclair: a minister who makes you laugh, who challenges your beliefs, who models compassion, who invites a generosity of spirit – in short, a minister who knows how to minister – this is what you have been to me in the time that I’ve known you. Thank you for the thought-provoking conversations, for reminding me of what is possible, and for championing me – and others who’ve had the privilege of knowing you – to step up and step in to what I’m truly capable of, in all areas of my life.

Karen and Henry Kimsey-House: you are both exemplary models of what it is to live fully, to walk boldly, to show up completely. Thank you for pulling me into the world of leadership.

Jil Windsor: Although we don’t connect often, whenever we do, you raise my spirits immeasurably. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Brian Nuttall: Thank you for giving me a platform and an opportunity to share my ideals with others. Having my own radio show has been a gift that I don’t take for granted. Your support in this endeavour has meant a lot.

Vanda Smith: thanks for sharing your thoughts, your insights and your energy – literally. Reiki treatments from time to time have greatly served the creation of this book. The work you do is beautiful and brilliant – thank you!

Rick Carson: thanks for being willing to share your expertise, review this project (more than once!), and provide your feedback. I am truly honored to have your support.

My clients: While I cannot and will not list you all, I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you. It has been – and continues to be – a privilege to watch you stretch into your greatest vision of yourself, to challenge your limiting beliefs, to break out of the boxes you’ve built for yourself. As I bear witness to your growth, I grow as well. Thanks for entrusting me with the privilege of walking with you along your journey.

To the team at Balboa Press: thanks for helping me to bring my vision to life. Thanks for making yourselves available to answer my questions, for working with me to design the final product, and for making the whole publishing process as simple as possible.

And now, let’s wrap this up…

Scott, Scotty, my husband: I’ll bet you didn’t know exactly what you’d signed up for when you asked me out, way back when. And yet, you’ve stuck by me, you’ve walked with me, you’ve listened to my rants, pulled me out of the