My husband made a comment about batting averages yesterday. Apparently having a season over 300 is a great batting average. I was surprised and had to ask him about it to make sure I understood. If I got this right then if a batter makes a hit, not necessarily a home run or a triple or something awesome, just a hit, 3 out of every 10 times they're at bat, then they had a great season. Hmmm.....
Now when I choose to do somthing difficult or new, I expect myself to do great every time, or at least 9 out of 10. Can you relate? We think we should be able to do everything really well.
So what if I choose to use standards from baseball. Wow! I always have an amazing season! Seriously. Think about it. Even if you are doing new things, how often do you completely strike out? Probably not very often. Can you do better than 300?
Let's play ball!!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Are facts really true?
I found an interesting line in David Neagle's writing as today's guest on Inspire Me Today. He says, "...facts are only facts until we become aware of another fact that supersedes the previous".
This is so true. Science makes new discoveries and we throw out decades or centuries of common belief. The same is true in our lives on a daily basis. We develop beliefs from experiences we have. Every new experience has the opportunity to alter that belief.
I have found that questioning my own beliefs has been a huge help when it comes to creating or doing something new. What beliefs might be holding you back?
This is so true. Science makes new discoveries and we throw out decades or centuries of common belief. The same is true in our lives on a daily basis. We develop beliefs from experiences we have. Every new experience has the opportunity to alter that belief.
I have found that questioning my own beliefs has been a huge help when it comes to creating or doing something new. What beliefs might be holding you back?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Liberate Yourself
"Liberation finally amounts to being free from things we don’t like in order to be enslaved by things we approve of.” excerpt from All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulgham.
What is enslaving you? Is it stuff you approve of? Is your time being spent on things you don't like? We can be busy and happy or busy and frustrated. It isn't the time so much as the activities that determine our happiness.
For more on this you can read my full article posted at Choose My Life Now.
What is enslaving you? Is it stuff you approve of? Is your time being spent on things you don't like? We can be busy and happy or busy and frustrated. It isn't the time so much as the activities that determine our happiness.
For more on this you can read my full article posted at Choose My Life Now.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A tough choice
What is one of the toughest choices you can make? To stop "doing" when you feel buried. There are those times when I feel like I have tons of work to do, and that if I just get these few things done then everything else will turn around; all the "problems" I am experiencing will go away.
It's tempting to think that way. I was raised in an environment of "do what has to be done" and "do a good honest day's work". These are great values and they are part of me in a way that helps me. However, there is another truth that I have learned the hard way. Before my work can become effective, I have to take care of me. I have to keep my mind in a place of joy, forgiveness and gratitude. I have to be focused on all the good that is happening around me. And I have to be relaxed enough to listen to my gut as I work.
When I do this my work is exponentially more effective. I choose activities that move me forward instead of running in circles. I see the possibilities and find my path to reach them. And I enjoy my work whether I'm brainstorming fun new strategies for my business or washing the kitchen floor.
It is a whole different place and taking a few minutes here and there, or some time each morning to keep myself in that place gives me an infinite return on my investment of time. So whatever helps you, walking in the woods, prayer, meditation, running, etc - make the tough choice to put yourself first and there will be much more of you to go around.
It's tempting to think that way. I was raised in an environment of "do what has to be done" and "do a good honest day's work". These are great values and they are part of me in a way that helps me. However, there is another truth that I have learned the hard way. Before my work can become effective, I have to take care of me. I have to keep my mind in a place of joy, forgiveness and gratitude. I have to be focused on all the good that is happening around me. And I have to be relaxed enough to listen to my gut as I work.
When I do this my work is exponentially more effective. I choose activities that move me forward instead of running in circles. I see the possibilities and find my path to reach them. And I enjoy my work whether I'm brainstorming fun new strategies for my business or washing the kitchen floor.
It is a whole different place and taking a few minutes here and there, or some time each morning to keep myself in that place gives me an infinite return on my investment of time. So whatever helps you, walking in the woods, prayer, meditation, running, etc - make the tough choice to put yourself first and there will be much more of you to go around.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Where do the Mermaids stand?
I am reading Robert Fugham's book All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. He is relating a story of watching a large group of children. He decided to play Giants, Wizards, and Dwarfs with them. After all the children were in their teams and ready to go he yells, "Decide now whether you're a Giant, Wizard, or a Dwarf. When he says this, one little girl comes up to him and asks him where the mermaids stand. "She did not relate to being a Giant, a Wizard, or a Dwarf. She knew her category. Mermaid. And was not about to leave the game and go over and stand against the wall where a loser would stand. She intended to participate, wherever Mermaids fit into the scheme of things. Without giving up dignity or identity. She took it for granted that there was a place for Mermaids and that I would know just where."
I often feel like a Mermaid. My beliefs and my views do not fit neatly into any of the boxes laid before me. The job I have chosen was not one that employers were hiring people to do. The way I choose to live my days is not the norm. So often I feel like a Mermaid, and I've had to figure out where to stand.
As I've done this, I have had the opportunity to stand with many different people. It has been interesting and I have learned a lot by doing it. I have had the opportunity to learn many things because I am standing with people who are different from me in some way.
While it isn't always comfortable, it is almost always interesting and informative. And the more uncomfortable I am, the more opportunity I have.
Are you a Mermaid? Embrace it! Know who you are and what you want. Then live that life and enjoy every minute of it - no matter where you have to stand.
I often feel like a Mermaid. My beliefs and my views do not fit neatly into any of the boxes laid before me. The job I have chosen was not one that employers were hiring people to do. The way I choose to live my days is not the norm. So often I feel like a Mermaid, and I've had to figure out where to stand.
As I've done this, I have had the opportunity to stand with many different people. It has been interesting and I have learned a lot by doing it. I have had the opportunity to learn many things because I am standing with people who are different from me in some way.
While it isn't always comfortable, it is almost always interesting and informative. And the more uncomfortable I am, the more opportunity I have.
Are you a Mermaid? Embrace it! Know who you are and what you want. Then live that life and enjoy every minute of it - no matter where you have to stand.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Savor Your Cookie
My girls made chocolate chip cookies yesterday. They absolutely love baking and, now that they are old enough to handle it without me, I love to sit at the counter, chatting with them and eating the dough. It was a really nice, cozy, afternoon activity on a snowy day.
In the evening we were watching a movie and I had my little stack of cookies. As I bit into my second cookie I paused for a second and realized I didn't even remember eating the first one. I had just munched mindlessly while watching the movie.
As I sat there I took a minute to notice the wonderful taste and perfect crunchy-softeness of that cookie. It was wonderful, actually one of the best they've ever made. I thoroughly enjoyed that cookie (and the rest of my short stack). I enjoyed them because I took the time to appreciate them.
This morning I'm thinking of the other things in my life that I "mindlessly munch through" without taking the time to appreciate them. I think I'll slow down just enough to express my gratitude and, like the cookies, I bet I'll get to enjoy those moments and activities even more.
In the evening we were watching a movie and I had my little stack of cookies. As I bit into my second cookie I paused for a second and realized I didn't even remember eating the first one. I had just munched mindlessly while watching the movie.
As I sat there I took a minute to notice the wonderful taste and perfect crunchy-softeness of that cookie. It was wonderful, actually one of the best they've ever made. I thoroughly enjoyed that cookie (and the rest of my short stack). I enjoyed them because I took the time to appreciate them.
This morning I'm thinking of the other things in my life that I "mindlessly munch through" without taking the time to appreciate them. I think I'll slow down just enough to express my gratitude and, like the cookies, I bet I'll get to enjoy those moments and activities even more.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
From bud to bloom
And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." Anais Nin
Coach Charrise sent this out on Twitter today and it is brilliant! We've all been here, and this time in our lives is incredible. It can be uncomfortable or even painful, but it is often this moment that we must reach before we are willing to walk through change.
Change can be scary, difficult or even painful itself. We have to step out of our comfort zones, learn to do new things, learn more about ourselves and continuously take action. None of this is easy, but it is worth it!
We've all heard people tell stories of the difficult times in their lives. Often, at the end of the story, they say it wasn't easy but I'm glad I did it. Think back to the most exciting moments of your life. Think about the times when you were full of life, happiness, excitement and joy. Relive that moment right now.
Now, think back to what happened before that moment. What did you go through to get to the joy? What sacrifices did you make? What fears did you face? What did you learn about yourself? How did you stretch yourself?
That was a time of creating change, and all the change led to the victory. If you are ready to create more change in your life, if you feel like that bud that must bloom out into a flower, then get tools to help you walk through the change easier and more effectively at the ReclaimU Summit. It's amazing, foundational information that everyone needs and it is available for free for a very limited time so go there today. Register for the Summit.
Coach Charrise sent this out on Twitter today and it is brilliant! We've all been here, and this time in our lives is incredible. It can be uncomfortable or even painful, but it is often this moment that we must reach before we are willing to walk through change.
Change can be scary, difficult or even painful itself. We have to step out of our comfort zones, learn to do new things, learn more about ourselves and continuously take action. None of this is easy, but it is worth it!
We've all heard people tell stories of the difficult times in their lives. Often, at the end of the story, they say it wasn't easy but I'm glad I did it. Think back to the most exciting moments of your life. Think about the times when you were full of life, happiness, excitement and joy. Relive that moment right now.
Now, think back to what happened before that moment. What did you go through to get to the joy? What sacrifices did you make? What fears did you face? What did you learn about yourself? How did you stretch yourself?
That was a time of creating change, and all the change led to the victory. If you are ready to create more change in your life, if you feel like that bud that must bloom out into a flower, then get tools to help you walk through the change easier and more effectively at the ReclaimU Summit. It's amazing, foundational information that everyone needs and it is available for free for a very limited time so go there today. Register for the Summit.
Tagless clothes
I went to put on my turtleneck this morning and had realized that I miss tags. I know there are lots of clothes that I enjoy being tagless. When I sort laundry it's a lot easier to see sizes to sort the girls clothes, I get in less trouble since there aren't tags sticking out of shirts (I am a tag tucker), and there is the assurance of not getting irritated by a rubbing tag.
However, I can't find the back of my shirt when I am getting dressed in a dark room. (My husband really prefers I don't flip on a bedroom light when he is happily sleeping.) When I put on a turtle neck I have to pull back the neck and look for the print.
It seems that every change has it's ups and downs, it is up to us to decide how we will view it, adapt to it, and make it work for us.
However, I can't find the back of my shirt when I am getting dressed in a dark room. (My husband really prefers I don't flip on a bedroom light when he is happily sleeping.) When I put on a turtle neck I have to pull back the neck and look for the print.
It seems that every change has it's ups and downs, it is up to us to decide how we will view it, adapt to it, and make it work for us.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Survivorman
I was watching Survivorman yesterday. He went on a camp out, changed his route to wander off further into the mountains and got lost. He was hungry and used his guitar to create a trap for mice. Yes, a mouse dinner is gross, but at that point he said something that stuck with me. He said, "Changeability, adaptability, changing the way you look at something can be the difference between surviving and not."
I know he is talking about wilderness survival skills, but what he said is true for all aspects of our life. Learning to look at things in new ways, find new uses for things and seeing new ways of doing things can be key in getting what we want in our life.
I know he is talking about wilderness survival skills, but what he said is true for all aspects of our life. Learning to look at things in new ways, find new uses for things and seeing new ways of doing things can be key in getting what we want in our life.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Playing in a winter wonderland
I know there are a lot of people out there who love to bask in warm sunshine, but I'm not one of them. Don't get me wrong, I love to have a great day at the beach, but I absolutely love winter! Today is the perfect winter day. It's been snowing for about 24 hours, just a soft beautiful snow that is perfect for going out to play in. And that is really the point of this blog. This day, and my kids excitement about it, reminded me to go play. I typically don't work on the weekends, but not working is not the same as playing. Playing is doing something that is pure fun. It's something that brings you joy, makes you smile and leaves you with warm fuzzies in your belly. So today, I plan to play and I invite you to go play too.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
How to stick those new year's resolutions!
Okay, it’s January 7th. How are your new year’s resolutions going? I’ve always found new years resolutions to be interesting, and quite frankly I quit making resolutions when I was about 18. By that time I realized that the cycle of making the resolution, getting excited about the possibilities, pushing myself to “achieve results” and feeling bad about the eventual failure was not something I enjoyed. Not making resolutions seemed like a much better idea.
Fast forward almost 20 years and I discovered that I was making new years resolutions again – but now they stuck! Of course, I didn’t call them new year’s resolutions anymore because that term has negative connotations for me. I was just creating goals. The difference is that I was reaching them.
So what changed in those 20 years? Did I develop more self discipline? Not really. Did I have lower expectations and set easier goals? No. What changed was my knowledge and skill in creating change. I discovered that no matter what change I wanted to create, there were a few key things I needed to know how to do before I even started. None of them are rocket science, and the longer I practice them the easier it gets. The things I needed to understand were fear, choices, habits and courage. Once I understood how to harness the power in these key areas I was able to apply them to any change I wanted to create – including my new years resolutions.
Yes, I do make resolutions now. And to help other people reach theirs I’ve helped put together a summit on these key areas. In January of 2009 it is totally free and available on-line so grab this opportunity while it lasts and register here.
Fast forward almost 20 years and I discovered that I was making new years resolutions again – but now they stuck! Of course, I didn’t call them new year’s resolutions anymore because that term has negative connotations for me. I was just creating goals. The difference is that I was reaching them.
So what changed in those 20 years? Did I develop more self discipline? Not really. Did I have lower expectations and set easier goals? No. What changed was my knowledge and skill in creating change. I discovered that no matter what change I wanted to create, there were a few key things I needed to know how to do before I even started. None of them are rocket science, and the longer I practice them the easier it gets. The things I needed to understand were fear, choices, habits and courage. Once I understood how to harness the power in these key areas I was able to apply them to any change I wanted to create – including my new years resolutions.
Yes, I do make resolutions now. And to help other people reach theirs I’ve helped put together a summit on these key areas. In January of 2009 it is totally free and available on-line so grab this opportunity while it lasts and register here.
Kleenex vs. Puffs - why do you like one better?
As I pulled a tissue out of the Puffs box this morning I thought about how easy it was to get a tissue out, even at the bottom of the box. Then it occured to me. Why didn't I buy Puffs before? I've been buying my own tissues for 23 years and I had always bought Kleenex brand. Why? Because that's what my mom bought and I just never thought about doing anything else. Tissue was not a subject that commanded my attention or created great joy or problems in my life. It's just something simple that was a part of my life.
So of course the next question is, "What else am I doing just because that's the way I've always done it?" If I take a moment and think about why I'm doing the things I do then maybe I can find other areas of my life that can be easier, better, more enjoyable when I make a small, painless change.
So of course the next question is, "What else am I doing just because that's the way I've always done it?" If I take a moment and think about why I'm doing the things I do then maybe I can find other areas of my life that can be easier, better, more enjoyable when I make a small, painless change.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Play time
Wow! It's already the 6th day of the new year. It's a brand new year and already it feels like it's flying by.
I'm very excited because I've found some hobbies to putter around with! I know, that my not sound exciting to you, but recreation is an area that has been out of balance in my life for a while. I love my work, but I was spending more time in that part of my life than I need to. When I realized this, I started looking at why and discovered 2 things: 1) I need a focused to do list to keep me on track; otherwise, I can go off onto a tangent which may not be particularly useful. 2) I need to have fun things to do when I'm not working. During the summer months this isn't a problem because I enjoy spending time outdoors. But in the winter I felt like I was reading my entire life away. I love winter, but I'm not big on outdoor activities. So I was very happy when I rediscovered playing with paper.
Many years ago I had tried scrapbooking. It was fun to create pages, but I didn't enjoy dealing with all the photos. However, I have all kinds of cool toys for playing with paper and I have rediscovered the fun in doing that. Whether I'm on my own or spending time with my girls, I can make cards, gift tags, scrapbook pages, all kinds of little things. It's creative, simple and a lot of fun. My kitchen table is out of commission because the girls have it covered with paper, punches and glue; but we're having a great time.
What are you doing that is pure fun? Remember, life is good - have some fun!
I'm very excited because I've found some hobbies to putter around with! I know, that my not sound exciting to you, but recreation is an area that has been out of balance in my life for a while. I love my work, but I was spending more time in that part of my life than I need to. When I realized this, I started looking at why and discovered 2 things: 1) I need a focused to do list to keep me on track; otherwise, I can go off onto a tangent which may not be particularly useful. 2) I need to have fun things to do when I'm not working. During the summer months this isn't a problem because I enjoy spending time outdoors. But in the winter I felt like I was reading my entire life away. I love winter, but I'm not big on outdoor activities. So I was very happy when I rediscovered playing with paper.
Many years ago I had tried scrapbooking. It was fun to create pages, but I didn't enjoy dealing with all the photos. However, I have all kinds of cool toys for playing with paper and I have rediscovered the fun in doing that. Whether I'm on my own or spending time with my girls, I can make cards, gift tags, scrapbook pages, all kinds of little things. It's creative, simple and a lot of fun. My kitchen table is out of commission because the girls have it covered with paper, punches and glue; but we're having a great time.
What are you doing that is pure fun? Remember, life is good - have some fun!
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