Dealing with Tough Times

Times are tough, no doubt about it.  It is during times such as this that we are challenged at our very core.  As some of us get swept up in the negativity, we begin to shift in ways that are far from good.  It often starts subtly, like bad behaviors that creep back in.  Those things we thought we had worked through, rear their ugly heads again.  We start eating poorly and sleeping becomes a challenge.  We obsess over the things we would never have given importance to when things were great.  Sometimes we even see ourselves shifting and feel as though someone else is controlling us.  We begin to pick fights with loved ones and argue over the smallest decisions.  So what do you do about it?  How do you maintain your sanity when there is so much to deal with out there?

First, you need to come to terms with the fact that things are always shifting and changing.  Then you need to decide what things do you need to let go of so you can move forward?  What do I mean by that?  There are always behaviors, attitudes, thoughts, even relationships that may no longer be serving you.  So ask yourself – “What do I need to let go of in order to continue moving forward?” Keep in mind, that as you let things go you will begin to feel lighter, freer and less susceptible to the negativity around you.  Once you’ve got that taken care of, make a list of things you enjoy doing and go do them.  Things that give you peace of mind and energy.  It can be anything from listening to music to taking up a new hobby or volunteering.  Whatever it is, it needs to be meaningful to you.

So to recap, your 3 steps for getting through these times are:

1. Change is constant, so embrace it.
2. Let go of things that no longer serve you (I let go of watching the news – too depressing).
3. Start doing something that gives you energy (I started exercising and reading).

Don’t worry about dialing this in right away, you may need to try different things before you get to a balanced state of being, where you are the peace amidst all the chaos.

Leave comments about what you’ve let go of or have started doing, to help give others ideas!

Have You Sparkled Today?

A business coach I’ve been working with is really big on “inquiries”, which are questions that you post somewhere to act as a reminder of something you’d like to work on.

Through the holidays mine was – “Have I been present and peaceful today?” It was the first time I used the technique, and found it extremely useful.  Given that the holidays can be stressful enough on their own, it was great to be reminded to breathe.  This worked so well for me, that I’ve adopted a new one – “Have I sparkled today?” And guess what?  It makes me laugh every time I see the little green post-it with those words.  It reminds me to not take myself or life so seriously and I find that I’m being even more productive!

So, I invite everyone to pick an inquiry for the week or for the month.  The important thing is to have it be fun and be positive (no sense in having an inquiry that yells at you).  I encourage you to post your inquiries in the comments section so that others can learn from you!

Bringing in the New Year

I am bringing in the new year with a whole lot of optimism and gratitude.  I know that things will continue to improve on a global scale and I will continue to do my part to help them improve. I look and see many people not only surviving, but thriving.  What makes them special? In all my research, training, reading, etc. I realize that it is the combination of optimism, gratitude and being true to who you are.

When you are being true to you and being grateful for what you have, it is much easier to have an optimistic view on life.  This will then be the catalyst to help you manage your state of being and open you up to seeing all the possibilities around you. It will unlock your potential to solve what may have seemed like insurmountable obstacles. It will give you the key to enjoy your life and to live.

Why not give it a try? Here’s a quick tip on how to get yourself aligned to survive and thrive:

1. What are you grateful for?
2. Who do you need to be to be authentically you?
3. What’s great about an obstacle in your life and how can you enjoy the process of resolving it?

Happy New Year!