Sorry for not posting my new post on Thursday. I am busy enjoying the blessings in my everyday life. I will make new posts for last week and the upcoming week on Monday. Join me then to get the latest updates!
I know sometimes it can feel like the blessings don't stop coming and other times, it may feel like you don't have much to be thankful about. This week, I want our goal to be finding the blessings in the small things that are all around us everyday. If you are on top of the world, you can still appreciate the small things around you and if you are struggling to keep it together, there may be something small you can find to appreciate. Wherever you are in life right now, take a moment to feel the blessings surrounding you.
Do you have a loving family, a friend that makes you laugh, a beautiful garden, or a good book to read? Did you have a yummy dessert, a good workout today, or do you have a comfortable home? Whatever it is, take some time to notice the small pieces of your life that make it amazing.
For each of us, the small things we appreciate are going to be very different, but take some time to look around you and find the things that make you smile(either inside or out). Notice how it feels when you see the small things and acknowledge how they make you feel. Find some time to do this each day and notice how it changes your outlook.
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend a few moments thinking about your answers.
- Do you normally take time to appreciate the small things in your life?
- What are some of the blessings surrounding your right now?
- Even if you are going through a rough time, is there at least one small thing you can appreciate?
- Do you feel better inside when you notice the blessings around you?
- How can you slow down a bit and notice these blessings more each day?
- What would it take to make this a habit?
- When will you start to do the work to make it a habit?
Fieldwork:
Make a list of at least 10 small blessings in your life right now. If 10 was easy, continue on to 20 or 30. Make it a bit challenging so you begin to notice the things you may not normally acknowledge.
Topic 27 Bonus Challenge:
Each day make a new list of 10+ blessings. Try to find new blessings each day so you stretch to notice the things you may normally ignore. Remember to challenge yourself and do more than 10 if this does not feel like a stretch.
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
Monday, August 15, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
26-B Expectations
The upcoming topic will be Finding Blessings in the Everyday! Come back later to read more!
In delving into our expectations and how they affect our life, it struck me that when we have expectations about others or even about situations that involve others, we may be setting ourselves up for stress or anxiety. I always tell my kids that they can only control their actions but when we set expectations for others, aren't we trying to control someone else? Do you see where this situation can lead to frustration?
When we come into a situation with preconceived expectations, we are in essence trying to control how others are going to act or react and that is something we will never have control over. When I took my 2 girls to dinner last night is a prime example of this process at work. They had been really tired due to the start of school so I wanted to give them a little pick-me-up. I had plans in my head that they would be really excited to go to their favorite Italian restaurant, but because they were so tired, they were not as excited as I had hoped. They wined and complained through much of the dinner. After we had been sitting there for a few minutes, I decided that no matter how they were acting, I was going to enjoy my night off from cooking. I turned the situation inside and I let go of my expectations for them. This allowed me to free myself from my anxiety and I enjoyed my dinner even if their reactions did not meet my expectations.
By letting go of my expectations for my girls and for the situation, I was able to be more present and I was able to appreciate what I needed from the dinner out. I was able to take control of the only person I have control over. Me! I changed my thoughts and changed how my entire evening went.
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend a few minutes thinking about your answers.
- When have expectations made you frustrated?
- Did you expect something of someone else or yourself?
- Did it go exactly as planned?
- How can you let go of expectations so you can be more present and in the moment?
- How can you trust that situations will unfold in the perfect manner if you just let them?
- Who do you have control over?
- What can you do to hold yourself accountable for how you feel and how you handle situations?
- What steps do you need to take to let go of your expectations of others?
Fieldwork:
The next time a situation arises and you have expectations that are not met, find a way to turn this inside and change your reactions and your thoughts. Create what you need in that moment. Take control of you!
Topic 26 Bonus Challenge:
Free yourself from your expectations of others. Know that you are being provided with the message or lesson you need at the moment and allow things to unfold the way they are meant to be.
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
In delving into our expectations and how they affect our life, it struck me that when we have expectations about others or even about situations that involve others, we may be setting ourselves up for stress or anxiety. I always tell my kids that they can only control their actions but when we set expectations for others, aren't we trying to control someone else? Do you see where this situation can lead to frustration?
When we come into a situation with preconceived expectations, we are in essence trying to control how others are going to act or react and that is something we will never have control over. When I took my 2 girls to dinner last night is a prime example of this process at work. They had been really tired due to the start of school so I wanted to give them a little pick-me-up. I had plans in my head that they would be really excited to go to their favorite Italian restaurant, but because they were so tired, they were not as excited as I had hoped. They wined and complained through much of the dinner. After we had been sitting there for a few minutes, I decided that no matter how they were acting, I was going to enjoy my night off from cooking. I turned the situation inside and I let go of my expectations for them. This allowed me to free myself from my anxiety and I enjoyed my dinner even if their reactions did not meet my expectations.
By letting go of my expectations for my girls and for the situation, I was able to be more present and I was able to appreciate what I needed from the dinner out. I was able to take control of the only person I have control over. Me! I changed my thoughts and changed how my entire evening went.
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend a few minutes thinking about your answers.
- When have expectations made you frustrated?
- Did you expect something of someone else or yourself?
- Did it go exactly as planned?
- How can you let go of expectations so you can be more present and in the moment?
- How can you trust that situations will unfold in the perfect manner if you just let them?
- Who do you have control over?
- What can you do to hold yourself accountable for how you feel and how you handle situations?
- What steps do you need to take to let go of your expectations of others?
Fieldwork:
The next time a situation arises and you have expectations that are not met, find a way to turn this inside and change your reactions and your thoughts. Create what you need in that moment. Take control of you!
Topic 26 Bonus Challenge:
Free yourself from your expectations of others. Know that you are being provided with the message or lesson you need at the moment and allow things to unfold the way they are meant to be.
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
Monday, August 8, 2011
26-A Expectations
Something I have been paying attention to lately is how my expectations affect the situations in my life. If I come into a situation with any preconcieved expectations, when things don't go the way I have worked out in my head, I get upset or frustrated. I have a hard time just letting things play out the way they should and I find I spend time in advance thinking about how I want things to happen. I especially notice it with my kids, but I do it with other people and in other situations too.
Here is a prime example. When my kids get off the bus, I have expectations that homework and dinner time will be happy and fulfilling and not filled with stress. Really, no laughing;) When reality sets in and things start to go differently, I find this makes me frustrated. My reactions become more about what is happening differently than I planned instead of about what is really going on. When I am able to know that things are going to unfold however they will unfold and I quit trying to plan it all ahead, I become more present and I am able to actually enjoy homework time(or at least appreciate the learning going on).
I hope you can see that by shifting our thoughts, we can change everything about the situation. If you have times when you are frustrated or angry, ask yourself if it is because you wanted things to go differently than they did? If you notice this happening, try to let go of your expectations and open yourself up to the moment!
Questions:
- Do you have times when you set expectations?
- When do you set the most expectations for yourself and others?
- When are you most angry or upset?
- Could this be caused by having expectations about what you want to happen?
- How does it affect you when things don't go as planned?
- Is there a way to approach situations without a preplanned agenda?
- How would it feel to open yourself up to just letting the situation unfold?
- Is there a way for you to do this?
Fieldwork:
This week, try to let go of your expectations. Find at least one situation that normally gets the best of you and realize what expectations you are holding onto about this event. Let things unfold naturally and appreciate just being in the moment instead of planning it all ahead.
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
Here is a prime example. When my kids get off the bus, I have expectations that homework and dinner time will be happy and fulfilling and not filled with stress. Really, no laughing;) When reality sets in and things start to go differently, I find this makes me frustrated. My reactions become more about what is happening differently than I planned instead of about what is really going on. When I am able to know that things are going to unfold however they will unfold and I quit trying to plan it all ahead, I become more present and I am able to actually enjoy homework time(or at least appreciate the learning going on).
I hope you can see that by shifting our thoughts, we can change everything about the situation. If you have times when you are frustrated or angry, ask yourself if it is because you wanted things to go differently than they did? If you notice this happening, try to let go of your expectations and open yourself up to the moment!
Questions:
- Do you have times when you set expectations?
- When do you set the most expectations for yourself and others?
- When are you most angry or upset?
- Could this be caused by having expectations about what you want to happen?
- How does it affect you when things don't go as planned?
- Is there a way to approach situations without a preplanned agenda?
- How would it feel to open yourself up to just letting the situation unfold?
- Is there a way for you to do this?
Fieldwork:
This week, try to let go of your expectations. Find at least one situation that normally gets the best of you and realize what expectations you are holding onto about this event. Let things unfold naturally and appreciate just being in the moment instead of planning it all ahead.
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
Friday, August 5, 2011
25-B New Beginnings
The topic for this upcoming week will be Expectations! Join me tomorrow to read more.
Before a new beginning can show up, sometimes we have to say goodbye to something or someone in our life. Saying goodbye is never easy, but if we can shift our thinking, saying goodbye does not have to be all bad. Have you heard the song "Second Chance" by Shinedown before? It says "sometimes goodbye is a second chance"? I love the message that sends. Goodbye can be an opportunity, a second chance.
If we step into each new beginning with the optimism of the second chance it could bring, we may open ourselves up to even more in life. When you are in the midst of saying goodbye, you may not be able to see past that moment, but once you can take a breath and step back, try to find something positive that can come out of each situation. By shifting your thoughts, you can really change how you see life. Begin to see things as positive and this is what you will get. Start fresh and open yourself up for your new beginnings.
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend a few moments thinking through your answers.
- What second chances are you ready for in your life?
- How can you look at goodbye as an opportunity instead of an ending?
- What new beginnings do you need to create for yourself?
- How can you open yourself up to the optimism of each new beginning and what it can bring into your life?
Fieldwork:
Find something you need to change in your life and create your new beginning right now. Find your second chance and make it work!
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
Before a new beginning can show up, sometimes we have to say goodbye to something or someone in our life. Saying goodbye is never easy, but if we can shift our thinking, saying goodbye does not have to be all bad. Have you heard the song "Second Chance" by Shinedown before? It says "sometimes goodbye is a second chance"? I love the message that sends. Goodbye can be an opportunity, a second chance.
If we step into each new beginning with the optimism of the second chance it could bring, we may open ourselves up to even more in life. When you are in the midst of saying goodbye, you may not be able to see past that moment, but once you can take a breath and step back, try to find something positive that can come out of each situation. By shifting your thoughts, you can really change how you see life. Begin to see things as positive and this is what you will get. Start fresh and open yourself up for your new beginnings.
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend a few moments thinking through your answers.
- What second chances are you ready for in your life?
- How can you look at goodbye as an opportunity instead of an ending?
- What new beginnings do you need to create for yourself?
- How can you open yourself up to the optimism of each new beginning and what it can bring into your life?
Fieldwork:
Find something you need to change in your life and create your new beginning right now. Find your second chance and make it work!
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
Monday, August 1, 2011
25-A New Beginnings
New Beginnings can bring about so many different emotions. They can bring about excitement for trying something new, fear of leaving behind your old routine or anger for having to change what has become normal and comfortable for you. What every new beginning has in common is that it provides you with an opportunity to grow and learn. When things are ending, like a relationship or job, try to look at the opportunity this ending may be opening up for you.
When we are faced with hard times and we know a change needs to happen, it is normal to have difficulty making those changes. Change is usually hard for us because we are creatures of habit and we get comfort from a routine. What if we can shift our thinking about this? What if we can begin to see that the end of one chapter is really a new beginning? If we can shift our thinking, we can look at change as an opportunity rather than something to avoid. We can maybe even start to welcome change so we can begin to create the forward movement we need in our lives to help us find true fulfillment.
Many times when we are embarking on a new journey, it is because a chapter of our life has come to an end. Whether it is going to a new job, having a baby, or moving to a new city, we are letting go of one thing so we can embrace another. The one constant thing we have in life is change. We are always going to have something new we are facing or some new situation to get accustomed to. If things didn't change imagine where we would be. Be open to your new beginnings!
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend a few moments thinking about your answers.
- How can you look at change as positive?
- How can you see the end of one thing as the opportunity for a new beginning?
- Have you had a time in your life when you felt horrible about the ending of something, but looking back on it now, it really was the beginning of something new and wonderful?
- How can you find the new beginning in the situations you are currently facing?
- What new beginnings are you ready for?
Fieldwork:
What is something new you are embarking on in your life or something you are struggling with? Can you begin to see the opportunity in this situation? How is this going to make a positive impact on you? Become aware of how this situation can impact your life in a wonderful new way and find your "new beginning"!
Topic 25 Bonus Challenge:
Think about something you are being hesitant to take on because it may be new and challenging. Get out of your comfort zone and don't let anything hold you back. Start your new beginning now!
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
When we are faced with hard times and we know a change needs to happen, it is normal to have difficulty making those changes. Change is usually hard for us because we are creatures of habit and we get comfort from a routine. What if we can shift our thinking about this? What if we can begin to see that the end of one chapter is really a new beginning? If we can shift our thinking, we can look at change as an opportunity rather than something to avoid. We can maybe even start to welcome change so we can begin to create the forward movement we need in our lives to help us find true fulfillment.
Many times when we are embarking on a new journey, it is because a chapter of our life has come to an end. Whether it is going to a new job, having a baby, or moving to a new city, we are letting go of one thing so we can embrace another. The one constant thing we have in life is change. We are always going to have something new we are facing or some new situation to get accustomed to. If things didn't change imagine where we would be. Be open to your new beginnings!
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend a few moments thinking about your answers.
- How can you look at change as positive?
- How can you see the end of one thing as the opportunity for a new beginning?
- Have you had a time in your life when you felt horrible about the ending of something, but looking back on it now, it really was the beginning of something new and wonderful?
- How can you find the new beginning in the situations you are currently facing?
- What new beginnings are you ready for?
Fieldwork:
What is something new you are embarking on in your life or something you are struggling with? Can you begin to see the opportunity in this situation? How is this going to make a positive impact on you? Become aware of how this situation can impact your life in a wonderful new way and find your "new beginning"!
Topic 25 Bonus Challenge:
Think about something you are being hesitant to take on because it may be new and challenging. Get out of your comfort zone and don't let anything hold you back. Start your new beginning now!
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
Friday, July 29, 2011
24-B What are you waiting for?
The upcoming weeks topic is New Beginnings! Join me tomorrow to read more!
We are all truly lucky to be here each moment we have. I know sometimes the challenges in life my make this hard to see, but if we truly think about the alternative, our challenges may not seem so overwhelming. By losing a friend who had so much life ahead of him, it made me step back and take a moment to appreciate the fact that I got to wake up today and see and hug my kids and husband. I got to see the flowers blooming and the butterflies flying around. I got to go outside in the sweltering heat in NC;) The list really could go on and on. I can only hope to have that same luck tomorrow!
There are truly blessings in all of the small things. There are amazing things all around us if we open ourselves up to noticing them. Wonderful things are going on everywhere and sometimes we are too caught up in our own lives to notice.
I know some of you may have things going on in your life that are horrible and extremely hard to handle and I don't want to minimize this. I know life can sometimes seem unfair and you can't understand why something may be happening. If this is happening for you, I hope there is something in your life that makes you feel "lucky". If it is seeing a flower bloom or getting a smile from a stranger or having a friend that offers support, find something to be grateful for even if it is something small.
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend a few moments thinking through the answers.
- What do you feel blessed about in your life?
- What is something amazing happening in your life right now?
- How can you feel more of this in your life?
- How can you appreciate each day you are given and live life to its fullest?
- What would it take for you to feel "lucky"?
- What is holding you back in your life?
- What are you waiting for?
Fieldwork:
Notice and appreciate something, a situation or someone around you that you may not normally focus on. Find something "lucky" happening in your life right now. Skip the negative and find something positive to focus on even if it is just for a minute. Next, find a way to make this happen for more than just a minute, find a way to make this happen each moment you are here!
Coach Gaye
We are all truly lucky to be here each moment we have. I know sometimes the challenges in life my make this hard to see, but if we truly think about the alternative, our challenges may not seem so overwhelming. By losing a friend who had so much life ahead of him, it made me step back and take a moment to appreciate the fact that I got to wake up today and see and hug my kids and husband. I got to see the flowers blooming and the butterflies flying around. I got to go outside in the sweltering heat in NC;) The list really could go on and on. I can only hope to have that same luck tomorrow!
There are truly blessings in all of the small things. There are amazing things all around us if we open ourselves up to noticing them. Wonderful things are going on everywhere and sometimes we are too caught up in our own lives to notice.
I know some of you may have things going on in your life that are horrible and extremely hard to handle and I don't want to minimize this. I know life can sometimes seem unfair and you can't understand why something may be happening. If this is happening for you, I hope there is something in your life that makes you feel "lucky". If it is seeing a flower bloom or getting a smile from a stranger or having a friend that offers support, find something to be grateful for even if it is something small.
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend a few moments thinking through the answers.
- What do you feel blessed about in your life?
- What is something amazing happening in your life right now?
- How can you feel more of this in your life?
- How can you appreciate each day you are given and live life to its fullest?
- What would it take for you to feel "lucky"?
- What is holding you back in your life?
- What are you waiting for?
Fieldwork:
Notice and appreciate something, a situation or someone around you that you may not normally focus on. Find something "lucky" happening in your life right now. Skip the negative and find something positive to focus on even if it is just for a minute. Next, find a way to make this happen for more than just a minute, find a way to make this happen each moment you are here!
Quote: H.Jackson Brown Jr.- Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Albert Einstein.
Enjoy the journey!Coach Gaye
Monday, July 25, 2011
24-A What are you Waiting For?
The topic this week has changed because something more fitting showed up for me this morning. I have missed a few days on Facebook and checked this morning and found out a high school friend had passed away. I was reading his obituary and watching the video clips on the news about his death and I noticed the huge impact his life had on so many people. He was a hero and he lead an inspiring life and it seems like he lived his life by doing and not just saying. We can only hope to make an impact the way he has.
After last weeks topic about finding your purpose, I thought some motivation to truly living your purpose would follow up nicely. We never know how much time we have here and reading about my friend made me think about my life and how I have so much I want to do. But, what am I waiting for? I can tell myself I will start my charity when I have more money or that I will be a better mother or wife when I have less stress and more time, but I don't really have to wait to do all of these things do I? What am I waiting for? What are you waiting for?
Decide what you want to accomplish in your life and start taking steps to do it. Don't wait because you never know how much time you have. Start making your impact today!
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend some time thinking through each answer.
- Are you living your purpose?
- Are you living the life you were made for?
- Are you accomplishing the things you want in your life?
- What are you waiting for?
- What is holding you back from doing all of these things today?
Fieldwork:
What would your obituary say about you if you passed away today? What would you want it to say if you live for another 50 years? If it does not say what you want it to say, begin making changes in your life so you are working towards fulfilling your dreams.
Topic 23 Bonus Challenge:
Go out of your way to do something extra nice or helpful for someone today. It can be a friend, family or stranger, but challenge yourself to do something you may not normally do for someone else!
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
After last weeks topic about finding your purpose, I thought some motivation to truly living your purpose would follow up nicely. We never know how much time we have here and reading about my friend made me think about my life and how I have so much I want to do. But, what am I waiting for? I can tell myself I will start my charity when I have more money or that I will be a better mother or wife when I have less stress and more time, but I don't really have to wait to do all of these things do I? What am I waiting for? What are you waiting for?
Decide what you want to accomplish in your life and start taking steps to do it. Don't wait because you never know how much time you have. Start making your impact today!
Questions:
Either journal about these questions or spend some time thinking through each answer.
- Are you living your purpose?
- Are you living the life you were made for?
- Are you accomplishing the things you want in your life?
- What are you waiting for?
- What is holding you back from doing all of these things today?
Fieldwork:
What would your obituary say about you if you passed away today? What would you want it to say if you live for another 50 years? If it does not say what you want it to say, begin making changes in your life so you are working towards fulfilling your dreams.
Topic 23 Bonus Challenge:
Go out of your way to do something extra nice or helpful for someone today. It can be a friend, family or stranger, but challenge yourself to do something you may not normally do for someone else!
Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye
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