Happy birthday to me!!!
I am full of peace and gratitude today. Not only have have I had the most wonderful weekend (thank you friends and wonderful husband) but I've been in this constant state of reflection and grace for the last 48 hours. My twenties were tough, dark sometimes and very tumultuous. Thos of you who know me, know exactly what I mean. It's amazing, absolutely amazing for me to think back over the last decade a.nd see how my life has changes, the people in my life has changed, how I've changed. Amazing.
The last year, the first of the thirtieth decade, was by far, the most humbling, rewarding year of my life. Above all else I've really gotten to know who I am, where I come from and where I'd like to go (at least set the sail). I learned how to take care of myself. Some people will never learn that all-important practice.
The biggest obstacle I find that people, mostly women, have in making themselves a priority is that they feel guilty. Guilt, guilt, blah. I can tell you the amount of time I devote to my enrichment, which includes but is not limited to, exercise, cooking, praying, meditating and self-reflection...finding ways to completely disengage from my mental clutter, is far worth the effort.
And you knows who benefits most? My son, for sure. my clients, my husband and all the people the matter most in my llife. My job, my household, and really...I become more available and willing to help other people. Nurturing my inner self allows me freedom to become selfless. Such a strange paradox. But true!
I have so much to look forward to this year. I've never felt better, been more at peace and so excited for tomorrow.
I love my thrities so far!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Hitting Your Stride
The sun is shining today and it makes SUCH a difference. The last couple weeks have been very productive in our hosuehold, both personally and collectively. I have learned that some days and weeks of the month are predisposed to be easier than others. Other days I feel tired, groggy and just plain lazy. Instead of wishing I were different in this regard, I've just learned to work with myself a little better to maximize my productivity.
I really believe it's about managing our energy. Work a little harder when I feel the extra energy. Run an extra mile, organize a drawer, finish the new project at work. And take rest when I need it. Skip the workout, sleep an extra hour....we all have choices in our daily lives that allow us to take care of ourselves.
So the detox has been over for a few weeks now. I still haven't chewed gum. Sugar is definitely back in the daily diet. I would be lying if I said otherwise. Progress, not perfection, right?
I've been swimming more and more. I've never been able to swim with my face in the water (comfortably). And as we all know, it;s so difficult to re-learn a skill as an adult. Old habits die hard. I know this...I make an effort to get in the pool a couple times a week. All I do is try. And this morning, my face just naturally found it's way under the water. It's starting to feel comfortable. I've always had the same recipe that I re-visit all the time: show up, do the work, have a little faith and celebrate the results. It's my equation for any new or exisiting task in my life.
SHOW UP: I have to make time. An extra hour a week to swim won't suddenly appear. We will make time for what's important. Even if I only end up with 15 minutes to swim on Friday, I still took the effort to get there, put on the suit and get in the water.
DO THE WORK: I have to be willing to learn a different method. I have to do my homework. Maybe I need a swim lesson or a friend who can teach me some better skills. I have to learn, learn some more and then practice. Repeat.
HAVE FAITH: I have to believe that what I am trying to do is really possible. I have to believe in the process and stay consistent, even when when I think my efforts are irrelevant. I have to ask for help when I need it and believe in the grace of something larger than myself.
CELEBRATE THE RESULTS: It is so true that it's not the destination that counts but the journey. We learn the most about ourselves through struggle, hard work and disappointment. I have to be prepared to accept whatever the outcome. So I may not swim the 800 meters with my face in the water. But I'm sure my swimming skills will improve regardless. And hey, (hopfully) I'll have completed my first triathlon. I mean, reason enough to celebrate!
We should all do thing that scare us...it's such an important part of growing up. Acting despite our fear. What are you afraid of?
I really believe it's about managing our energy. Work a little harder when I feel the extra energy. Run an extra mile, organize a drawer, finish the new project at work. And take rest when I need it. Skip the workout, sleep an extra hour....we all have choices in our daily lives that allow us to take care of ourselves.
So the detox has been over for a few weeks now. I still haven't chewed gum. Sugar is definitely back in the daily diet. I would be lying if I said otherwise. Progress, not perfection, right?
I've been swimming more and more. I've never been able to swim with my face in the water (comfortably). And as we all know, it;s so difficult to re-learn a skill as an adult. Old habits die hard. I know this...I make an effort to get in the pool a couple times a week. All I do is try. And this morning, my face just naturally found it's way under the water. It's starting to feel comfortable. I've always had the same recipe that I re-visit all the time: show up, do the work, have a little faith and celebrate the results. It's my equation for any new or exisiting task in my life.
SHOW UP: I have to make time. An extra hour a week to swim won't suddenly appear. We will make time for what's important. Even if I only end up with 15 minutes to swim on Friday, I still took the effort to get there, put on the suit and get in the water.
DO THE WORK: I have to be willing to learn a different method. I have to do my homework. Maybe I need a swim lesson or a friend who can teach me some better skills. I have to learn, learn some more and then practice. Repeat.
HAVE FAITH: I have to believe that what I am trying to do is really possible. I have to believe in the process and stay consistent, even when when I think my efforts are irrelevant. I have to ask for help when I need it and believe in the grace of something larger than myself.
CELEBRATE THE RESULTS: It is so true that it's not the destination that counts but the journey. We learn the most about ourselves through struggle, hard work and disappointment. I have to be prepared to accept whatever the outcome. So I may not swim the 800 meters with my face in the water. But I'm sure my swimming skills will improve regardless. And hey, (hopfully) I'll have completed my first triathlon. I mean, reason enough to celebrate!
We should all do thing that scare us...it's such an important part of growing up. Acting despite our fear. What are you afraid of?
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