October, 09 2008

What's Reality?

I'm all stirred up. I'll admit it. I was just out and I ran into two different individuals, who both said approximately the same thing -- "Boy, what's happening with the economy is scary, isn't it?" I said not really -- and they BOTH mentioned that the reality of our current situation is upsetting and I could tell they were annoyed with me that I wasn't going along with the general hysteria. What reality? Was it their personal financial loss that was upsetting them or the general media discussion of what is going on that they were referring to? My guess is that both of these individuals are going to be fine. They may lose some money or have to cut back on something they want but they are going to be all right. Thousands of people are losing their homes and that's awful but in most cases, they, too, have much to appreciate in their lives. Now I'm not discounting that these are unusual times. I just think we all ought to take our own "reality" check. How do you feel? Who is in your life that brings you pleasure? What can you do for fun right now? (My favorite question!) Is there something that you could do for someone else in the course of the day or some time this week that would improve their outlook? Inventory your stuff...you already have a lot. Maybe this is the perfect time to give some of it away. If you have a computer, you can access entertainment, information, and make connections. Let's not be a flock of sheep at this moment -- I grant you that these events are unusual -- but if we have health, love, work, beauty, we'll work through it. Let's spread optimism -- why not?!?!

September, 30 2008

Inside Out

All change, healing, and correction take place from the inside to the out...in other words, we can make inner changes, which eventually lead us in a new direction or show up as a difference in our appearance, demeanor, attitude or more. How easy it is to forget this. I know this FACT deep in my core so why then am I angry at the property manager who doesn't send over the repairman in a timely way? (Believe me, I have a gazillion examples of where my actions run completely counter to what I believe is the absolute truth.) It looks so convincing -- certainly outside circumstances have NOTHING to do with me or what's going on with me. That guy cut me off -- the bank teller made an error -- my friend insulted me. All of us could make a long list of the slights we have endured and we clearly believe we had contributed nothing to our unhappiness. Even physical pain and discomfort can indicate an inner turmoil. How can we use this information (and that's what it all is...information)? First of all, realize if fear is present because if it is, we can chunk down how real the fear might be. Secondly, we can look at what the benefit might be in having the irritating situation or discomfort or even pain. (I know you are saying, "who wants that -- believe me, it's very subconcious). Third, we can look at the positive side of the situation. It usually takes time to find out what's going on and during that time, we can learn to be patient with ourselves. If we start to see how much power we actually have over our own lives, we can grow and become more of who we want to be. THAT is biggest benefit of all. So remember...inside out. It's true strength.

September, 16 2008

The Eternal Expanding Journey

Isn't that an elegant way to describe the way to wherever we are going -- The Eternal Expanding Journey. We often think that the only way to feel satisfied is to "get there." But what happens when we get there -- we decide to keep going in that direction or another. Until we're "over" there's no over anywhere about anything -- right? I had a client last week and as we talked about this, she kept saying...oh, I know...but she didn't really. This is one of the toughest concepts that we are here to learn -- there is no there, there! As we travel along the path to our goals, we experience joy, tension, hopefulness, despair -- it's all part of the process and yet we rarely understand that simple fact and we keep looking toward the end result as if the pot of gold is at the end of the rainbow. The client last week was unsatisfied with her life and we have all been in that icky place where we didn't feel good about almost anything. What's required is not a change of circumstances but an attitude adjustment -- the change is within us. I recently talked with a colleague who lives on the other coast and she mentioned something about how insecure most people are feeling because outside of us financial institutions are having such a tough time but the security also comes from within. Believe in you. Believe in the process. Enjoy the journey.

September, 07 2008

De-clutter and Be Creative

I have heard probably every excuse invented over why people live in less than ideal settings (too much stuff around and things they don't need and messy) -- They tell me "not enough time;" "not enough money;" "who cares anyway?" "cluttering is a psychological issue;" "I have too much to do to worry about those papers or whatever is in the way."

I don't buy any of it! Most people don't understand how important their surroundings are to their total well-being and success. You waste time if you are continually looking for stuff and clutter is stressful. Plus having a pleasant environment contributes to one's ability to think clearly and be creative.

The first step is to decide to de-clutter and beautify. Then break it down...just start wherever your eyes fall and begin there. Do a little at a time. (My mantra is CHUNK IT DOWN. Personal change takes time and we often give up when we expect to do more than we can comfortably handle.) Keep going until it's done. I know for some people that cleaning up is a herculean task -- get help! Eliminate all excuses and get it done.

You will be more productive, feel lighter, be happier.