“Man, unlike the animal, has never learned that the sole purpose of life is to enjoy it.” ~Samuel Butler
I love my work. I really love it deep down in my bones and could sit at my computer all day writing and creating and connecting with other people.
Yes, I realize how wonderful it is to feel passionate about my work, but I’m also learning how important it is to step away from it — frequently.
A healthy lifestyle requires balance, which means we have to lighten up sometimes.
“As long as you think that the cause of your problem is ‘out there’ —as long as you think that anyone or anything is responsible for your suffering—the situation is hopeless. It means that you are forever in the role of victim, that you’re suffering in paradise.” ~Byron Katie
You can do just about anything you set your mind to. And just about is plenty good for accomplishing more in life than you have time to accomplish.
Yes, there are some things in life that we won’t ever be able to achieve. I will never be a professional ballet dancer no matter how diligently I train. You may not get the specific job you want because the employer won’t hire you.
You may go after something with every confidence that you can achieve it, and then something unexpected prevents you. Of course severe physical or emotional illness can hinder you. But these are the exceptions.
The rule is that there are millions of things you can accomplish.
When I coach clients, they often revert to the fallback position of over-examining their emotions. Emotions are important and have their place, but they are a smokescreen to taking action.
I try to refocus the client on action. Positive action always makes you feel better. Even one tiny forward movement can be enough to turn around your entire outlook.
Here are some common feeling-charged thoughts that try to divert you from action:
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” ~Winston Churchill
Have you ever had someone say to you, “Change your attitude?” I find myself saying it frequently to my teenagers, and they look at me like I’ve asked them to morph into an alien. Bad attitude and teenagers go together like white on rice.
In spite of their age-appropriate resistance to a healthy attitude, I remind them that attitude is a choice. Regardless of your life circumstances, you always have to power to change your attitude. And what a power that is.
Your attitude is your disposition, your way of thinking, and the feelings that go along with those. A healthy attitude is characterized by a general sense of well-being and equanimity about life.
“Begin today. Declare out loud to the universe that you are willing to let go of struggle and eager to learn through joy.” ~Sarah Van Breathnach
This time of year is about beginnings.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve watched the tree outside my office window go from bare to leaf-laden. The same pair of birds has once again built a nest in the porch light by my front door, as they do every spring.
Flowers are bursting out on trees as though a conductor has lifted a baton to signal a symphony of color.
For those who will celebrate Easter this Sunday, it’s also a reminder of the opportunity we have to renew ourselves, to start over, to begin again.
“If we really want to address the whole issue of suffering, as well as our desire and yearning for freedom, love, and connection, then we need to learn how to look clearly at our own minds.” ~Adyashanti
Last week I wrote an e-mail to the subscribers at Live Bold and Bloom with the invitation to share with me their top five worries, fears, or disappointments in life.
I requested this so that I could address some of these topics in my articles and future books and courses.I received hundreds of responses, many of which revealed very painful situations and concerns.
It became clear to me that all of us suffer with some degree of emotional pain and inner turmoil, whether or not we are generally satisfied with our lives.
This turmoil keeps us from reaching our fullest potential and engaging fully in life.
A few years ago, I wanted to start over with my career. I’d been in public relations off and on for over 25 years. When my oldest child left home, I had more time to devote to building my career, but I just couldn’t get jazzed about cranking up my PR consultancy.
I have changed over the years. My interests and values have shifted. I loved working in public relations when I was younger and childless. I got to travel, work with celebrities and fashion, live in New York, and meet all kinds of interesting people.
As the years passed by, these things didn’t mean as much to me anymore. I knew something was missing in my work life, but I didn’t know what career would be rewarding and fulfilling for me.
“Oh, men don’t notice what they got. Oh, women think of that a lot A thousand ways to please your man (oh-ho). Not even one requires a plan.” ~from the song “You Only Live Once” by The Strokes
OK ladies, now it’s your turn to show your love to that wonderful guy. There might be a thousand ways to please your man that don’t require a plan.
But in the light of day, thoughtful and loving planning will help your relationship flourish and bloom. An amazing relationship doesn’t just happen. It needs your full attention.
If you are passive about tending to the garden of your love with your guy, weeds are going to grow in the form of bitterness, boredom, and resentment.
Have a plan – take the time to understand what your beloved needs and wants. Know what makes him happy and work to create more of that in your life.
Today and every day after, come up with a plan. Have your gardening tools handy and your watering can full.
“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” ~Carl Jung
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Char Elle En
I once heard an hilarious quip on Saturday Night Live that said:
“I want to save the world for my children, but not for my children’s children,
because I don’t think children should be having sex.”
Sometimes when I’m working with couples, whether they’re married, in a committed long-term relationship, heterosexual, gay, lesbian, or whatever, I feel like I’m working with children.