Thursday
Sep092010

Becoming You 

I had a day last week where controversy entered my otherwise peaceful existence.  Try as I might I let myself get caught up in the anger and when that happens nothing good comes of it.

You'll never hear me say that I am perfect... and I don't want to be.   

My work life…that corporate world that I left behind… played to my strengths.  I was asked to do the jobs no one else wanted to…and that meant that I had to be tough (or so I thought.)  If only I had read “How to Win Friends and Influence People” my life might have been less um… volatile.

As I was e-mailing an old friend from my corporate days I realized that in all the time I worked I was going head to head with people that I thought that I had to control.  It never felt right.  It has been since Simple Steps came to be that I’ve connected to my true self…the one that prefers heart to heart relationships. 

What are you doing now that just doesn’t feel right to you?  Are you in a relationship that makes you feel less than you are?  Are you working at a job that doesn’t energize you?  Perhaps you are playing an instrument when you would rather be writing your first novel?

If what you are doing doesn’t feel good to you then you are not on the path to happiness.  Try these Simple Steps to redirect your energy:

  • Create a 3 column list.  In one column write down what you love to do and are actually doing it.  In the next column write what you love to do and aren’t doing it.  In the last column write down what you are doing that doesn’t feel good to you.
  • Look at the items in the last column... the ones that don't feel good.   Cross out anything that you can stop right now.  Stop doing them!  For items that you can’t stop immediately decide what items from your other 2 columns that you could substitute for them.
  • Pick one of these items to change and devise your conversion plan.  If it means you need to learn a new skill look into schools or mentors who can help you.  Use you evenings learning those skills.  When you are ready then convert! 

Whatever you choose to do…remember that it is YOUR choice!  No one gets to decide what makes you happy.  That is entirely up to you.  And when you redirect your energy to what makes you happy… that feels good! 



Friday
Sep032010

Dare to Reach

Some of you may remember this quote and poster that Jack created:

The quote is:

"Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light." -  Norman B Rice

It is easy to get caught up in our daily lives and overlook another than needs help.  Help may be a smile, a kind word, or the opportunity to just be heard. 

Kindness is the greatest gift that you can give someone...  Giving without expectation of receiving anything in return is the purest blessing you give.  In giving freely you generate positive energy that extends far beyond the person that you help... it extends to the energy around them... and then ripples out into the universe. 

Today's Simple Step is to help another.  This one is both easy and simple.  Be a friend, practice a random act of kindness, volunteer to help where needed. 

When you realize that your kindness reaches far & wide your soul is filled with joy and love for those you help.  And that feels great!

 

Monday
Aug302010

Tired of being tired?  

There are days when I wake up and am both physically and mentally drained.  So much is on my plate including being unemployed, taking care of my blind mom, figuring out how to sell our home in Texas and how to make the move to Oregon...  I'm exhausted before I even get going.

I have a list of goals that I want to accomplish.  They begin with making an income and end...well...I don't know where they end.  The world is filled with amazing opportunities waiting to be plucked and I'm sitting still.

Do you have days like this?  Days when you feel stuck yet have these bold dreams that you are passionate about?  

If you have these days... or weeks or even months try these Simple Steps to get back in the game:

  • Give yourself a break.  Decide to take the time that you need to take care of the physical you.  For some that may be a day... for others a month.  Just decide when this period will conclude and you'll take action on  your dreams.
  • During this break focus on calming, peaceful activities.  Meditate, take a walk, read a book... anything that you consider nourishing for your soul.  Pick & choose the items that you want most and then do them with the single goal of renewing yourself. 
  • When the day comes to jump into your dream take that first step just as you had planned. 

When you move forward on your dream you will be refreshed & re-energized...and that makes taking your first step towards you rgoal a great experience!  And that feels good!

Wednesday
Aug252010

Are You Hedging Your Bets? 

I've come to realize in my life that I set myself up to fail by hedging my bets.  What do I mean by that?  I  have a back up plan under the guise of being prepared ready to go in case my first plan doesn't work.  In doing so however I put it in my head that my plan isn't going to work. 

I am not saying that there should never be a "Plan B"...there are some things that aren't in our control and could go a a couple of ways.  Being prepared for those options is a good thing.  But that is not what I'm talking about here. For those actions that are in my control by constantly having a "Plan B" ready my "Plan A" never has a chance.  Is it any wonder why when it doesn't work that I reinforce the belief that I will never get to where I want to be? 

Today's Simple Step is to "let go of the ledge" and take the risk necessary to achieve your dream. Quit hedging your bet with contingencies.  Give your dream 150% of your effort with total belief in your success.   Your ledge may be a foot off the ground or perhaps you have worked your way up to the 30th floor.  Regardless...take a bold, Simple Step, toward your dream. It may be scary...but it sure feels good! 

 

Friday
Aug202010

At The Crossroads...

When you get to the fork in the road which direction do you take?  One path means that you abandon what you are doing.  The other path is steep & hazardous yet at the end of it promises to be the proverbial pot of gold.  How do you decide which path to take?

If what you are doing isn't working...then either come up with a new plan to revitalize it or pursue something different.  In order to make that decision there is only one question that you have to ask and answer:

Can you say without hesitation that you believe in what you are doing? 

If the answer is yes...then it's full speed ahead.  If you are not 100% committed to it then it is time to focus your effort on what you do believe in.

Today's Simple Step is for those who are trying to make an important decision:

Do you believe in what you are doing without a doubt? 

If your answer is "yes"... then take the time to reassess where you are going and what is necessary to be successful.  Educate yourself,  consult with experts, or even find a mentor.  

lf your answer is "no"... then give your self credit for making a tough choice and move forward.

When you know that you are on the right path it feels good!