The Chinese proverb "May you live in interesting times" is certainly one we are all realizing as we feel the effects of the current world situation economically. I see each day how it's creating more stress for everyone. What can one person do? How can you stay centered and what you should focus on if you want to thrive in these times?
From business tools to regular meditation to lighting your creative fire, to changing our thoughts, we have many choices for moving forward and not letting the media's gloomy forecast be our future. Rather than engage with doomsayers, pay attention to who you bring into your circle and make sure they are aligned with your purpose and goals. Your Yes's and No's are your greatest weapon to ward off isolation, negative thinking and falling down the rabbit hole.
APRIL SEEDS TO SOW IN YOUR GARDEN
1. Go Inward - I was talking to a client the other day and she said she hadn't spent any time noticing what her feelings were. She was operating in 'reaction' mode and that meant 'work harder, work more to stay afloat'. I challenge this assumption and suggest taking daily time to connect with yourself in a quiet, sacred way. Don't wait til your emotions are so big and heavy that they toxify you or your circle. Schedule that me time - 30 minutes each day (you can even divide it into two 15 minutes to start and end your day) should be the minimum.
2. Ask for Support - There are so many ways to access support for wherever you are. You can ask a friend/partner to listen, hire part time help, take books-on-tape from the library, get a Coach (couldn't leave that one out!) - get creative and reach out. Asking does NOT mean you are 'less than'; it means you are wanting to gain the tools you need to be successful.
3. Smile More - Recently I did a meditation that asked me to practice smiling and just bring awareness to how my inner state changed as I even just began to engage the 'smile' muscles in my face. I noticed that my world shifted! And I could discern different kinds of smiles - playful mischevious smiles or loving, touched smiles - there was so much room to express myself and it all turned a dark mood into something completely new. Try it! And I have India.Irie's "There's Hope - It doesn't cost a thing to smile." on my ringtone and that's a boost too. :)
4. Move your Body Daily - This should be a no-brainer by now. Endorphins, sharing the fun, feeling fit - the benefits are huge!
5. Live Bigger - Choose to live Purposefully. Instead of shrinking and being scared, step up in each moment. You choose to live full out instead of letting yourself be swayed by outer forces. "Every decision you make - every decision - is not a decision about What to do. It's a decision about Who You Are. When you see this, when you understand it, everything changes. You begin to see life in a new way. All events, occurrences, and situations turn into opportunities to do what you came here to do." - Neale Donald Walsch, Author of Conversations with God. Or follow this quote by Cadet Maxim, given to me by my daughter Tasha at just the moment I needed to hear it:
RISK more than others think is safe,
CARE more than others think is wise,
DREAM more than others think is practical,
EXPECT more than others think is possible.
While these times will challenge us, I believe the best policy is to take an even greater stand for vital Self-Care. You will not make it if you neglect your best assest: YOUR TRUE SELF!
If you aren't sure how to utilize the suggestions I've included here - or just want some support, write me victoria@truelifecoach.net and let's work on it together. I am committed to your Success!
Coach Victoria
(970) 259-9040
Victoria@truelifecoach.net
