Ever notice how we get stuck in limbo? We cannot decide which direction to go and there’s a lot of mental energy that goes into 'thinking' about it? This happened to me in a humorous way this past summer. I was kayaking and had a choice to go two ways around a shoal or turn around. For some reason I delayed my decision. I was thinking about it. So as I approached, I waited, and waited until my rudder hit the shoal. Decision made for me as I came to a full stop. I didn’t do anything about it. It’s like life isn’t it? How often do we delay making important decisions until we create an event … [Read more...]
Resetting Expectations
Yes, there are times when we need to look hard at where we are versus where we thought we'd be. When I had a significant knee injury as well as an issue with my opposite foot, I was out of practice for awhile as I worked on healing from my surgeries. This was really frustrating for me as an active person who somewhat defines myself through contribution and loves what I do. I was angry, upset and feeling a loss of control. Everything changed, but not in the way I had envisioned. I was not proud of how I handled a number of situations but those who knew me, knew my actions came from my … [Read more...]
Life as C.h.a.o.s.
When you experience life changing events it feels somewhat chaotic, yes? Sometimes it feels like falling into a gaping void – navigating through a place we’ve never been before. We bring with us our beliefs (real or imagined), judgments (how we feel things should be), and of course our emotions. Think of an experience in your life that was chaotic: What did you feel? What led you through it? In retrospect, could you have done something different if you had the wherewithal at the time? In my experience, when severe life changing stress occurs, in that moment we are not creative. Not only are … [Read more...]
Best Pieces of Advice Ever Received?
Last week we discussed chaos, what it means, and the opportunities it brings to you and your life. When stressed and confused, we may not see the forest through the trees. After the fact, things appear much different don't they? These are the best pieces of advice that I’ve received to-date for calming chaos: Wait 3 seconds before replying. Right-size the issue: Decide if it’s a problem or an inconvenience. Find a way to not take yourself so seriously - laugh more. Meditate and ask for guidance. Look for the answer(s) provided. Ask "How did I contribute and what can be learned to not … [Read more...]
Chaos
Ever notice how life-changing events show up initially as chaos – it shows up as an illness, divorce, job change, loss of a loved one? Even cancer shows up as uncontrolled cellular growth: Chaotic as I see it in my experience. I am not proud of how I've dealt with some life events. Quite frankly, I've embarrassed myself a few times. What I've found though, is when I'm under stress we are really not in our right minds. We are in survival mode - fight or flight - which is not the best state for making choices or decisions. We’re reactive and become emotionally charged, inconsiderate, and … [Read more...]