Izolda Trakhtenberg, Storyteller

Playwright, Author, Director, Podcaster

about

Writer, speaker, singer, educator

Category: action

  • It is better to be scarred than to be scared

    Here are today’s power words from the Show Up! Journal. I realized this morning that I have been letting fear keep me from acting. Instead of standing up, stepping up, and showing up, I’ve been avoiding. And that has kept me from delivering on my promises to myself. Because, here’s the thing, my deadlines are…

  • You’d Better Look Me In The Eye When You Say That? Not Always.

    Welcome to today’s Physical Talks. Why do we sometimes look off into space during our conversations? Hint: It’s to improve those communication moments. See more below. Some people say that someone who won’t look you in the eye must be lying. That’s not necessarily true. There are a lot of other possibilities. Ever been caught…

  • Overheard – What I Learn Through Listening

    I am passionately curious about people. I love learning what motivates them, what challenges them, and what inspires them. So, I listen. I listen in my coaching practice. I listen during my workshops and seminars, and I shamelessly listen to conversations around me when I am working at coffee shops or when I’m walking down…

  • If not this door, another door … How to listen to that universal voice

    Whew! the universe just keeps nudging us in the right direction, doesn’t it? Sometimes, it’s driving and hitting all the right lights. Sometimes, it’s having events that you didn’t really want to do get canceled at the last minute therefore freeing you up to go do what you really want and ought to be doing…

  • Want More Time? Turn to Focus, Schedules, and Dedication

    I have been thinking a lot of about time in the last few days. I have embarked upon a new meditation practice. I’m starting small and dedicating only ten minutes a day (five in the morning and five in the evening). The time allotment might seem too short for some, but it has a purpose.…

  • Resistance Isn't Futile. It just wants you to think resisting it, is.

    I’m reading Steven Pressfield’s excellent book, “The War of Art.” If you have any desire to pursue your art, run towards this book with open arms. So far, it’s amazing, validating, and oh so frustrating. Pressfield points out all the hidden places we run to keep ourselves from working on our art/craft. I’ve winced more…

  • Today's Tarot: Two of Rods (bold, confident, innovative)

    Today’s Tarot: Two of Rods. (I always love this card!) Bold, innovative, confident. To a vegetarian, the phrase, the world is your oyster might mean something different than to someone who eats meat. Having said that, I take it to mean pleasure, joy, success – are yours for the taking. And you can find hidden…

  • This week's tarot: balance, strength, flexibility, compassion, passion, ebullience, and action

    Balance, Strength, Flexibility. I could say these are words to live by this week. But then I’d have to add, action, passion, and compassion as well. This draw of cards is pretty impressive, actually. You don’t often see so much positive show up in one three-card draw. Let me go get my shades (’cause our…

  • Work and play in equal measure.

    Today’s cards: Strength, The Fool, Ace of Rods. Wow, these cards are perfect for me today. I’ve spent the last few days sick as anything, barely moving, and feeling like death warmed over and then left out on a table to be feasted on by ants. This morning, I have finally have energy and a…