Monday, March 29, 2010

Is this the new normal?

Ok so issues, I've had a few this year. The latest, a huge water leak under our beautiful stone path that has already netted us a $350 excess water bill plus a $100 leak detector bill. Also today they say they want to test my boy for Celiac's disease. Anyway, I was feeling a bit slack about not doing a newsletter for my e-newsletter clients (there goes the mind again) and I sat down and wrote my latest newsletter. This year, I have been putting things off until my boy is better and I keep saying to myself, "I'll do that when things get back to normal". Then today, in the thinking behind the writing, I thought to myself "What if this is the new normal?". Last year was pretty easy for me. Cruisey, some might say. What if this is going to be my normal for sometime, until I get a new normal, whatever THAT might be? I have to start to adapt to my new normal. Instead of putting things off, I need to work out how I'm going to do what I want and need to do with this new normal.  So over the Easter break, my aim is to make a list of the things I have been putting off and also make a list of action I can take to make sure those things are done.  And maybe I'll put a rough time limit around them to so that I have an aim as to when I would like to have completed them by.  Mmmm, I'm excited at the prospect now of this being my new normal.  It's always nice to have a change and a positive challenge!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

February

I have just uploaded a photo on the Flickr photostream of my February page.  At last!  I had to add a photo of Mel's ear as it certainly got a work out over the month of Feb.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Don't, Not and No

Just this week, I was having a conversation with one of my clients who have finished their coaching with me and we were talking about something I shared with her in her last two sessions.  It stems from the Law Of Attraction by Michael Losier(http://www.lawofattractionbook.com.au/).  I will never forget the day I was first introduced to Michael's version of Law of Attraction.  See, I had watched 'The Secret' and attempted to read the book.  To me it all sounded very positive.  I just didn't know how to put it into practice completely in my life.  Then a friend invited me to join her at a breakfast with Michael Losier.  One of the first things he spoke about was removing don't, not and no from your vocabulary.  The reason behind this is that if you are using those words either in your 'out loud' talk or your self talk, you are focusing on the things you don't want in your life, therefore because that's what you're focusing on, that's what you are getting more of.
I remember leaving and driving over the Chevron Island bridge and suddenly being aware of all the times I had said don't, not and no in the last few minutes.  That day for me was a big wake up call.  The number of times I used those words was incredible and I would have said beforehand that I was a fairly positive person.
Of course he went on to explain that once you are aware of it you then have the opportunity to turn it around into a positive by asking yourself "So what do I want?".  The answer to this is of course the positive and for me, it is always what I should be putting my energies into.
My client said this also changed her life in a matter of days.  Once she knew about this, she too listened to how many times she said those words and when she did say them she asked herself "So what do I want" and she began thinking about how she wanted her life to be instead of how she didn't want it to be.
It was really great to be reminded of this.  I think over the last few weeks I had become a bit negative again.  I have been focusing on my son's ill health rather than focusing on the fact that he is getting healthier each day.  I have been focusing on the things around the house that I haven't done and the goals that I haven't been working towards instead of being grateful for what I have been able to achieve and being grateful for whatever progress I have made each day even if it is only one thing.  I can see as I type this, this is a common theme for me.  Perhaps it is for you too. 
Speaking with my client was just the reminder I needed for my life too.  No matter how many times you read, hear of speak about positive things, even if it's the same thing, it is always just what you need at that moment.  Thank you universe.  Surround youself with positive people and soak in their vibration at every opportunity.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Getaway

My son did very well in hospital last week and I am pleased to say that the procedure was a success.  We are now on the road to recovery.  I took the opportunity to go away on a girl's weekend with a close friend of mine.  I had organised it weeks ago thinking we would be further down the track with the recovery than we were.  Didn't matter.  As it turned out it was perfect timing.  After my son spending 14 weeks almost constantly in my company, he certainly needed a break and to look to someone else to be the caregiver(for his own benefit as well as mine!)  Especially if he was going to attempt to get back to school and on with his recovering life.
Wow!  How good was it?  We did very little.  You know, shopping, talking, a few margaritas, some delicious food, watching the ocean and some light exercise (apart from shopping, that is!).  I did some reading and bought some new books and generally we did what we wanted.  A far cry from the previous weeks when demand for me from others was high!
My son asked me when we were in hospital last week, "Mum, what is therapy?" (one of our visitors in hospital had mentioned retail therapy).  I explained to him that therapy is something that you do that makes you feel really good afterwards.  My weekend away was certainly therapy.  Therapy for the soul.  Back at home now, I have had a renewed passion and motivation for life.  Although a weekend away may not be viable for everyone, it certainly is beneficial.  There are loads of other ways you could create a 'mini' getaway to renew your passion and motivation without spending the earth.  What about these:
1.  A half hour massage (had one of those this morning too!).  Doesn't take up the whole hour and is affordable.  If massage isn't your thing, what about a mini facial or a manicure or pedicure.
2.  A breakfast or lunch with a friend or friends.  Being surrounded by great people and laughing is fabulous for the soul.
3. A morning of shopping (or window shopping) with a friend or on your own. 
4.  Go to the beach or a favourite park and take a good book and a healthy picnic (you could invite a friend also).
5.  What about seeing a movie or renting a dvd and popping your own popcorn.  Turn off the lights, close the blinds and get the tissues.
6.  Last but not least, when the house is empty, I like to run a bath, light some candles, burn some nice essential oils and put on some relaxation music. 
But most of all, remember to breathe.  And breathe deeply.  Stay in the present or focus on your breathing.  And enjoy.  Have yourself a mini getaway sometime soon.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Life's Challenges

I thought I would take the opportunity to let you know, the next time I post to my blog will probably be in a week or so, depending on what happens over the next few days.  My boy is hopefully going into hospital on Tuesday for a procedure to help to heal him and get him back to school.  He has been away from school for this whole year, so far. 
I'm not sure if you have had to prepare for something like this as a parent or caregiver.  Today has been making sure the washing is up to date, ironing everyone's clothes, cleaning a few areas of the house to make sure things will be clean for those still here whilst you are away, writing a grocery list so tomorrow I can get the items on the list, making sure there are fresh fruit and vegies in the house etc.  Actually, it's a little like going on a holiday (which is the positive spin we are putting on it).
While I'm standing there doing the ironing, I got to thinking (clearly not living in the present at that moment in time) that yet again, I have been motivated to taking a step towards one of my goals without even realising it.  Motivated by some might say external pressures, if there is such a thing.  I guess I could have only ironed what I needed (the ironing would still be there for me when I get home) or I could have left the floors and bathrooms dirty (they would have also been there ready for me when I get home).  The fact of the matter is I took the opportunity and motivation to get those jobs done.  One of my friends always say "If you want something done, give it to a busy person".  And I find it's true.  If I'm busy, I can achieve far more than if I am idle and have plenty of time to kill.  While I was on the roll, I also took the opportunity to say hello to you and keep you in the loop so you're not wondering why I haven't posted in a while.
Are you like that?  Do you find you get more done when you are busy?  Does that work against you?(often people know you are busy and they also know this saying and they will give things to you because they know you won't say no).  How does it help you achieve your goals?
Well, have a great week.  I know I will definitely have to live in the moment this week to keep the anxiety low and to be strong and calm.  I'll keep you posted on how it went.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Enjoying Food

When I was little, my Mum and Dad always nagged me to eat my dinner.  I distinctly remember sitting at the table for ages, being made to eat everything on my plate.  I still have that belief that I have to eat everything on my plate.  I find it challenging to leave food on my plate.  My goal this year of enjoying every mouthful of food is helping me create better eating habits.  I have noticed that if I actually pay attention to what I'm eating and eat slowly, savouring every mouthful, I am eating less.  I know it is said it takes 20 minutes for your tummy to recognise that you are hungry (or somewhere in that vicinity) but I noticed I was eating my dinner in 10 or so minutes.  Now it takes me a little longer; say 15 minutes, because I'm more focused on what I'm eating and enjoying how it tastes rather than just chewing it and swallowing it. I have also noticed when I'm finished, I'm finished.  I am no longer hungry.  I put my plate in the dishwasher and I'm gone to create or do something I enjoy.  I guess now I need to keep that going to try to change the belief that I have to eat everything on my plate.  Maybe I need to change that to 'I eat until I am no longer hungry' or something similar.  Do you have a belief like this that is stopping you from achieving what you want to achieve?  How can you change that belief so it upholds what you want to achieve? 

Monday, March 8, 2010

International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day.  International Women's Day celebrates the achievements of women in social, political and economic fields.  It began in 1909 in the United States however during the period from 1930's to 1960's due to the increased popularity of feminism, International Women's Day took a back seat.
This year the focus for International Women's Day is on women trying to escape armed conflict, facing intimidation and violence. (Taken from website; Only Kent).
Today is a perfect opportunity to think about all the amazing women who have been in your life and have made a positive impact in your life.  Who are they?  How have they made a positive impact on your life?  Would today be a perfect opportunity for you to say thank you to those amazing women?  Take a few moments today to say thanks for those amazing women.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Family

Over the weekend, my brother, his wife and one of their daughters came to visit.  For me, I really got so much joy from their visit.  We all get along so well and they are really great people to be around.  When we spend time with extended family , mostly it is my husband's family.  I do love those family get togethers too.  As my parents have both passed away, I guess we don't have the big Christmas celebrations and other family get togethers that my husband's family do.  They also have farms so for them to get away, it means there has to be so much rain that there really is nothing they can do around the farm.  So when they come to visit or when we go to visit with them, it is always fun.  It's the same with my sister and her family as they live in Western Australia.
I love just hanging with family.  My goal of committing to spend positive time with family and friends is the easiest goal I have I think.  To have such great family and friends make it's easy.  Thanks for coming to visit, guys.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Inspiration

I follow a blog called Zen Habits.  Yesterday they posted this interesting article on Inspiration:  It got me to thinking what is inspiration for me. 

Here is their definition of Inspiration:
Many people think of it as an elusive quality that can’t be forced, and yet it can be found if you look for it.
Others think it’s a way to find ideas, but it’s more than ideas … it’s being moved to put those ideas into action.
Inspiration is finding something else that is divinely inspired (people, nature, amazing ideas), having that inspiration breathed into you (“breath” is the root of “inspiration”), and then taking action on it. Creating, doing, inspiring others.

Inspiration for me does come in many forms.  As the article suggests, it comes all the time and sometimes never(depending if your mind is clear and if you are present or not).  It is often harder for me to find inspiration if I'm searching for it.  Needless to say, it comes most easily when I am living in the present.  I have especially noticed this over the past 4 weeks with having my son in less than perfect health, and the constant worry that comes from a situation that you know needs to be fixed however you are helpless to take action; in fact you have to leave it up to others to provide you the answers of what that action is and you must follow their directions. 
I had very little inspiration.  In fact I struggled to write articles for my blogs or write my usual newsletter and I couldn't work out why as these are things I really enjoy.  Then when I read this article from Zen Habits, I realised it may have been due to my almost constant worry.  So this morning when inspiration came at some extreme hour, I capitalised on it.  I got up and began to scrap.  I created so many pages that I had to actually force myself to stop.  It was like the flood gates of creating had opened.
My son had his first day of full health yesterday and obviously that went a long way to ending the worry.  Although it's unsure if he is fully recovered yet; we still have some work to do with him, at least I know he is on the road to recovery. 
My inspiration often comes in the middle of the night in my sleep like it did this morning.  I'm not sure why or how.  I like to have a book beside my bed to write down ideas as they come, otherwise I am so excited I can't ever go back to sleep.  I find if I write them down, then I sleep with ease, knowing the idea has been captured.
The other ways I can think of that I get inspiration are listed below:
*my friends and family
*watching dvd's (like 'how to' or training dvd's),
*the internet of course (things like blogs, Facebook posts, some quotes, Youtube, etc)
*magazines
*reading books
*catalogues and home shopping brochures

What is it that you receive inspiration from? 

You can read the complete Zen Habits article here: http://zenhabits.net/2010/03/little-inspiration-guide/#more-5761