Living in the Now

Living in the present is putting one foot in front of the other.  We keep moving.  When we set goals we think about the future and visualize what it would be like to accomplish those goals.  However, we are not necessarily living in the present.  So the question becomes: "How do we live in the present and work towards achieving our goals?"
I would like to help you write an affirmation that focuses you on what it is you want to accomplish or change in your life.  Your job is to write this affirmation every day.  To truly focus on this affirmation you should write it 10 times each day for the next 30 days. The first thing you want to do when writing is to keep it in the present, even if it is an event or change that has not occurred.  The difference looks like this:

• I see myself creating a new work environment
• I am rearranging my office to create a work environment that feels comfortable

The difference is focusing on the present.  When you do that, as you write it and read it, say it out loud, you will feel it sinking in. Perhaps you will feel it in your body or notice how your energy shifts.  The key is to make it happen.  So each day, after you have written the affirmation, do one small task that will help you reach your goal....and, as always, feel free to contact me for a free goal setting session.

POSITIVE THOUGHTS

Why is optimism and a positive outlook so important? Seth Godin (Bestselling author, world-renowned speaker, entrepreneur and one of the world's most popular bloggers) explains why in this short new video.

Seth Godin On Optimism

www.youtube.com

UNKNOWN TERRITORY

When we are moving, be it up down left or right, we are charting unknown territories. We know where we have been and what it felt like. But in the throws of change, we are not quite sure where we are going or what it will look like, feel like or end up being.
What we forget is that we are constantly changing.  We may not have set a goal to change. It inevitably just happens.  We have a conversation with a friend or co-worker and listen to their wows or illness issues.  We may start to think: "That could be me if I don't make some changes".  Maybe we start to eat differently or have one less drink at night.  Maybe we call someone that we haven't talked to in a long time to reconnect.  Change can just happen without setting intention.  What about when we truly want to change.
The Boston TV show "Chronicle" aired a program on Feb. 22 and Feb 23 about having dreams and making them happen.  Each of the broadcasters shared a dream they had yet never lived out. Of course, it is always about who you know that made it easy for them to make it happen. One of them always wanted to be an actress.  Next thing you know she is an extra on daytime soap "One Life to Live".  Another wanted to fly a small plane.  He was shown being the pilot in a twin engine as the instructor was just there to "help".  Another always wanted to be a chef and suddenly he is in the kitchen of "Legal Seafood, Boston" working beside the sous chef.  And at 68 years old, Jim Boyd has returned to college at Tufts University because he always felt shame that he didn't have a college degree.
The point here is that it is never too late to live out your dream.  It is about taking steps to make it happen, whether you know someone who can get you there or not.  It is about setting goals and working it. And if you need help, as always, I AM HERE...

REMOVING THE BARRIERS TO CHANGE

When change is all around us, whether it is changing jobs, moving to a new home, relationship changes,what often holds us back from succeeding is FEAR.  Ruth Fishel, author of "Change Almost Anything in 21 Days" says FEAR has been described as: False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR). Fear keeps us from living in the moment.  Change can cause anxiety, stress and insecurity...fear of the unknown.
We have choices...we can stay where we are or we can move forward and face the unknown.  Ask yourself: "what can I do differently to face the fear and walk through it?"
Remember: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can And the wisdom to know the difference"
And if all else fails, remember I am here to process with you...keep moving forward

SIMPLY POSITIVE

Many of us have not had practice at writing affirmations. I thought I would help you out. On Facebook I found a link called "SIMPLY POSITIVE".  Every day your wall will have a positive thought or affirmation that you can shape to fit your own goals or needs.
Here is today's:

Today is a new day to build & "DO". Forget about the past & yesterday! You have a clean slate! Focus on short term goals TODAY. Start building strength & courage right away by repeating affirmations over & over to "self motivate yourself" into ACTION. It's the FIRST step. You MUST always mentally build up strength/courage & KEEP doing... it UNTIL it inspires you to finally jump in & start. Remember, each tiny goal you tackle validates YOUR capability. And yes YOU ARE capable & can do it! No excuses. :) Just FOCUS on doing, doing, doing! Make it a priority to stay focused till you start. EACH action & goal accomplished, no matter how small, WILL BUILD YOU UP mentally & positively shape tomorrow. That's TWO things it does. Feels good & moves you forward! The sooner you start, the more inspired you become. Take charge of your day. :)

I hope this helps you start writing affirmations and staying positive. Here is the link. Hope you "like" it.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/simplypositive

Self Limiting Thoughts

It's Friday and I have not accomplished as much as I would have liked to this week. Partly, it was because I was sick and partly because I, too, often procrastinate...there I have admitted it.  I am very good at advising others how to put one foot in front of the other, stay on a path, break habits and move forward.  But sometimes, I forget to think of myself first.  I forget to read my affirmation and remind myself "I am worthy".
Thoughts are there swimming around on what needs to be done.  Like everyone else, that list can be daunting. The one thing that can stop us from tackling the list, accomplishing all that we can and being the best we can be is often self limiting thoughts.
The thoughts may sound like this:

• I am not good enough
• I will never get that job
• I won't pass that test no matter how hard I study
• I don't do enough to tackle the list

So, for myself and others I am writing a new affirmation today: "I am capable of accomplishing anything I set my mind to" and I will read this every morning. This will get me moving for sure and keep me on target.  What thoughts are limiting you and what do you need to tell yourself to get moving?

AFFIRMATIONS: I AM WORTHY

You read the title today and said: "Yes I am worthy." And I bet you even smiled or felt a warmth go through you.  Okay for some of you, maybe not...but I hope together we can get you there.

Ruth Casey says: "It takes only one person to change your life...you."  Like anything else, you have to be willing to change.  Attending a seminar on how to lose 15 pounds in 15 days will not make you lose weight.  Changing your habits and actually following some of the advice you heard will help you lose the weight.  Taking Chantix won't make you stop smoking unless you truly have the desire to change and take other steps along with it.  You get the picture...only you can make the changes.

Treating yourself kindly and positively while you make the changes is very important. One tool is to write an affirmation that you can read many times on a daily basis to remind you that you are worthy of being healthy in every way.  YOU ARE WORTHY

Affirmations are a form of self-talk that you absorb mentally and physically, making you feel more positive about yourself, hopefully.  So let's give it a try.  Think about what it is you have been working on changing.  See yourself completing the change and feeling healthy. Write down in a very positive statement how good you feel about yourself, how deserving you are of being healthy and how happy you are.  It can look something like this: " I deserve being happy. I have worked very hard to (lose weight, quit smoking, etc. ) and I feel great about myself.  I look good, I feel healthier and I smile more often. I can do so much more in life now that I have changed my habit. I am worthy of being healthy and happy."
Your affirmation does not have to look like this. But it does need to be a positive statement that makes you feel good about yourself everyday.  What will you tell yourself today?
As always, I am here to help you...even if it is just to write an affirmation with you...contact me..to your good health.

Hiring a Coach- article link in Psychology Today

Do You Need a Career Coach? | Psychology Today

www.psychologytoday.com

Words Are Powerful

Ruth Fishel is the author of "Change almost Anything in 21 Days".  She says: "Words are powerful.  They have the power to move us.  They can lift our spirits, inspire us, change our mood, give us courage, make us cry and do much more."  Have you ever heard "change your thought, change the feeling, change the action"?  Thoughts often trigger effects in our body.  When we have negative thoughts, it transfers to bodily reaction.  I sometimes feel it in my gut, in the pit of my stomach.  Others can feel it as a headache, shoulder pain and many other symptoms.  Negative words are blockers that keep us from moving forward.  Words like "can't, unable, not enough, couldn't, didn't" keep us stuck.  When was the last time you told yourself something positive?

• I feel terrific
• I did a great job
• I am intelligent  
• I am a great spouse, partner, friend

Read the negative words above and see where they land in your body.  Then read the positive statements above and notice how they affect your body. I actually felt a smile...did you?

This weeks blog is based on changing almost anything in 21 days, based on the book. Think about what you would change if you could do it in 21 days.  Tomorrow I will provide ways to write an affirmation that will empower you.  I can teach you, help you, guide you.  What you do with it is up to you.
"Whether you think you can or can't, you are right" Henry Ford

DAMNED HABITS

Reading a book or a blog will not help change a habit.  Action is the magic word of the week.  So what have you done towards changing your habit?  There are many books available that will give you advice and a path to follow more than reading a quick few blogs.  Hiring a coach or asking a friend for help is the other option.  Have you tried either of those yet?  Habits are so hard to change.  They are ingrained in us.  We have had our habits or addictions most likely, for a very long time.  Don't expect over night change. Be patient with yourself and others around you. Most of all be kind to yourself.  And as always, I am here....Happy Friday