I know I’m jumping the gun, just a little bit, but whenever August rolls around, I always think of the end of summer and the start of my favorite season. . . Autumn.

To me, the Autumn season represents change, transition, new life, growth and development. It is like a new day. It is when kids go back to school, trees shed their leaves and crops are harvested. It’s a wonderful time of year. But then again, I LOVE change, others may not.

Everyone reacts to change in their life differently:
Some embrace the change.
Some purposely create change.
Some enjoy the status quo and try to avoid change as much as possible.

Regardless of your approach to the concept of change, life IS change, change is inevitable.

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” John F. Kennedy.

So how do YOU deal with change in your life?
Does it work for you?

Below I share some three tips on how to bring about change smoothly, easily and naturally. (PS - These tips are great even if you are NOT in transition.)

#1. ENJOY THE RIDE
Transition or not, it’s always refreshing to have a bit of fun! However, particularly during times of change, fun is often forgotten. One way you can bring back a bit of fun is to celebrate your milestones, relish in your discoveries, reward yourself for your successes!
A. List rewards for yourself or ways you want to celebrate.
B. Categorize them into two columns: “Adding Joy” and “The Big Kahuna!” (or whatever labels you like). The “Adding Joy” column is any reward you would like to give yourself for on-going milestones and progress. “The Big Kahuna” column are rewards for larger accomplishments and completion of a big task.
C. Each time you reach a milestone or success on your journey treat yourself by “Adding Joy” or giving yourself “The Big Kahuna!”

#2. REMEMBERING SELF CARE
Too often Self Care is forgotten when people go through transition; this makes it harder. The transition is already bringing a certain amount of stress, it doesn’t make sense to further add to the imbalance in your life by not taking care of your Self. During transition, we end up DOING instead of BEING. Taking time to remember Self Care will enable you to BE while DOING. It will give you a sense of control, revitalization, motivation and relaxation.
A. Think about where you get your energy from.
B. List 5-10 things you can do for yourself in 30 minutes or less (give yourself options to choose!). Some examples might be to stretch, enjoy the fresh air, write in a journal, take a bath, read for 20 minutes, etc.
C. Practice at least 2 items on your list DAILY.

#3. MAKING YOURSELF AT HOME:
Wherever you are in the transitional process, it is important to get a sense of your physical environment and create a space that is comfortable and safe for you. This is different from Self Care in that it is your external environment, whereas Self Care relates to your well-being and inner Self.
A. Think about your definition of Home.
B. Write down 5 things that make it a home for you. It can be tangible items, like flowers or a comfortable couch, or it can be intangible, like the smell or feel or your home.
C. Incorporate at least 3 of these things into your home during transition.

Technorati Tags: Self Care, Transition, Change, Relaxing, Peaceful Environment, Reward

I often live by strong, yet simple principles:
“Do Unto Others”
“Be Real”
“No Regrets”
“Just Do It”
And the list goes on. Okay, it’s not the “Ten Commandments” but they are principles and taglines that remind me not only of who I am, but how I want to live my life.

A few years ago I was awakened by three words that says it all:
Live, Laugh, Love (or “L-cubed”)

The first time I got this message, it was in an email. Actually several emails that came at me at the same time. The content of the emails were different, but in the end, it always had this same message (or a version of it):

“Work as if you have no money. Love as if you have never been hurt. Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. And live everyday as if it were your last.”

And then soon after this initial email I received a couple of cards with just three words on the front:
“Live, Laugh, Love”

At first I didn’t think anything of it, but with the second card, I paid attention. Something clicked in my mind and reacted to the message in front of me. At that particular moment, I remembered thinking, “Am I living?” And when I honestly took a step back to look at my life, with my wheels spinning at 100 mph, I realized no, I was NOT living. Not the way I want to be living. I was becoming a member of the walking dead - a zombie.

Then, recalling the Michael Jackson “Thriller” video, I laughed at myself and it felt good. I thought to myself, “I need to do that more often.” Simply laugh. I told myself that I was going to exercise my “laugh muscle” because that takes practice too.

And “Love.” So many other emotions were consuming my heart that Love was getting pushed to the side and toward the back. Love for my work. Love for my family. Love for my friends. Love for the world. Love for myself. As John Lennon says, “All we need is Love.”
It’s so simple, it’s forgettable.

When I made these realizations, my mindset started to shift. I made those three words my motto for the following year and I woke up and walked off the wheel. I started to Live. I began to Laugh again. And I Loved, as often as I could.

Just as I needed that second message, we often need that second (or third) “slap in the face” to tell us and wake us up from the daily grind that we find ourselves in. To wake up and realize that there is more to life than “the grind” or the paycheck or “doing” and spinning our wheels.

Depending on the situation, I still use other mottos and sayings to keep me motivated and inspired, but what follows me internally and deeply with everything I do is to:

“Live, Laugh and Love”

I encourage you to find the motto that works for you. Something that enables you to get into a mindset where you feel joy and know that what you’re doing is right for you. A saying that conjures up the right energy and momentum for when you need it. Words that will help you live a life of passion and purpose.�

Technorati Tags: Live, Laugh, Love, Being in the Present, Living, Balance, Passion, Purpose

“I love my house cleaner, Julie.”
I am constantly reminded of this fact.
Just recently I came back from a 10 day vacation to a tidy, clean, scrubbed down house. It felt great! It wasn’t always like this, however. It took me a while to accept, embrace and truly LOVE Julie as my house cleaner.

I am a “Git-It-Done” kind of person and I’ve always prided myself on the fact that I DO get things done. “Take Action!” is my motto and I live by it, gosh darn it! No matter what it is:
Cooking
Cleaning
Developing my business
Volunteering
Taking care of my family
Walking the dog
Gardening
Taking classes
Having dinner parties
Keeping up with our friends
Networking
Grocery shopping
Laundry
Washing the car
And the list goes on and on. . . . I can “Git-It-Done!” ALL OF IT!

Well, I can’t and I didn’t.

I remember when all was going great until “life happened” and priorities shifted, schedules changed and sometimes things got put on the backburner. Then the dust bunnies mulitplied and when they took over, my home was no longer my “haven.” It turned into something I was tolerating and a source of frustration. Most days I was able to harness the positive and keep my mindset in check, but those few “off” days certainly did not have a positive effect on my mood, my work or my motivation.

Finally, it took my husband to suggest a housekeeper that helped me see the light.

At first I resisted, “No, I can do it. No problem.” Inside I didn’t want to be a failure at being able to manage everything. So I did it, . . . created a schedule, extended my days, started spinning, spinning and spinning. . . until one day I realized I wasn’t LIVING any more, I was just DOING all the time and feeling miserable for my efforts.

And one day it just hit me.
“I” was creating this miserable state.
All my efforts were making me miserable.
“I” have to change.
So I did. And it took a while.

At first I would clean up right before Julie arrived, tidying things up just a bit. It was silly, but I was still holding on to the “I-Can-Do-Everything” mentality. Then one day I had a meeting, did not tidy up and you know what happened? Nothing. She came. She cleaned. It was great! And “I” felt great!

I realized that my letting go of this task, accepting and embracing Julie’s services, was not only important to the state of my physical space and environment, but it was vitally important to my own personal well-being.

I was “cleaning house” in more ways than one. I found that I was feeling better, more productive and felt calm and relaxed. Even though she only comes twice a month while I clean and tidy up throughout the week, I SO appreciate those days that she is here. I walk in to a clean, fresh smelling, tidy home. Let me say it again:

“I LOVE my house cleaner.”

Technorati Tags: delegating, letting go, appreciation, self care, personal change, realization, well-being, positive environment

The dictionary defines “abundance” as “an ample quantity” or “wealth.”
However living abundantly means that you have an adequate amount of whatever you need; it means that life is plentiful; you are wealthy. It also means that you are not driven by your needs, because you have already have more than you need.

Most people are living off of fumes and just scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of time, energy, resources, space, money, etc. Think about your day, are you spinning your wheels and putting out one fire to the next? If you answered yes, then youʼre running on fumes. So how do you fill up your tank? Live with abundance.

Abundant living is the idea that you already have all that you need. Abundant living is thinking win-win. Abundant living is about building reserves so that you are not wanting for anything; youʼre not motivated or driven by your needs. Once you start thinking and living abundantly you will naturally attract whatever you need and more! Abundant living makes life easier.

START LIVING WITH ABUNDANCE:

1. Identify what is abundant in your life right now - We all have “richness” in our lives right now, but sometimes it gets lost in the fog of the fumes. Clear the air and breathe, recognize what you have right now in your life.

2. Understand your needs - in addition to basic human needs (food, water, sleep, etc.) everyone has personal needs (appreciation, community, calmness, etc.). Know and be aware or your needs and how they drive you, both positively and negatively.

3. Think “win-win” - many conflicts arise from limiting beliefs and “win-lose” thinking. However, if you think abundantly and know that both parties can benefit, the solution becomes much more rewarding and you create a symbiotic relationship.

Try applying Abundant Living principles at work or business. By thinking “win-win” you accomplish more and build strong mutually beneficial partnerships.

Technorati Tags: Vision, Appreciation, Reflection, Relationships, Balance, Law of Attraction, Abundance

At the end of the year, it’s natural to think of the “Year In Review;” reflecting on accomplishments, taking stock of unfinished projects and remembering significant events. At the same time, thoughts almost immediately project into the future, anticipating what tasks can roll over into the next year and what projects need to be added.

Take a minute to think about this. . .

Now STOP!

How about appreciating this very moment, right now?

Reflecting:
Hold the reflections of the past for a minute. . .
Think about how far you’ve come since the beginning of the year or since the start of this particular project. Think about the “wins” and the challenges. Think about the learning and the growth experienced. Sometimes the obstacles may not be that pleasant to recall, but that makes the current moment even sweeter.

This moment right now is wonderfully perfect.

Projecting:
Now, pause with the projections . . .
Notice how what has occurred in your recent history enables you to look toward the future. Because of a particular challenge, you’ve learned a new, better way of taking action. Because you finished one project, you can move onto the next step. Because you are in the space of knowledge and experience today, you can move forward to tomorrow.

This moment right now, allows you to live the next moment.

As the reflecting and projecting continues, remember to appreciate the current moment for all the greatness, richness and rewards it offers.

Today is truly the greatest of presents.
Remember the importance of presence.

Technorati Tags: Appreciation, Reflection, Vision, Being In the Present, Action

Trap #5. GAINING WEIGHT
Yes, we all like to eat and we all know that the holidays will fill our every carbo-craving from mashed potatoes to pumpkin pie, fromcandy corn to stuffing. It’s not just the carbo-loading. . . it’s also the AMOUNT of food we tend to eat.

TIP: Eat, then exercise. Go ahead and eat that second dessert or have the extra helping of potatoes, but then make up for it by going for a long evening walk (at least an hour) or start a football game with your family. You’ll find the exercise refreshing and perhaps be able to spend a little more quality time with friends and family instead of rushing to the next holiday obligation!

Trap #4. TOO MANY OBLIGATIONS
It wouldn’t be the holidays without parties, events, shows, fundraisers - the busy lifestyle. Some people thrive on the pace,
so to those people I say, HAVE FUN! But others may wear themselves down. . .

TIP: It’s okay to say no. If you’re finding that you are spinning your wheels and you’re just not having any fun with the obligations, say no. Skip one event that you really do NOT want to go to and do something you KNOW you enjoy – whether it’s watching a movie, gardening, spending time with your own family or staying at home. What’s the point of ringing holiday cheer with people if you’re not enjoying the moment or the company?

Trap #3. SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY
The holidays leave you with a full stomach and an empty wallet. You don’t have to stress about finances every time the holidays roll around – you can start planning today for this year AND next!

TIP: Organize all your holiday spending lists - gifts, events, fundraising events, etc. – figure out the cost for each item and then a total. Determine a budget for how much you are ABLE to spend. If they match or you have more in your budget than you want to spend, you’re golden! However, if your budget falls short of what you need there are two things you can do:
1) change your budget and allot more money or
2) cut something(s) out.
Either way it’s up to you and you have to make a decision and accept it. The added benefit of knowing what you want to spend now is that you can plan for next year and reduce potential stress.

Trap #2. FORGETTING YOUR SELF
Buy gifts for everyone, check.
Send holiday cards out, check.
Plan and invite everyone to holiday party, check.
You’ve taken care of everyone and everything else, now it’s time to put your feet up and relax. Pamper your self a little.

TIP: Do something for yourself. Buy yourself a present. Reward yourself with that extra sugary, creamy pumpkin spice
latte with whipped cream (and then take that walk) Or simply, spend 10 minutes with yourself, relaxing, taking a nap, soaking your feet. Remember yourself and give your Self a little bit of that holiday cheer that you’re spreading to everyone else.

Trap #1. GETTING THE HOLIDAY BLUES
Amidst all of the holiday festivities and gatherings of the Holiday Hurricane, sometimes, the whirlwind brings about
the Holiday Blues – missing people, regretting what we have not accomplished in this last year, getting older, and the natural change that comes with the new year. Sometimes it might be a short riff, but for others it may a long improvised Blues solo that lasts through to the new year. Unfortunately it’s human nature to focus on what is “lacking.”

TIP: Focus on what you HAVE and not on what you do NOT have. Focus on who is with you NOW, instead of thinking of those that can’t be with you. Think back to the beginning of the year and think of all the things that you HAVE accomplished this year – recall where you started and how far you’ve come. Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where we begin to focus on what we lack. Instead of singing the blues about the things that “have not,” be thankful for EVERYTHING that “IS.”

Technorati Tags: Stress and Overwhelm, Balance, Organization, Self Care, Holiday, Appreciation

You might notice this issue is a little shorter than usual. It is shorter so you can GO OUT THERE AND ENJOY!

With all the new growth and the fresh blossoms that spring brings, change is in the air.

Change does not have to be something new - it can be re-newing something special that has been forgotten.

• That old jacket that you tucked away in the back of the closet
• Picking up that tennis racquet that used to get daily use
• Taking a walk around the neighborhood that you loved (and still love) so much

It’s time to go out and feel the warmth of the sun on your face and say, “Thank you!” for the wonderful things you have in your life. Too often people focus on what they DON’T have, instead of seeing the great things they DO have in their life. It’s never too late to appreciate your life and YOU.

Discovery Tip: Go out and Enjoy!

It’s harder to appreciate the things you have in life if you’re stuck behind a desk or constantly doing a task.
Take a break, go out and enjoy!
BE with the things you appreciate in life.

If you appreciate your family - go be with your family.
If you appreciate laughter - spend more time laughing.
If you appreciate where you live - walk around and soak in your neighborhood.

Or simply go appreciate things around you like:

• watching the sunset
• smiling as you walk down the street
• looking at a rainbow

What do you appreciate in life?
Now go and enjoy it!

Appreciate life, appreciate you.

“We don’t stop playing when we grow old, we grow old when we stop playing.”

 

Technorati Tags: Appreciation, Balance, Self Care