Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Week 28 - Joy

The week before New Years seemed like a perfect time to talk about joy. Celebrating the past year and imagining the possibilities of the new year make us want to celebrate; and celebrations are typically joyful. Therefore this weeks challenge is easy. Find the joy.

The Challenge:
Find the joy. Take a moment to reflect on all of the blessings that came your way this past year (no matter how small). Next take a moment to think about the future and imagine what wonderful possibilities lie ahead of you. Ask yourself "What is my potential?" and write down a few ideas. Lastly take a moment to be present. Notice your surroundings and the simplicity of one single moment in time without thoughts moving you back or forward.

What I'm working on:
For the first time in many years my husband and I are going out for New Years Eve. Instead of a quiet celebration at home we will be around many of our new neighbors. At the stroke of midnight (every New Years Eve) I think about all of my loved ones and offer a moment of gratitude.

Happy New Year! Together I know we can create some amazing possibilities in the year ahead.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Week 27 - Love

Feeling loved and accepted is extremely important so this weeks challenge will provide an opportunity for you to think about a few things.

The Challenge:
First think about your needs. Do you feel loved? If so then take a moment to be grateful for that feeling. With love it is easier to flourish and you have been given an amazing gift so use it well. If you feel like love is lacking in your life then your challenge is to think about how you can change this. You may feel like this is not in your control; that love is something to be given and you are right. So why not give it to yourself. Take time to think about ways you can show more self love. If you truly love yourself you may be able to attract love from others because when we do not love ourselves we project need and helplessness which will trigger pity at best.

Next think about the needs of others. How can you create more love in the world around you? Simply offering a kind word or smile does help. Stop trying to inflict your needs and wishes on others and think about theirs instead. In turn others will then be more thoughtful of your needs and wishes.

What I am working on:
This time of year is easy to reflect and when I do I realize how blessed I am to have a wonderful husband, family, pets, friends, community and so on. These are the best gifts of all and I am truly grateful. Therefore I have and will continue to dedicate my time to helping to improve the lives of others in both my personal and professional life.

Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Week 26 - Peace

During this time of year when we hear words like "peace on earth good will towards men" what do you think about? Do you believe this is impossible and feel unattached to such a statement or maybe even cynical? Or does it call you to action. That is what this weeks challenge is all about.

The challenge:
This week think about how you can create more peace in your life and in the lives of others. It's not as hard as you think. A smile or a comforting word can go a long way. Offer to help someone else and remember to help yourself too. Givers tend to forget to do that so take time to make your day peaceful, calming and relaxing. Or seek out a new adventure. You can find peace in movement; you don't have to be still.

What I'm working on:
I'm thinking of ways to create peace and joy. It is my mission; which means my actions are guided by this weeks challenge. I will stay aware of how I am feeling and make changes whenever necessary.

That's it! Have a peaceful and joyful week.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Week 25 - Simplicity

Isn't this the perfect week to focus on simplicity? Think about it - most of us have more to do with the holidays. We eat more, drink more, shop and spend more, etc.

If you are feeling stressed out or are just looking for a way to reconnect then this challenge is for you.

The Challenge:
Commit to one change you will make for the week that will make your life easier. Or if you have a to-do list; review it and only do things you really have to do.

What I'm working on:
I've been super busy and am looking forward to creating simplicity through my entire holiday season. I usually don't decorate a lot any way but may even do less this year. For me the focus will be on quality; not quantity.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Week 24 - Celebrating

This weeks challenge is about celebrating your successes. It's all too easy to focus on our shortcomings so here is your change to change that.

The Challenge:
Take a moment to think about where you have been successful with your goals and celebrate those successes. Especially during a busy time of year filled with other types of celebrating; if you are sticking to your goals I congratulate you!

What I'm working on:
I'm all about productivity but that can mean I focus on what needs to be done. That can be tiresome and therefore I will take time to find joy. Oddly enough I selected this weeks challenge months ago but it really does have extra personal meaning for me this week.

Have a fantastic week!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Week 23 - Thanksgiving

For this week of where we celebrate Thanksgiving I will keep the challenge simple.

The Challenge:
Simply give thanks. Think about all of your blessings and not your suffering. If one part of your body is unhealthy or painful then focus on all the parts that are working well. Be thankful for feeling safe, your home, money, material items and most importantly your family and friends. Only focus on the blessings. If you hate your job be grateful that you have one. If you are in an unpleasant relationship, be thankful for the awareness that may lead you to positive change.

Take nothing for granted! They are all gifts and you can lose any or all of them in the blink of an eye.

What I'm working on:
I am thankful I will be spending time with my husband and my father and the upcoming visit with my mom. I am thankful my oldest nephew/Godson and his wife had a healthy baby boy this week. I am thankful for all of my loved ones and my good health. I am thankful for all opportunities and prosperity that have come my way and to my loved ones. I am thankful I get to work in a capacity that I think provides value and meaning. I am thankful to be writing to you right now.

Here's to a healthy, happy and safe week.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Week 22 - Spending/Expending and law of polarity

It's only fair that I talk about spending since our previous challenge was that of saving. However I want to include the topic to that of expending so we can talk about both the use of our time and energy as well.

Our money, time and energy are not limitless because we are in form; or matter. Only things out of form can experience limitlessness. If you have only so much time, money and energy then it may be a good idea to use this challenge to create some awareness around how you are using all three.

But first let's talk about the universal law of polarity. The universal laws are also know and the laws of nature and these laws are always at work; whether you believe or even know about them. The ancient concept of yin/yang teaches us about this and the objective is to not teach so much about the opposites as it is to teach about finding the center, which is where harmony and balance exist. That does not mean we always have to stay in the middle but we should realize that one extreme will lead to another. If for example you spend too much money you will be broke or in debt. If you work too much you may feel tired or your relationships or health may suffer. If you waste your time you may find you have regrets.

The Challenge


This weeks challenge has three parts and you can do as many as you would like. Since your money, time, and energy are limited then take a moment to think about how you use each. If you use them wisely you may notice you will have less drama in your life; and less stress.

1) Money - Think about the money you have (not what's available on your credit card). How can you best use that money? If you have debt you are probably paying interest so your best bet may be to pay down the debt but I also believe it is wise to save a little. If you wait to save until you have 'extra' money you will never do it. Create a good habit of saving even if it's just the change in your pocket.

2) Time - Take a moment to consider that you only have so many days left. They are precious so don't waste them. Think about what it is you want to accomplish before your last day and begin to create a plan to make it happen.

3) Energy - Take a moment to consider how your feel. Do you have good energy or do you feel fatigued, tired, depressed or stressed out. Good energy is usually a sign of balance and wellness. If you don't usually feel good then you may want to consider a change. Maybe you simply need to make some changes to your diet or start taking some Vitamin D. Maybe you should go to the doctor. If you rarely get exercise then maybe just starting to move more will make you feel better. Or is there a person or activity that is very draining for you? What changes can you make to improve that situation?

What I am working on:

I can't really get into it but I am making a big change in how I spend my working hours and have come up with a new strategy that I think will produce better results. I'll leave it at that.

Have a fantastic week and live well!