When we can truly grasp the concept that we cannot control the actions or thoughts of anyone else, you will free yourself and create an opportunity for greater happiness. By letting that go you will avoid the roller-coaster of getting caught in other people's emotions and actions.
You are responsible for and control only you - get that and be happy.....
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
When in Doubt, Walk It Out
I have found that when you have an issue you're struggling with, having trouble making a decision, or are feeling blocked - walking it out seems to bring me a clearer mind and perspective. Instead of sitting and stewing over whatever it is you're dealing with, take a walk. We have all heard about the endorphins that are released through exercise and it's true. Taking, even a light 15-20 minute walk, can produce a positive physiological feeling that can help you power through. As well, the quiet time of focusing on something else (like walking and what's around you) may bring the answer you've been so struggling to find because you're no longer pressing the issue.
Being outdoors is aesthetically pleasing, refreshing, and coupled with the physical activity, very energizing. And if the answer doesn't come in that time, at least you will have done something positive for yourself. Ultimately, that will help you in everything you do.
In this fast paced world we live in, it is even more important to slow down and take time for yourself. So the next time you just feel you need "something", go take a walk - look up at the sky - watch the birds - listen to the crunch of leaves under your feet - breathe deep - and just walk.
Being outdoors is aesthetically pleasing, refreshing, and coupled with the physical activity, very energizing. And if the answer doesn't come in that time, at least you will have done something positive for yourself. Ultimately, that will help you in everything you do.
In this fast paced world we live in, it is even more important to slow down and take time for yourself. So the next time you just feel you need "something", go take a walk - look up at the sky - watch the birds - listen to the crunch of leaves under your feet - breathe deep - and just walk.
Stay Strong
"Authentic wisdom is the ability to shift out of those thoughts that weaken you and keep yourself in a higher state of consciousness. When you use your mind to empower you, you're appealing to that which uplifts and raises your spirits." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
Friday, September 9, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Oh Irene.......
This past week was a trying week for many in Connecticut as we faced days and nights without electricity. I did not have power for 5 days, but was fortunate enough to have running water, so for me it was like luxurious camping. My parents, on the other hand, did not get their power back until 4pm today (almost 8 complete days).
It was an interesting test as to how we adjust when there is a big change to our daily lives or habits. From the conversations I had and from my own personal experience, it wasn't a welcomed circumstance, but in the big picture perspective more like a major inconvenience. Yet some peoples reactions were for more traumatic. Some people who lost homes understood they at least had their lives and families. So perspective was definitely an individual reaction.
We never know what someone else is experiencing or how they process situations, but one thing is for sure everyone's experience of the past week was vastly different. No right or wrong, just different. How you responded this week or how you put things in perspective can give you insight as to; how you are in general. how you handle stress, what's important you, what can you handle when things are tough, what could you live with or without, how prepared were you.
Take a moment to look back over the past week - what are some of the answers to these questions? What did you learn about yourself? What did you like, what alarmed you, what were you able to handle that you wouldn't have known about otherwise, what was something you just had to have (I heard many talk about their morning coffee), how did change affect you, how did the unknowing (of when the power would be on) affect you? How would you describe yourself today compared to the person that went to bed last Saturday night?
We can all say goodbye to Irene, but she may have taught us some things we would have never had the opportunity to learn about ourselves otherwise. We may have met neighbors or talked with people that normally we might just pass by. We also all probably learned we take many things for granted (water, electricity, phone), aren't as prepared as we thought we were (like the emergency kits we "should" have), and that slowing down once in awhile and turning off the electronic world is survivable.
So goodbye Irene, you will not soon be forgotten, for many reasons. Yet in some small way, I'm glad you came. Although next time, no visit is necessary, just call.
It was an interesting test as to how we adjust when there is a big change to our daily lives or habits. From the conversations I had and from my own personal experience, it wasn't a welcomed circumstance, but in the big picture perspective more like a major inconvenience. Yet some peoples reactions were for more traumatic. Some people who lost homes understood they at least had their lives and families. So perspective was definitely an individual reaction.
We never know what someone else is experiencing or how they process situations, but one thing is for sure everyone's experience of the past week was vastly different. No right or wrong, just different. How you responded this week or how you put things in perspective can give you insight as to; how you are in general. how you handle stress, what's important you, what can you handle when things are tough, what could you live with or without, how prepared were you.
Take a moment to look back over the past week - what are some of the answers to these questions? What did you learn about yourself? What did you like, what alarmed you, what were you able to handle that you wouldn't have known about otherwise, what was something you just had to have (I heard many talk about their morning coffee), how did change affect you, how did the unknowing (of when the power would be on) affect you? How would you describe yourself today compared to the person that went to bed last Saturday night?
We can all say goodbye to Irene, but she may have taught us some things we would have never had the opportunity to learn about ourselves otherwise. We may have met neighbors or talked with people that normally we might just pass by. We also all probably learned we take many things for granted (water, electricity, phone), aren't as prepared as we thought we were (like the emergency kits we "should" have), and that slowing down once in awhile and turning off the electronic world is survivable.
So goodbye Irene, you will not soon be forgotten, for many reasons. Yet in some small way, I'm glad you came. Although next time, no visit is necessary, just call.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Recommendations for Exploring Awareness
If you are in a place in your life where you are interested in increasing your level of awareness or exploring a new way of being/thinking, I highly recommend items from Louise Hay and Dr. Wayne Dyer. As you will see below, it only takes a few lines to really make you stop and think. Simple, but deep. Enjoy and create your world.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
I've Been Away
It's been way too long since my last post, but I am happy to say I'm back.
One of the areas I specialize in is Life Transitions and a major life transition is why I was on a small sabbatical. I'm happy to say it wasn't anything tragic, but involved a change of residence, two new jobs, and a final move into a new home.
All of this transition has pretty much been the peak of about five years worth of change. Now if you had asked anyone who knew me five years ago about how I felt/dealt with change they definitely would have said, it's not in her vocabulary. Yet the funny thing about change, whether it's by choice or thrown your way, is you have very few options. You either face it and take the necessary steps to adjust and adapt or you go into denial, act like it's not real and before you know it, find your life slipping away. I am happy to report that even though it was a struggle, I plowed through it. Then every-time I exhaled and said okay, now I can get on with the rest of my life I was dealt another blow. So I realized the universe or some higher power was telling me, you still have some things to learn and changes to make, yet you've proven you're capable of handling it, so keep moving forward. Which I have and now, even though I don't always like it, I embrace change that comes my way because I know there is some lesson here for me to learn and I will be right where I'm suppose to be when I get to the other side.
Very few people like change, even change that makes life better or happier, because change means different - good or bad, but change is inevitable in life. Actually one of the only consistent things in life is change, but so many people resist it, try to avoid it, do everything they can to try to control their environments just to fend off change - yet it shows up anyway. So now what? Change shows up, you're faced with a transition. Do you stand up, stare it in the face (or maybe give it a side-ways glance), and start to make the necessary adjustments or do you run away screaming, hoping it's all a bad dream?
Honestly, most people probably do the later first because who immediately embraces it and says bring it on, but once that initial shock is over, what do you do? If it were as easy as a,b,c, then change wouldn't be so bad. Each person will address their issues differently, take different steps and actions, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind to help you down that road.
So open up your arms, look to sky, and tell the universe to bring it on - I can handle it and I will be okay. Then before you know it, you'll actually take on every day looking for change, knowing that's how we truly live and how we deeply grow. Transition and change are temporary - remember the only permanent thing in life is impermanence. Go discover, connect, and succeed.
One of the areas I specialize in is Life Transitions and a major life transition is why I was on a small sabbatical. I'm happy to say it wasn't anything tragic, but involved a change of residence, two new jobs, and a final move into a new home.
All of this transition has pretty much been the peak of about five years worth of change. Now if you had asked anyone who knew me five years ago about how I felt/dealt with change they definitely would have said, it's not in her vocabulary. Yet the funny thing about change, whether it's by choice or thrown your way, is you have very few options. You either face it and take the necessary steps to adjust and adapt or you go into denial, act like it's not real and before you know it, find your life slipping away. I am happy to report that even though it was a struggle, I plowed through it. Then every-time I exhaled and said okay, now I can get on with the rest of my life I was dealt another blow. So I realized the universe or some higher power was telling me, you still have some things to learn and changes to make, yet you've proven you're capable of handling it, so keep moving forward. Which I have and now, even though I don't always like it, I embrace change that comes my way because I know there is some lesson here for me to learn and I will be right where I'm suppose to be when I get to the other side.
Very few people like change, even change that makes life better or happier, because change means different - good or bad, but change is inevitable in life. Actually one of the only consistent things in life is change, but so many people resist it, try to avoid it, do everything they can to try to control their environments just to fend off change - yet it shows up anyway. So now what? Change shows up, you're faced with a transition. Do you stand up, stare it in the face (or maybe give it a side-ways glance), and start to make the necessary adjustments or do you run away screaming, hoping it's all a bad dream?
Honestly, most people probably do the later first because who immediately embraces it and says bring it on, but once that initial shock is over, what do you do? If it were as easy as a,b,c, then change wouldn't be so bad. Each person will address their issues differently, take different steps and actions, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind to help you down that road.
- Be kind to yourself. We are usually our own biggest critic, but this is a time to push that critic to the side, tell em' to take a hike (maybe they'll leave for good). You have to take care of you first during this time. Do something(s) that make you feel good. A bath, a hike, yes eat that hot fudge sundae, just stop, plop, and read a book, watch your favorite movie. Something that you enjoy, brings comfort,and will recharge you and give you some strength to face what's ahead. Repeat as needed.
- Avoid or stop the blame game - when facing a change, especially a difficult one, our tendency is to deflect the difficult feelings and want to blame someone, make it someone's fault, then we'll feel better. All that will do is keep you stuck in the muck. Blaming anyone, another person or yourself, will only keep the feelings raw and exposed, delaying the healing and adjustment time. Yes, you most likely will have angry and unpleasant feelings about the situation, but ruminating won't "change" what has happened.
- Journal, find a solitary place you can yell as loud and as long as you want, cry, exercise - or anything that gets it out. You do not want to keep the many feelings locked inside - they will eat you alive. Now during this time, say, write, do whatever you want - just get it outside of YOU - release it. As always with any of these - avoid things that could cause you or anyone else harm or injury - so be smart and careful.
- Meditate, do Yoga, or Pilates - many people discover these wonderful activities out of a need to help with coping or making a life adjustment. The reason being they teach you about being in the moment, being mindful of what is present, connecting your mind and body, helping you with inner strength by slowing down the world around you. These activities won't fix your situation, but they do help you cope and accept things by learning you only have this moment you're in right now. The past is gone, the future hasn't come - what are you going to do in this moment is all that matters.
- Turn back the clock - connect back to some of your interests from your youth or teen-age/college years. Many times things we use to do and enjoy were left behind as our grown up life got in the way. By re-connecting to one of these activities you may find it's good therapy or even re-kindle a passion you long forgot about, but now takes you in a new direction. Maybe you were very good at art, you loved the freedom of being on a bike, blowing bubbles were a fascination, or baking cookies.
So open up your arms, look to sky, and tell the universe to bring it on - I can handle it and I will be okay. Then before you know it, you'll actually take on every day looking for change, knowing that's how we truly live and how we deeply grow. Transition and change are temporary - remember the only permanent thing in life is impermanence. Go discover, connect, and succeed.
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