Archive for the ‘time management’ Category

“Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in our thoughts that we wind up going round and round in circles, finding it difficult to concentrate on things and, because we are so distracted, not really accomplishing much.”
http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2010/25031.html

“Have you been so focused on something that it seems to occupy your entire brain? Then there seems like there’s no room in your head for any other ideas or thoughts? Are you feeling a bit uptight or worried about how to do what you need to do accomplish? Do these thoughts keep you up or wake you up at night? Do you find it’s hard to concentrate on other things? You may even find yourself drifting off during other conversations. You’re mind is full trying to figure out how to get what you need done, how to come up with ideas for a new project or how to arrange your fall schedule balancing work and the responsibilities of your family. If you said yes to most of these questions above you’re being held hostage by your thoughts. When you are held hostage you don’t have the freedom to explore other ideas and opportunities, only the same old ones that are right there in front of your face. So how do you break out of the cycle of repetitive thoughts or worries that keep you confined? As I have been very focused on expanding my business, I have noticed it has helped letting go of the worry about how it will totally unfold. Giving myself freedom from worry by taking breaks and focusing on other things has helped me notice and be aware of new ideas. This morning I realized I needed to write my ezine. Even though I wanted to start on it, I just didn’t feel inspired. I noticed when I opened up my computer that the many icons on my desktop were blocking the picture on my screen. I took a short break from thinking about my ezine and re-arranged the ions and cleaned up the desktop. Next, I opened up my email and I took the time read the Daily Om (I don’t always read them). The answer came to me quickly on what to write about! These short “breaks” from my brain in hostage-mode about the ezine gave me the perfect validation for how I had been working on my business and gave me idea for this blog.

In this Daily Om they suggest you give yourself a gift – you probably guessed it – to step away from your worry or project. Doing this “lessens the load“. I know what you’re thinking. The problem will still be there, I still have to figure this out. That’s true, however, what comes from stepping back is the gift of answers you are looking for as you create the space to hear or see them. Your body relaxes and your mind is more open and receptive. No one is saying to ignore the deadline or not take care of your responsibilities – just take a break.

One blogger on Daily Om said it so well, “It is around 1:41 am. I am wide awake as thoughts at what happened at my office today are driving me crazy. I get up and switch on my computer, enter my email address and password. There I am looking at this Daily OM email: Taking a Break from What You are Doing. Terrific. Exactly what I needed and exactly at the right moment. I read it and am amazed. Suddenly I feel less tense. There is a sense that the Universe is communicating with me and is trying to help me.” ~ http://www.dailyom.com

The idea is to give yourself a mini vacation from the planning or the worry. “By stepping away from the problems that seem to saturate our thoughts, we lessen the weight of our troubles and instead become more receptive to the wisdom and answers the universe has to offer us”. http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2010/25031.html

3 Steps to Release the Hostage to Get the Gifts

• Consciously take a mind vacation from your project or worries (even if it’s just on the way to the car or a trip to the bathroom). Just switch the station on your thoughts – think of something else or something you love or enjoy
• Take a mini yoga break, walk, read a book, switch to another activity and monitor your thoughts on “vacation mode” from the project or worries
• Put your focus on what you are doing when you are in the shower, shaving or drying your hair or and watch the creative ideas pour in

Free and on a thought-vacation at least for a little while,
Bonnie

Just a  thought to take the pressure off yourself today. There is no way you can do it all. There is just no way! So what do you do?
Let go of:

• Perfectionism-this is self abuse

• I shoulds

• What will people think

• Thinking if you don’t do things they will go to ……

Instead go inside and ask?

• What’s really important today?

• How can I play or have fun?

• How can I be gentler on myself?

• What can I let go of today?

Today and this weekend find time to play.
Remember what The Cat in Hat said,
Don’t let this day….
Go without play….
(just kidding about the Cat in the Hat but he would say that ) Bonnie

Ugly Duckling or Swan?

Who thought swans would be the refresher with a message? After going to the dentist, I decided I needed to recharge my batteries and enjoy a bit of nature before my next coaching session. I stopped by a nearby park with a lake and a lovely view. I found a towel in the car. (I had my husband’s car so I didn’t have my beach chair in the trunk.) It was one of the beautiful days of spring before the heat of our Florida summer. I thought it would be lovely to just sit and enjoy some peace and quiet.

As I headed to a familiar part of the park, I heard the laughing and playful voices of children, many children. I love the sounds of children’s voices but after hearing drilling at the dentist I just wanted quiet. I headed towards the other end of lake. As I sat down on my little towel, my attention was caught by the swans. At this lake you can rent swan boats and you usually see swans, but the swans I saw first were in pairs and they were black! I had never seen black swans before. Maybe I just live a sheltered life. Who knows? They were a beautiful sight.

I enjoyed the swans that, on this particular day, were traversing the water in pairs. Two pairs of black swans and next a pair of swans with black necks and white bodies both perfectly matched. Then finally I saw the white swans. It was lovely to watch them gracefully float on the water. I have never seen birds so gracefully catch and swallow fish. Although I only stayed a short while, I felt a welling up in my heart of joy, just watching the ease and loveliness of the swans.

As many of you know animals can be symbols and represent certain ideas. I thought about the traditional ugly duckling story that recognizes they are a beautiful swan. That is a wonderful metaphor for our ability to really recognize when we accept ourselves we become ‘beautiful” and graceful because we aren’t trying to be something we aren’t. Being yourself is much easier. I also wanted to know more so I looked up the animal message of swans. So here they are: “begin to realize your own true beauty”. Then I looked up black swan: “represents love, both self love and romantic love, happiness in yourself, the healing power of love and miracles”.

I think the message is obvious but maybe not. You choose – no one else does. Are you an ugly duckling or a swan? Be your authentic self without hesitation. Your journey will be easier and more graceful. Remember the healing power of love and look for miracles.

Remember the message of the swans,

Bonnie

Yes, you can find peace in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, if you really want it. Even if there is a sadness in your heart, you can discover peace during this holiday season.

The other day I was reminded of this as I watched a dove take it’s winged grace into the air. (We have doves here around our house in Florida.) I love watching the doves, hearing them coo and knowing of the peace they can bring. In some sad moments today the energy of the doves cleared my way to more peace.

Historically, and in many faith traditions, doves are known as a symbol of peace. They are also known in Animal Totem medicine as a symbol of the peace of grace. It doesn’t matter where you live, you can capture the energy of the dove’s profound peace wherever you live and especially now in the season of light, peace and love.

I knew doves were associated with peace and love but I didn’t know that doves were also associated with giving.    It’s important for all of us to Let go of the notion there’s not enough time. This season and as you move into the new year, let “giving” to yourself  be one of your gifts.

Whenever you slip into the energy of chaos and desire the delicious comforting sense of peace….think of the dove energy.   It’s never too late to give to yourself.  Make a choice to  make things simpler.  Or give yourself a “time out”.  Be quiet before you head out shopping, wrapping, or cooking.  Trust your intuition; you know what you need. Those few self-nurturing moments have a big payoff in the grand scheme of things. And don’t forget to breathe in thankfulness for whatever you love and that is dear to you this holiday!

When you finish reading this blog take a moment, close your eyes and visualize or imagine beautiful doves of peace soaring and floating gently across the skies.  Imagine the serenity they bring as they noiselessly flap their wings, stilling your thoughts and bringing a true sense of tranquilly to you.  Just breathe in the tranquility!  Everything will fall into order.  Let it sink in before you open your eyes to the sights and sounds of this very precious season.

Wishing you all the peace of the doves,’

Bonnie

What do the first letters of the words above spell? Yes, you knew it—B.U.S.Y.! There is busy and then there is B.U.S.Y. Feeling B.U.S.Y. is feeling like you’re on the bottom, underneath the pile of to-dos weighing you down, stressed—thinking about what isn’t going to get done and then. . .the really yucky feelings creep into the pit of your stomach. Need I go on?  I caught myself in that trap this morning after starting a new two-day-a-week work opportunity (which I’m grateful and very appreciative of having).

I really thought this morning my inspired priorities were in order.  But, when I started to think of the top one on my list (a new task list added to the already long list–finding my Social Security card, which I needed so I could send a copy to my new contracting company so I could get paid) I felt the yucky feelings start to creep in. I wasn’t able to locate it when I looked before a late dinner last night, on top of knowing all I had to accomplish today after being out of my office.  Being the de-stress queen I knew I had a choice.  I could keep feeling like I was propelled out of a cannon ball and get aggravated OR de-stress myself.

The Power of De-Stressing

I make the choice I know works the best for me: de-stress and connect.  I focused on breathing. . .I breathed deeply in and out of my nose for a least 30 seconds. Then the pit in my stomach released. (I reminded myself how my brain, and yours, gets locked up when we are stressed and clear thinking gets put to the side.) I also remembered how when I’m able to flow more freely without worrying how the most important things on my inspired list seem to get done. Although quite frankly, I’m not always sure how they gets done. In fact sometimes it truly amazes me.

Once I reached the driveway it occurred to me to look through our files again.  Sure enough, there was a second folder with important papers in it that I had missed the previous evening.  Viola! There was my Social Security card.

What do you do?

I’m really interested in what your favorite de-stressor is. How do you keep yourself grounded with all you have to do?  They can be serious, fun or just practical. Blog and tell us what your favorite (healthy) de-stressor is.  It’s great to share so everyone benefits! We will choose the top 3 most unique or best de-stressing tips and send you a gift.  So please put your email in your blog response so we can contact you by email if you are a winner.