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From Distraction to Connection: Embracing the Power of Presence with Sandra Dee Robinson
In this episode of The Joy of Living, host Barry Shore is joined by the inspiring Sandra Dee Robinson, an acclaimed actress, author, and communication coach, to explore the profound impact of being present in our relationships—especially with our pets. Sandra Dee discusses the importance of intentional connection and how distractions in modern life have caused many to lose touch with the deeper bond they once had with their animals. Together, they reflect on how this disconnect affects both humans and pets, and what it means to truly listen and live joyfully. Tune in for an uplifting conversation full of wisdom, touching on everything from the emotional value of companionship to practical steps for embracing presence, all wrapped up in the signature joy and positivity that Barry Shore brings to every episode.
You’ll also hear fun and insightful moments as Barry and Sandra Dee share memorable acronyms for key concepts like “LISTEN” and “CHARISMA,” offering practical tools for improving your everyday life. Whether you’re a pet lover or looking for more connection and meaning, this episode will inspire you to cherish the moments that matter and live with intention.
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Show Notes:
[9.41] Dealing with Difficult People in Show Business
- Sandra shares her experiences working with challenging co-stars in the entertainment industry.
- She was given roles without auditioning due to her ability to handle difficult individuals on set.
- Sandra recalls her first day on a show where her co-star made the work environment tense and difficult.
- The co-star refused to rehearse and often didn’t use her lines, putting Sandra in a tough position.
- Despite the challenges, Sandra maintained professionalism and adapted to the situation, impressing the producers.
- Over time, Sandra saw the beauty in her co-star, recognizing the good qualities behind the difficult exterior.
- Her patience and empathy helped transform the work environment into a more peaceful place.
- Sandra emphasizes that difficult people are often a blessing, teaching valuable lessons in compassion and communication.
[18.01] Building Relationships Through Small Gestures
- Sandra explains how she planted small seeds of kindness to build a relationship with a difficult co-star.
- Initially dismissed by the co-star, Sandra didn’t let the rejection deter her from trying to connect.
- She listened carefully to conversations and found subtle ways to acknowledge the co-star’s interests.
- Without expecting a response, she would make comments about the co-star’s family or pets and then walk away.
- Over time, these small gestures showed the co-star that Sandra saw her beyond the workplace persona.
- The co-star eventually warmed up to Sandra, allowing them to work better together.
- Sandra highlights the importance of seeing and acknowledging people for who they really are, even when they’re difficult.
- This approach fostered a more harmonious work environment, benefiting everyone involved.
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[35.51]The Power of Decision Making
- The discussion begins by questioning whether to answer a call, highlighting the power in making decisions.
- When you decide to take action consciously, you retain power over the situation rather than reacting impulsively.
- It contrasts being proactive with being conditioned like Pavlov’s dog, emphasizing intentionality.
- Sandra advises taking a moment before acting, creating space for thoughtful choices.
- This pause allows for self-awareness and reflection before engaging with a situation.
- The idea of being present and aware plays a critical role in making informed decisions.
- By being fully present, one can choose whether or not to answer the phone.
- The process of pausing helps recognize when to act and when to reflect before taking action.
[42.01] Listening with All Senses
- Listening goes beyond hearing, involving awareness of body language and non-verbal cues.
- Horses, which don’t engage in human storytelling, offer a lesson in intuitive listening.
- Working with horses requires tuning into subtle body language, a form of pre-language communication.
- This “listening with all senses” taps into deeper awareness and reconnects individuals to their instincts.
- A simple exercise helps people activate their senses by noticing their surroundings through sight, sound, touch, taste, and internal feelings.
- This exercise is used to help people reconnect with their bodies and stay grounded in the present moment.
- The practice encourages people to access their own senses first, making it easier to connect with others.
- This concept applies well to human interactions, fostering better communication and connection by being fully present.
[5.22]The Impact of Distractions on Our Connection with Pets
- People are no longer making conscious choices to connect with their pets like they did when the world was on pause.
- Many spent time and energy forming deep connections with their adopted animals during the pandemic.
- Distractions like phones and endless to-do lists are pulling them away from being present with their pets.
- This shift has led to a breakdown in communication with pets, making the animals seem like a distraction themselves.
- The reality has been inverted, creating an unhealthy dynamic where pets are discarded, which is heartbreaking.
- The sadness isn’t just for the animals but also for the people who are losing a meaningful connection they don’t fully understand.
- Giving up a companion animal means losing a part of what makes us human and connected.
- Being present and engaged in the moment is key to maintaining a bond with pets and fostering joy instead of anxiety.
- The conversation highlights the importance of listening, being fully present, and appreciating the value of these relationships.
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About Sandra Dee Robinson
Much to her surprise, the media has labeled Sandra Dee Robinson as the “Charisma Coach.” After years of working with business owners, experts and celebrities to perfect their presentation and on-camera skills, I guess the title fits! But, so does: Soap opera actress, author, TV host, podcast host, international speaker, trainer and dog & horse fanatic. Oh, and let’s add: wife to a renown Hollywood stuntman. (Yup, never a dull moment)
Sandra Dee founded Charisma on Camera Performance Coaching in 2010 and in 2019 began Horsepowered Leadership Retreats, her nature-based getaways for high level professionals where they transform their self-leadership by partnering with horses.