I have been 'waiting' (of sorts) to hear from someone for some weeks now. Occasionally, I have bandied about the idea in my head that perhaps I have done something to upset that person, or when I said or did 'X' that person may have taken offense to that. That's how our mind works, isn't it? You think about stuff that, in reality, may or may not have happened but your mind tries to put the worst ever spin on things sometimes. This has happened so many times to me and then I will eventually here from that person and they will say they have been extremely busy, or something happened in their life and they just weren't able to talk about it to anyone because it helped not to talk about it or for whatever reason they didn't get in touch, it was all innocent.
It's funny how with little or no 'evidence' our mind can create such an imaginative story from our underlying fears. The truth usually isn't anywhere near as sinister as our mind makes it out to be.
Some things that I try in situations like this when I am waiting to be in contact with someone:
1. Take some deep breaths. Yes I know, it seems like it's my answer to everything. It really does help.
2. Try to be in the present and try to be focusing on the people, places and events I am in contact with now and enjoy them.
3. If that is the case and someone has taken offence or become upset and haven't taken the time to discuss it with me, there really isn't a lot I can do about it anyway. Let it go. I know I have absolutely no control over other people, I only have control over myself and what I do (and I say this to myself over and over to try to reassure myself when I start thinking about not communicating with this other person).
4. Try to stay busy instead of sitting around idle. When I'm busy, I live more in the present.
5. Write a letter or write some notes in a journal. Not to send it or give it to that person, more like a cleansing process for my mind and heart.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Unique Experiences
Sometimes really important or really amazing events happen in our lives only once. What can happen as we are living those experiences is that we are so focused in our mind on something else: stress, other plans, what's missing, what I should be doing, etc. that the event is over before we get to enjoy it. If we are fully present in our lives, it can make the one off experiences far more enjoyable.
So how do you switch off your mind during these experiences?
1. Take deep breaths, focusing only on your breathing for 3-5 breaths.
2. Notice everything that is happening around you, even to the point of speaking about it to yourself.
3.Observe what everyone is doing & what is happening without thinking it's good or bad.
4. Use your senses; what can you smell, what can you hear, what can you see, what can you feel, what can you taste.
5. Think about what you would see as the things you can see, hear, feel, smell, taste that you are most grateful for.
Is tomorrow an event that happens only once in your life?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
So how do you switch off your mind during these experiences?
1. Take deep breaths, focusing only on your breathing for 3-5 breaths.
2. Notice everything that is happening around you, even to the point of speaking about it to yourself.
3.Observe what everyone is doing & what is happening without thinking it's good or bad.
4. Use your senses; what can you smell, what can you hear, what can you see, what can you feel, what can you taste.
5. Think about what you would see as the things you can see, hear, feel, smell, taste that you are most grateful for.
Is tomorrow an event that happens only once in your life?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Listen to your Intuition
Can you hear your intuition? I know when I am very stressed and not living in the present, I find it difficult to hear my intuition. Take last year for example. My son was ill. I took him to the doctor on about day 2. The doctor wasn't helpful at all and in fact made insinuations about his health that I found insulting to him and to me. I found another doctor, etc. Eventually, after 3 months, the medical world said they had done all they could and they had no explanations as to what was happening. Out of sheer desperation I started going to naturopaths. The first one I saw who apparently specialised in helping stomach disorders in children obviously had her own beliefs and was not the solution. Then I found "Achieving Health". I even love the name. They were very supportive and were a solution right from our first visit.
Now, when I went to the first doctor and she was no help, I did have a little voice in my head say 'take him to a naturopath' however I didn't listen to it. I was very stressed about what it might be and didn't want to mess around with something that might not fix him. I'm wondering if I was living in the present, might I have listened to that little voice. It would have saved me a lot of time, money and heartache!
And I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, however I really do believe that when you are more present in your life, you are able to hear your intuition more clearly. I guess that's just one of the reasons why finding 5 or 10 mins a day to be in the now is very important.
Some things I use to help me be present are:
1. Close my eyes and focus on my breathing.
2. Create something; baking, scrapbooking, photography are my things to help me be present.
3. If I can go somewhere that is beautiful to look at; the beach, a hill to look at the skyline of Surfers, the park. They all instantly bring me into the now as they eye candy and I can't help not be there soaking up their beauty.
4. Do something with my full attention. Like now, writing this blog, I am totally obsorbed in writing. I am not thinking of something else (it's impossible for me to write and think of something else anyway!).
5. I spend 5 or so minutes focused on one thing. It could be flower in the garden, my bliss-o-rama board, a photo. I try to absorb as much about that one thing as I can.
So what will you do today to bring yourself into the present and allow your intuition to come through?
Now, when I went to the first doctor and she was no help, I did have a little voice in my head say 'take him to a naturopath' however I didn't listen to it. I was very stressed about what it might be and didn't want to mess around with something that might not fix him. I'm wondering if I was living in the present, might I have listened to that little voice. It would have saved me a lot of time, money and heartache!
And I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, however I really do believe that when you are more present in your life, you are able to hear your intuition more clearly. I guess that's just one of the reasons why finding 5 or 10 mins a day to be in the now is very important.
Some things I use to help me be present are:
1. Close my eyes and focus on my breathing.
2. Create something; baking, scrapbooking, photography are my things to help me be present.
3. If I can go somewhere that is beautiful to look at; the beach, a hill to look at the skyline of Surfers, the park. They all instantly bring me into the now as they eye candy and I can't help not be there soaking up their beauty.
4. Do something with my full attention. Like now, writing this blog, I am totally obsorbed in writing. I am not thinking of something else (it's impossible for me to write and think of something else anyway!).
5. I spend 5 or so minutes focused on one thing. It could be flower in the garden, my bliss-o-rama board, a photo. I try to absorb as much about that one thing as I can.
So what will you do today to bring yourself into the present and allow your intuition to come through?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Grantham Need Your Help
When the inland tsunami hit Grantham on 10 January 2011, they had little warning of it's arrival. It tore a small, close knit community into tiny pieces and spat it out the other end. The loss and devastation in Grantham has been unfathomable for most of us. No matter how hard we try, we cannot understand what they have been through and are still continuing to live with.
To compound matters, when everyone else affected by the flooding received Australia wide assistance from volunteers, for the most part, Grantham was isolated; declared 'a crime scene' so the army and emergency personnel could perform the grim task of making the area safe and searching for victims.
Then we all went back to our lives. Here we are over two months on and going about our daily routine. Yet the people of Grantham are still in need of our assistance; whatever we can provide.
Do you have a few hours or a day to help out Grantham? Or maybe you have no time to help but a few gold coins in a money box at home?
If you live on the Gold Coast, there are two ways you can help out. Firstly, if you have a day you can spare, PCYC Monaco Street, are organising a bus to take volunteers to Grantham on Sunday, 27 March (this coming Sunday). If you can spare a few hours, but not on Sunday, I have volunteered to supply the volunteers with morning and afternoon teas so you may be able to bake something. If you have a few spare gold coins and no time, water and poppers would also be gladly received by the volunteers on the day.
Please, if you can help in any way, contact me by phone on 0428 391 890 or by email (go to 'view my complete profile on the right hand side of this blog then click on 'email me' link) so I can provide you with more details.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
To compound matters, when everyone else affected by the flooding received Australia wide assistance from volunteers, for the most part, Grantham was isolated; declared 'a crime scene' so the army and emergency personnel could perform the grim task of making the area safe and searching for victims.
Then we all went back to our lives. Here we are over two months on and going about our daily routine. Yet the people of Grantham are still in need of our assistance; whatever we can provide.
Do you have a few hours or a day to help out Grantham? Or maybe you have no time to help but a few gold coins in a money box at home?
If you live on the Gold Coast, there are two ways you can help out. Firstly, if you have a day you can spare, PCYC Monaco Street, are organising a bus to take volunteers to Grantham on Sunday, 27 March (this coming Sunday). If you can spare a few hours, but not on Sunday, I have volunteered to supply the volunteers with morning and afternoon teas so you may be able to bake something. If you have a few spare gold coins and no time, water and poppers would also be gladly received by the volunteers on the day.
Please, if you can help in any way, contact me by phone on 0428 391 890 or by email (go to 'view my complete profile on the right hand side of this blog then click on 'email me' link) so I can provide you with more details.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Habits
A lot of us have them. Some help us, some hinder us. Some are just habits and do neither. Some habits can be so firmly ingrained in us, we cannot kick it no matter how hard we try. For me, smoking was that habit. For others it can be a love interest gone bad, another vice like alcohol or drugs, etc.
For me to become a non smoker, I actually replaced the habit with something a little healthier. Whenever I felt like a cigarette, I would have a Tic Tac (never did like smoking after eating a mint). After a few months the habit was kicked to the kerb, and I had minty fresh breath! Now I need to replace an eating habit with an exercise perhaps!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
For me to become a non smoker, I actually replaced the habit with something a little healthier. Whenever I felt like a cigarette, I would have a Tic Tac (never did like smoking after eating a mint). After a few months the habit was kicked to the kerb, and I had minty fresh breath! Now I need to replace an eating habit with an exercise perhaps!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, March 13, 2011
5 Love Languages
I am re-reading (by audio) a great book by Dr Gary Chapman called "The 5 Love Languages". I love it when I learn something, even better if it enhances my life. And I always love it when I walk away from a book or a learning and I'm using what I learned to enhance my life and hopefully others immediately.
This book talks about how we all "fill up our love tank" differently. Some people need their partners to give them affirmations, some need quality time from their partners, etc.(Can't tell them all, it will spoil the book for you). What I found interesting was that some people have the same language however are still not happy because they haven't communicated what their needs are. Interesting!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This book talks about how we all "fill up our love tank" differently. Some people need their partners to give them affirmations, some need quality time from their partners, etc.(Can't tell them all, it will spoil the book for you). What I found interesting was that some people have the same language however are still not happy because they haven't communicated what their needs are. Interesting!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, January 7, 2011
Declutter
I'm not sure if anyone else feels like a good old fashioned clean up session but I certainly do at the moment. I'm not doing things on a GRAND scale. Just bits and pieces here and there so I can still have fun with my family while they are on holidays. Yesterday and today I tackled recipes and warranties/instruction booklets. Here's how it went:
1. I have decided this year I want to downsize slightly; basically get rid of what I haven't used in the last 12 months. You see, I am a collector by nature. I try really hard to have a simplistic household-it just doesn't happen. It runs in the family as well.....
2. One of my 'collections' is recipes. I used to collect cookbooks and in the last couple of years I have reduced my cookbooks to one third of a shelf on my bookcase. Even that is probably too much as I rarely use them. So instead of collecting cookbooks (not consciously of course) I changed and took up collecting recipes from magazines and printing them off of the internet. So now, if I buy a cooking magazine or print a recipe off the net, when I have finished with it, I then go and put all the recipes I think I might use again in binders like these: http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Office-Supplies/Document-Filing-Storage-and-Presentation/Document-Presentation/Display-Books
3. I read a handy hint about filing warranties and instruction booklets in ring binders and was going to go straight out to buy new ring binders when I thought about recycling and re-using and thought about all the display books I had upstairs with recipes in them I had never used. So I spent probably 4-5 hours yesterday throwing out all the recipes I have never cooked. I also tried to keep only healthy recipes (except for in the dessert & cakes folders) that had plenty of vegetables as that is how our family now eats.
4. I did the last of the folders this morning. It was a ring binder and had plenty of loose leaf refills in it. By the time I was done, it was empty along with about 8 other display books. I then got out the bag I keep all the warranties and instruction booklets in and went through them. I tossed out the ones for old appliances (that had gone to appliance heaven!) and refiled the keepers into the pockets; a pocket for each appliance, gadget, toy, etc. I now have one display book for toy warranties/instructions, one for kitchen warranties/instructions and a ring binder that holds all other instruction books and warranties neatly and so if I am required to look for something it will save me a lot of time!
I'm not sure what you store your warranties and instruction books in; a drawer, a bag, all over the place. I hope this simple and cost effective idea helps to get some of your house sorted in 2011.
1. I have decided this year I want to downsize slightly; basically get rid of what I haven't used in the last 12 months. You see, I am a collector by nature. I try really hard to have a simplistic household-it just doesn't happen. It runs in the family as well.....
2. One of my 'collections' is recipes. I used to collect cookbooks and in the last couple of years I have reduced my cookbooks to one third of a shelf on my bookcase. Even that is probably too much as I rarely use them. So instead of collecting cookbooks (not consciously of course) I changed and took up collecting recipes from magazines and printing them off of the internet. So now, if I buy a cooking magazine or print a recipe off the net, when I have finished with it, I then go and put all the recipes I think I might use again in binders like these: http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Office-Supplies/Document-Filing-Storage-and-Presentation/Document-Presentation/Display-Books
3. I read a handy hint about filing warranties and instruction booklets in ring binders and was going to go straight out to buy new ring binders when I thought about recycling and re-using and thought about all the display books I had upstairs with recipes in them I had never used. So I spent probably 4-5 hours yesterday throwing out all the recipes I have never cooked. I also tried to keep only healthy recipes (except for in the dessert & cakes folders) that had plenty of vegetables as that is how our family now eats.
4. I did the last of the folders this morning. It was a ring binder and had plenty of loose leaf refills in it. By the time I was done, it was empty along with about 8 other display books. I then got out the bag I keep all the warranties and instruction booklets in and went through them. I tossed out the ones for old appliances (that had gone to appliance heaven!) and refiled the keepers into the pockets; a pocket for each appliance, gadget, toy, etc. I now have one display book for toy warranties/instructions, one for kitchen warranties/instructions and a ring binder that holds all other instruction books and warranties neatly and so if I am required to look for something it will save me a lot of time!
I'm not sure what you store your warranties and instruction books in; a drawer, a bag, all over the place. I hope this simple and cost effective idea helps to get some of your house sorted in 2011.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Fire in Your Belly
Oh I was just reading on a little further in my diary and came across the source where I read about the fire in your belly. Actually, what it says is that both Chinese and Japanese traditions of healing indentify with an inner power that is said to be located three finger-widths below and two finger-widths behind the navel. Apparently, creative endeavour comes from this point of potency and when embarking on a personal project we should make a conscious effort to breathe into this area, known as "fire in your belly" and experience the flow of energy which gives life to your project.
A Journey of Discovery
Sounds a bit cliche really...and I'm almost loathed to say this out loud. Last year, I mapped out what I thought were great goals, one being to commit to making healthier food and exercise choices. They say what you focus on you get and I ended up doing 12 months learning about healthy food choices for my family just so as my son could recover from being unwell. So it doesn't always come in the way you might originally plan but will certainly manifest as it has to.
For 2011, I am looking more at a little self discovery. The process of what I experienced this year had me questioning my ability to teach others about peace and calm when given a very tricky and extremely uncontrollable situation, I really struggled with peace and calm. I know that I wouldn't be human if I totally sailed through the situation in a state of peace and calm and who knows what it would have been like if I didn't know and practice what I did. The fact that I questioned my ability was enough to bring my goals back more to me.
And it seems the universe is helping me out. The idea I have for my Lifescrap365 is focused on me (I'm not really sure where it came from actually!) and I sat down this morning to finish looking 'completely' at some of my Christmas gifts and started to look through the beautiful diary my sister sent to me. It's called "Mind, Body & Spirit Book of Days" and the first page in January starts with "Follow Your Passion". It talks about tossing out the "New Year, New You" makeover plan, which I do always go into the new year thinking about how this year is going to be different. As it says, everything you need for a year of passionate self-discovery is coiled up inside. It gives an affirmation and it also gives something to practice (The Passion Quiz) and a Project (Assemble a Bliss-o-rama). As I sit here typing, I'm thinking that my plan for the year is unfolding. I might just walk you through my year, here, of uncoiling my inner self. I'm feeling very brave; nervous even...thinking about what if.... Well, I guess I need to clear out those thoughts as those are the ones that lead me to my food journey this year. Well with that little burst, I'm keen to continue breathing deeply into somewhere below my belly button in the pit of my stomach (I read yesterday that is where the fire of passion is) and map out some more. **big deep breath** "I'm uncovering the talents and desires that will help make 2011 my most memorable year." (Affirmation from Book of Days)
For 2011, I am looking more at a little self discovery. The process of what I experienced this year had me questioning my ability to teach others about peace and calm when given a very tricky and extremely uncontrollable situation, I really struggled with peace and calm. I know that I wouldn't be human if I totally sailed through the situation in a state of peace and calm and who knows what it would have been like if I didn't know and practice what I did. The fact that I questioned my ability was enough to bring my goals back more to me.
And it seems the universe is helping me out. The idea I have for my Lifescrap365 is focused on me (I'm not really sure where it came from actually!) and I sat down this morning to finish looking 'completely' at some of my Christmas gifts and started to look through the beautiful diary my sister sent to me. It's called "Mind, Body & Spirit Book of Days" and the first page in January starts with "Follow Your Passion". It talks about tossing out the "New Year, New You" makeover plan, which I do always go into the new year thinking about how this year is going to be different. As it says, everything you need for a year of passionate self-discovery is coiled up inside. It gives an affirmation and it also gives something to practice (The Passion Quiz) and a Project (Assemble a Bliss-o-rama). As I sit here typing, I'm thinking that my plan for the year is unfolding. I might just walk you through my year, here, of uncoiling my inner self. I'm feeling very brave; nervous even...thinking about what if.... Well, I guess I need to clear out those thoughts as those are the ones that lead me to my food journey this year. Well with that little burst, I'm keen to continue breathing deeply into somewhere below my belly button in the pit of my stomach (I read yesterday that is where the fire of passion is) and map out some more. **big deep breath** "I'm uncovering the talents and desires that will help make 2011 my most memorable year." (Affirmation from Book of Days)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Real Simple
Gotta love this post from Real Simple blog http://bit.ly/g2sB4p It might help you to stay peaceful, calm and happy this silly season.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Happiness Is..
Happiness Is:
Barrel Racing (Michelle Sorrell), Spending time with the kids (Heather Sorrell), The Freedom of the outdoors (Carmel Allen), a peaceful acceptance of yourself and where you are in life(Sue Marsh), The photo that reminds you why you take so many photos, hugs from my six year old (Michelle Wills) and Something to do, something to love and something to hope for(Virginia Ollett). Thank you to all the contributors. I love it and have already looked at it a trillion times and I'm sure I will look at it a trillion more. Thanks for giving me some new perspectives on Happiness.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Love My Family's Sense of Humour
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Dance Like ...
My husband has borrowed a kind of "boom box" for his father's 70th party. It's a 70's for 70 party and this "boom box" has got a USB connection etc and let's just say my son has more knowledge about ipod connection than my husband and I put together. As my son's ipod is filled with applications, it was sounding like my MP3 player was sounding like a good fall back position for the party in case the "planned music" doesn't come to fruition. So we thought we would try to connect my MP3 to the "boom box". When I plugged it in, I discovered a whole load of songs I had forgotten I had loaded onto it. An album called "Housework Songs", 101 80's hits, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Michael Buble' and many many more. Of course we cranked it up to test how loud it went, and then I trolled through the songs reminiscing. My son and I were out by the pool listening and dancing away, laughing loudly and singing along.
It has been a long time since I have danced like no-one was watching. And how exhilirating it was. I could have danced all night! It definitely increased my happiness levels. So put your favourite tunes on your ipod or your stereo or your cassette player (LOL) and bop til you drop. You might even attend some dance classes or boogie while you are doing your housework. Whatever way you choose to put a little boogie in your day/night, let yourself be with the rythm of life called music. (It's a great way to exercise to boot!)
It has been a long time since I have danced like no-one was watching. And how exhilirating it was. I could have danced all night! It definitely increased my happiness levels. So put your favourite tunes on your ipod or your stereo or your cassette player (LOL) and bop til you drop. You might even attend some dance classes or boogie while you are doing your housework. Whatever way you choose to put a little boogie in your day/night, let yourself be with the rythm of life called music. (It's a great way to exercise to boot!)
Friday, October 22, 2010
Happiness from Within
For me, this week has been a great example of why it is so important to be happy from within wherever possible. Lots of challenges this year as you will know if you read this blog, blah, blah, blah...then this week blows me out of the water. First off, sleeping patterns have been very erratic and late nights and stress causing very early mornings has left me feeling exhausted and nothing was looking any better on the horizon with the slide into Christmas. I had been eating out of takeaway cartons and bags (of frozen vegetables), except for dinners at the Commercial Hotel(http://publocation.com.au/pubs/qld/tara/commercial-hotel) which were stacked with fresh salad and had the most amazing tasting T-Bone. So, I thought, a detox is on the cards. Started Monday. Feel fantastic and it's only day 5. Sleeping soundly; I wouldn't say like a baby because I know what they sleep like-poorly at times. Lots of energy throughout the day. No need for a Nanna nap in the arvo any more and I have been taking the time to look after my body and do some relaxation and turning the computer off early to spend some quality time with my husband as well. To me, detox always seems a bit scary like it will be a week of pain (and in the past it really had been very challenging when I had undertaken a detox). This week has been a week of pleasure....yet I know the detox will end on Sunday night.
Then, for months now, I have been looking to buy a new car. Finally I made my decision and on Wednesday I signed on the bottom line and now awaiting pick up. Yet I know when I get my car, that whole exciting experience of the purchase will be gone.
So what is left after that? I can't detox forever. And the bank balance won't allow for purchasing a new car every week. When I was having some thoughts earlier this morning, it came back to me why it really is important to be grateful for what I have and to look within for happiness. Well on that note I'm off to take some photos of my existing car. I'm grateful to have had it and want to remember it for all the good times we had together. Then I'll go kiss my son on his forehead and rouse him from his slumber and be grateful for the arguments that will happen (as they do with most 10 year olds, I'm sure) and get about my day, trying to remember to be grateful for every minute. Have a fab day!
Then, for months now, I have been looking to buy a new car. Finally I made my decision and on Wednesday I signed on the bottom line and now awaiting pick up. Yet I know when I get my car, that whole exciting experience of the purchase will be gone.
So what is left after that? I can't detox forever. And the bank balance won't allow for purchasing a new car every week. When I was having some thoughts earlier this morning, it came back to me why it really is important to be grateful for what I have and to look within for happiness. Well on that note I'm off to take some photos of my existing car. I'm grateful to have had it and want to remember it for all the good times we had together. Then I'll go kiss my son on his forehead and rouse him from his slumber and be grateful for the arguments that will happen (as they do with most 10 year olds, I'm sure) and get about my day, trying to remember to be grateful for every minute. Have a fab day!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I have been very busy over the last few months, dealing with some issues that have been lingering in my life for almost 10 years. You see, 10 years ago, I lost both my parents within a very short space of time. My son was 8 months old at the time. Initially, my sister was here to help me and we dealt with the immediate things like clearing out their toiletries, medicines and clothing. For some time, I was able to keep the property as a weekender and so kept the furniture and linen and we enjoyed our weekends and holidays at what was my parents home. There came a time where it was too expensive for me to continue to keep it without an income for it so I put it up for rent. The furniture and linen and 2 lifetimes of hoarding (my parents had kept most of my grandparents things as well from when they passed away over 30 years ago) went into storage. It was difficult emotionally for me to even begin to think about clearing out things. Then of course, having a tenant at the property made it even more difficult to attempt the mammoth task as I knew it was going to mean about a weeks worth of tireless hours of sorting and preparing for a garage sale.
Well, I did it. I sorted and cleared out everything. I have some furniture left which I plan to collect and bring back to my home for a more easier sale, as the property is four hours drive from my home and 3 hours from a major city. It feels pretty good to have it all done.
I have watched Peter Walsh on Oprah and mentally took note of what he recommended about decluttering. It was still very emotionally challenging. I did it on my own as well which made me feel very alone I guess. Never knowing if I had made the right choice of what to keep and what to let go. And now of course I have one regret of something that I sold but wished I had kept. And I know that is just my mind telling me I will miss it. It is something I had when I was a child. I haven't 'used' it for probably 35 years. I haven't seen it in probably 4 years (other than the day I sold it of course). Still it hurts. I know that with time the thoughts about it will come less and eventually it will hurt no more. It's tough.
And of course, what doesn't help is, when I get home, then I have to go through everything I kept and find a place in my own home for it or pack it away and at the same time clear out some of my 'stuff' to make space for the 'stuff' I brought back. It's happening. Yesterday I couldn't see daylight over my scrapping desk. Today it's clear. Other than my scrapping stuff. As soon as the table was cleared, I felt the flow come back for my Lifescrap365(http://lifescrap365.blogspot.com/) and I was able to finish off August and September. I feel flow returning for other areas of my life as well as I plod away at clearing the clutter. I am interested to see long term now how the 'decluttering of my life' plays out in the future, or not. **sigh**
So what advice would I impart for someone having to undertake a similar challenge?
1. Break it down into zones or rooms. For me, it was all in one room and I found it very hard to work out where to start. I chose to start with the linen as I knew it was in many bags and sets were not together. Once I got started with that, I was on a roll.
2. Do it alone or with someone else just as dedicated. Often people want to come and see what you are doing and have a chat. If it is a 'big' job, the less distractions, the better.
3. Have healthy meals planned. This is a time when energy, both mental and physical is paramount. Eat healthy meals and snacks.
4. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Try to reduce the intake of caffeinated drinks to assist with no. 5.
5. Try to get as much good quality sleep as possible. Often sleep at these times is restless and I lay awake for hours at night thinking about things I needed to do the next day. Try lavender essential oils or some relaxation techniques to assist with getting to sleep or returning to sleep.
6. Stay focused and on task. Sometimes I would start going through something, go to put something somewhere else, then get tied up there doing something, instead of returning to the original task.
7. Take short breaks. A good opportunity for short breaks is meal times. It helped me enjoy my food and refresh my focus.
8. Be well prepared. As I had plenty of time to plan (10 years!) I thought about all the things I was going to need. Markers, tarps, newspaper, packing boxes, rubbish bags and contact with a local charity who can take away goods that will be recycled after the garage sale. Before the garage sale, contact the charity and arrange a time for them to come so there is not temptation to keep anything that doesn't get sold. Many of them will distribute the goods to other towns and distribution centres if required.
9. Research decluttering information to work out a plan on how to make a decision on what to keep and what to clear out. It is challenging enough to do without having to think logically during the declutter process.
10. Set yourself a time limit (1 day, 3 days, a week, whatever it might be) and at the end of time limit, reward yourself for what you have achieved. If the job isn't finished, diary time straight away tocomplete the job and so on, until the job is complete.
Well, I did it. I sorted and cleared out everything. I have some furniture left which I plan to collect and bring back to my home for a more easier sale, as the property is four hours drive from my home and 3 hours from a major city. It feels pretty good to have it all done.
I have watched Peter Walsh on Oprah and mentally took note of what he recommended about decluttering. It was still very emotionally challenging. I did it on my own as well which made me feel very alone I guess. Never knowing if I had made the right choice of what to keep and what to let go. And now of course I have one regret of something that I sold but wished I had kept. And I know that is just my mind telling me I will miss it. It is something I had when I was a child. I haven't 'used' it for probably 35 years. I haven't seen it in probably 4 years (other than the day I sold it of course). Still it hurts. I know that with time the thoughts about it will come less and eventually it will hurt no more. It's tough.
And of course, what doesn't help is, when I get home, then I have to go through everything I kept and find a place in my own home for it or pack it away and at the same time clear out some of my 'stuff' to make space for the 'stuff' I brought back. It's happening. Yesterday I couldn't see daylight over my scrapping desk. Today it's clear. Other than my scrapping stuff. As soon as the table was cleared, I felt the flow come back for my Lifescrap365(http://lifescrap365.blogspot.com/) and I was able to finish off August and September. I feel flow returning for other areas of my life as well as I plod away at clearing the clutter. I am interested to see long term now how the 'decluttering of my life' plays out in the future, or not. **sigh**
So what advice would I impart for someone having to undertake a similar challenge?
1. Break it down into zones or rooms. For me, it was all in one room and I found it very hard to work out where to start. I chose to start with the linen as I knew it was in many bags and sets were not together. Once I got started with that, I was on a roll.
2. Do it alone or with someone else just as dedicated. Often people want to come and see what you are doing and have a chat. If it is a 'big' job, the less distractions, the better.
3. Have healthy meals planned. This is a time when energy, both mental and physical is paramount. Eat healthy meals and snacks.
4. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Try to reduce the intake of caffeinated drinks to assist with no. 5.
5. Try to get as much good quality sleep as possible. Often sleep at these times is restless and I lay awake for hours at night thinking about things I needed to do the next day. Try lavender essential oils or some relaxation techniques to assist with getting to sleep or returning to sleep.
6. Stay focused and on task. Sometimes I would start going through something, go to put something somewhere else, then get tied up there doing something, instead of returning to the original task.
7. Take short breaks. A good opportunity for short breaks is meal times. It helped me enjoy my food and refresh my focus.
8. Be well prepared. As I had plenty of time to plan (10 years!) I thought about all the things I was going to need. Markers, tarps, newspaper, packing boxes, rubbish bags and contact with a local charity who can take away goods that will be recycled after the garage sale. Before the garage sale, contact the charity and arrange a time for them to come so there is not temptation to keep anything that doesn't get sold. Many of them will distribute the goods to other towns and distribution centres if required.
9. Research decluttering information to work out a plan on how to make a decision on what to keep and what to clear out. It is challenging enough to do without having to think logically during the declutter process.
10. Set yourself a time limit (1 day, 3 days, a week, whatever it might be) and at the end of time limit, reward yourself for what you have achieved. If the job isn't finished, diary time straight away tocomplete the job and so on, until the job is complete.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Another healthy idea
I have been definitely feeling the cold the last few days. In winter, I am always trying to stay as healthy as possible. You may remember my post this time last year about green smoothies.
Our latest family health tip involves a food processor and some fresh baby spinach and carrot. As winter is the time to make soups and casseroles and mince dishes, we have been putting carrots or baby spinach (we usually do two different vegies on top of the tomatoes etc we use for the dish) in the food processor and then add them to the dishes as they are cooking. I usually do the carrots first. I peel them and cut them up into one inch chunks then wiz them then add them to the cooking dish. Then I do the baby spinach. A huge amount in the food processor and again wiz and add to the cooking dish near the end. Kids don't even know they are in there. You should have seen the look on Jacob's face when he heard me telling the naturopath that this is what I did. Priceless.
You could do it with practically any vegie:
* Carrots
* Baby spinach
* Cauliflower
* Broccoli
* Celery
* Beans
* Sweet Potato
* Tomatoes(although my son would say they are a fruit cos they have seeds!)
The list is only really restricted by your imagination and your green grocery. I'd love to hear any of your vegie blend stories! Stay healthy!
Our latest family health tip involves a food processor and some fresh baby spinach and carrot. As winter is the time to make soups and casseroles and mince dishes, we have been putting carrots or baby spinach (we usually do two different vegies on top of the tomatoes etc we use for the dish) in the food processor and then add them to the dishes as they are cooking. I usually do the carrots first. I peel them and cut them up into one inch chunks then wiz them then add them to the cooking dish. Then I do the baby spinach. A huge amount in the food processor and again wiz and add to the cooking dish near the end. Kids don't even know they are in there. You should have seen the look on Jacob's face when he heard me telling the naturopath that this is what I did. Priceless.
You could do it with practically any vegie:
* Carrots
* Baby spinach
* Cauliflower
* Broccoli
* Celery
* Beans
* Sweet Potato
* Tomatoes(although my son would say they are a fruit cos they have seeds!)
The list is only really restricted by your imagination and your green grocery. I'd love to hear any of your vegie blend stories! Stay healthy!
Friday, June 11, 2010
On Looking Back
If you read my blog at all, you will know that I tend to bang on about ways to achieve an inner peace. Last year, I had a relatively uneventful year. When I say uneventful, I mean everything ran smoothly. My family was healthy, I enjoyed supporting my friends through their challenges, my son's education was going great and my business was growing. I had many personal wins with making contact with a few family members who had alienated themselves and in some other areas.
This year has been completely different so far. As you may know, again if you read my blog, that my son has had an ongoing (although almost completely resolved now) health issue and I myself have also had a little health scare. I have learned heaps of life lessons so far this year. Here's just a few to mention: 1) A life long dedication to fulfilling commitments come hell or high water is of absolutely no help when you have an unwell child for more than a week. 2) Sometimes many professionals have the ability to convince you that they have the answer for you when you are 'desperate' for an answer. 3) Stress and worry aren't something that only happens later in life. It can also happen in children. 4) No matter how much you research inner peace and practice it in your everyday life under calm unchallenging circumstances, when it comes to challenging times, it's a different matter.
I have been writing my newsletter from a book I'm reading called 'The Power of Now' by Eckhart Tolle. As far as reading goes, I find it challenging to read. I've been reading the book for a couple of years now and I think I am still in the first half of the book. It has a great message, there is no doubt about that. I guess I'm looking for more. I guess I'm looking for tips on creating more inner peace in challenging times.
Now I know that what Eckhart says can be used in challenging times. It's just that it's extremely difficult in challenging times as that is when the mind is the most powerful and your ability to achieve inner peace is at it's weakest. Does that make sense?
So I picked up a book called The Happiness Trap by Dr Russ Harris (I'm not sure if you do that....read a couple of books at once. I don't do it with novels. I do tend to do it with self-help books though) and over the coming year, amongst the other things I am hoping to complete this year, I'm looking forward to reading more about The Happiness Trap. I'll keep you posted. If you would like to receive a copy of my newsletter, please email me at sjjbrown@optusnet.com.au
This year has been completely different so far. As you may know, again if you read my blog, that my son has had an ongoing (although almost completely resolved now) health issue and I myself have also had a little health scare. I have learned heaps of life lessons so far this year. Here's just a few to mention: 1) A life long dedication to fulfilling commitments come hell or high water is of absolutely no help when you have an unwell child for more than a week. 2) Sometimes many professionals have the ability to convince you that they have the answer for you when you are 'desperate' for an answer. 3) Stress and worry aren't something that only happens later in life. It can also happen in children. 4) No matter how much you research inner peace and practice it in your everyday life under calm unchallenging circumstances, when it comes to challenging times, it's a different matter.
I have been writing my newsletter from a book I'm reading called 'The Power of Now' by Eckhart Tolle. As far as reading goes, I find it challenging to read. I've been reading the book for a couple of years now and I think I am still in the first half of the book. It has a great message, there is no doubt about that. I guess I'm looking for more. I guess I'm looking for tips on creating more inner peace in challenging times.
Now I know that what Eckhart says can be used in challenging times. It's just that it's extremely difficult in challenging times as that is when the mind is the most powerful and your ability to achieve inner peace is at it's weakest. Does that make sense?
So I picked up a book called The Happiness Trap by Dr Russ Harris (I'm not sure if you do that....read a couple of books at once. I don't do it with novels. I do tend to do it with self-help books though) and over the coming year, amongst the other things I am hoping to complete this year, I'm looking forward to reading more about The Happiness Trap. I'll keep you posted. If you would like to receive a copy of my newsletter, please email me at sjjbrown@optusnet.com.au
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Curiosity
"Curiosity is a sign of mental and imaginative engagement with life." (Babara Ann Kipfer-1001 Ways to Live in the Moment)
Some people are not curious in their life. Some people think their life is the only way to live and want to show everyone how they live their life so those other people can live their life the same way. They usually aren't interested about anyone else's life and what they are doing in their life. Quite often these people judge other's success, worth and appropriateness against their own way of life which can bring about a belief that if you aren't doing things the same as them, then there is something wrong with you or your way of life.
Being curious about others keeps you learning and creative and can also decrease your judgement of others. When was the last time you had a conversation with your friend or spouse and completely listened to what they were saying? Instead of thinking about whether what they have done is right or wrong, focus on their words. Be curious about what they are saying and seek to hear more of their story. When you are curious about others, you get to find out a lot more about them and being curious and inquisitive also helps to build stronger bonds with people.
Some people are not curious in their life. Some people think their life is the only way to live and want to show everyone how they live their life so those other people can live their life the same way. They usually aren't interested about anyone else's life and what they are doing in their life. Quite often these people judge other's success, worth and appropriateness against their own way of life which can bring about a belief that if you aren't doing things the same as them, then there is something wrong with you or your way of life.
Being curious about others keeps you learning and creative and can also decrease your judgement of others. When was the last time you had a conversation with your friend or spouse and completely listened to what they were saying? Instead of thinking about whether what they have done is right or wrong, focus on their words. Be curious about what they are saying and seek to hear more of their story. When you are curious about others, you get to find out a lot more about them and being curious and inquisitive also helps to build stronger bonds with people.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Synchronicity
Does this ever happen to you. You are thinking of an old friend and then they call. Or you think about something happening to someone and the next time you speak with them, they tell you, without knowing about your thoughts, that that incident actually happened to them.
I had this happen yesterday. In the middle of the day I had a thought about a client and then dismissed this thought. When I spoke with that client last night, I mentioned to her what thought had come to me and at what time. She confirmed that approximately at the time, exactly what I had thought about actually took place.
Carl Jung, known as the founder of analytical psychology, calls this 'synchronicity' and says that these coincidences relate to the collective unconscious and that we may be more connected than we know or think. It's almost a little spooky, isn't it?
I had this happen yesterday. In the middle of the day I had a thought about a client and then dismissed this thought. When I spoke with that client last night, I mentioned to her what thought had come to me and at what time. She confirmed that approximately at the time, exactly what I had thought about actually took place.
Carl Jung, known as the founder of analytical psychology, calls this 'synchronicity' and says that these coincidences relate to the collective unconscious and that we may be more connected than we know or think. It's almost a little spooky, isn't it?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Every Day Challenges
Every person has their challenges in life. Different people have different levels of challenges but to each and every person they are a challenge nonetheless.
I find to help balance the 'everyday challenges' it's beneficial to have something to look forward to. Something you can use almost as an escape when the challenge is taking over your mind.
When I worked full time for someone else, I planned my holidays for the year. When I returned from one holiday, I would book dates for the next holiday. Sometimes the dates would already be booked. And I would only have to change my focus from the past holiday to what action I can take to work toward the next holiday.
Sometimes in our lives we can get really caught up in our 'challenges' and we can forget to give ourselves something to look forward to. I have heard of people who get to work hours before their start time and leave well after their finish time and have years worth of holidays accrued.
What are you looking forward to? What do you need to do to give yourself something to look forward to? What keeps you moving through the daily challenges?
I find to help balance the 'everyday challenges' it's beneficial to have something to look forward to. Something you can use almost as an escape when the challenge is taking over your mind.
When I worked full time for someone else, I planned my holidays for the year. When I returned from one holiday, I would book dates for the next holiday. Sometimes the dates would already be booked. And I would only have to change my focus from the past holiday to what action I can take to work toward the next holiday.
Sometimes in our lives we can get really caught up in our 'challenges' and we can forget to give ourselves something to look forward to. I have heard of people who get to work hours before their start time and leave well after their finish time and have years worth of holidays accrued.
What are you looking forward to? What do you need to do to give yourself something to look forward to? What keeps you moving through the daily challenges?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
