Do you ever notice that the universe sends you messages? Sometimes its as clear as day, especially when you have a particular thought in mind. Other times, it's just trying to get you to open your eyes and take notice.
I cant remember exactly what it was that I was searching for a few weeks ago but I ended up in front of my growing stack of unread books (my reason for getting a Kindle...save paper and space). I recall that I was searching for something. I remember finding it but also pulling out a book from that growing pile. The book was titled : "I Used To Have A Handle On Life, Then It Broke" (Hint hint to all you SuperMom's out there)
That night I started reading the book, realizing that I had read the first two chapters before. Yes, before, a long time ago. Actually, almost three years ago. The author was a woman who was the guest speaker at the first NEW (Network of Executive Women) summit/ meeting that I had attended. (Take note - surround yourself with successful people...if that is the route you'd like to go.) She had made an impact on me that I bought her book and then some. Then the books ended up in that growing pile of unread books.
As I was reading the book, I realized that the universe was telling me something. Slow down and get a grip on things. Prioritize and remember what and who is important to me. Until that moment I hadn't realize that I'd been coming home, throwing a quick dinner together for my daughter. While she ate at the table, I sat there with her with my laptop open; working on "work". Is this how I want her to remember to remember dinner time? No, it is not. I know she's only three but I'd hate for her to think this how dinner should be like. Yes I still do some work at night, but only after she's in bed.
Pay attention to your surroundings, things that you find or coincidences (no such thing but we'll talk about that next time). If you didn't get it the first time, trust me the universe will find a way to make sure you get the message. So if a book hits you on the head, pick it up when your done swearing and look at the cover or the page that fell open. There could very well be a message in there for you.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Being present
One of the things that keep many of us from moving forward is not being in the present. I’ve heard this many times from many different sources. Often times were too stuck in the past or too busy planning ahead for the future. It wasn’t until recently that I could understand or remotely relate to what that means.
The very first example that I was given was that it is liken to driving. You have to be fully aware and “present” while driving so as not to cause an accident and to get to from point A to point B safely. Okay, so I get that. I understand the concept but how does that feel? I admit that even while I’m driving, I’m not always present in what I’m doing. Half the time I’m on auto pilot, preplanning my day or thinking about the list I need to make once I get to the office.
In the past month and half I started getting serious about training for a half marathon. At first I was running indoors on a treadmill. Boring! Then on weekends, I’d take run on trail with my daughter in the jogger. It was much more pleasant with the sun shining on you, the wind breezing by and your little girl giving high fives to runners and bikers going the opposite direction. Still, I don’t think I was “present” in my activity. All I could think about is, “Am I done yet?”.
It wasn’t until recently that I understand the concept of being present. When the work day is over and the hour before I have to be “mom”, I go running at a local park and its surrounding neighborhood area. It was recently that I realized that while I am running my mind is clear of any thoughts other than that of what I was doing at that very moment – running. The light bulb went off! Ding! My focus was on breathing, the land marks that I use to pace myself, the feel of the pavement & grass as each foot set down. It’s not to say that I didn’t notice the trees or cars that zoom by, but at that moment my mind was clear. There was no chattering of the ego or thoughts of tomorrow’s worries and projects. I was peace. It was just me, my energy and Mother Nature. I’ve noticed that even though I’m sweating up a storm and breathing heavy, my mood is very light and I’m happy. Nothing is infringing on my little world. That was when I realized that I’m being present in the moment. I’m not having a conversation in my head about what’s it is for dinner, what I need to do next week, conversations that I’m pre-planning to have with individuals or thinking about the past. At that very moment I’m present in my actions.
Gee, what took me so long?! Be present in what you are doing. The moment at present is what you are living. It’s not yesterday, it’s not tomorrow…it’s now. Be present in the moment.
The very first example that I was given was that it is liken to driving. You have to be fully aware and “present” while driving so as not to cause an accident and to get to from point A to point B safely. Okay, so I get that. I understand the concept but how does that feel? I admit that even while I’m driving, I’m not always present in what I’m doing. Half the time I’m on auto pilot, preplanning my day or thinking about the list I need to make once I get to the office.
In the past month and half I started getting serious about training for a half marathon. At first I was running indoors on a treadmill. Boring! Then on weekends, I’d take run on trail with my daughter in the jogger. It was much more pleasant with the sun shining on you, the wind breezing by and your little girl giving high fives to runners and bikers going the opposite direction. Still, I don’t think I was “present” in my activity. All I could think about is, “Am I done yet?”.
It wasn’t until recently that I understand the concept of being present. When the work day is over and the hour before I have to be “mom”, I go running at a local park and its surrounding neighborhood area. It was recently that I realized that while I am running my mind is clear of any thoughts other than that of what I was doing at that very moment – running. The light bulb went off! Ding! My focus was on breathing, the land marks that I use to pace myself, the feel of the pavement & grass as each foot set down. It’s not to say that I didn’t notice the trees or cars that zoom by, but at that moment my mind was clear. There was no chattering of the ego or thoughts of tomorrow’s worries and projects. I was peace. It was just me, my energy and Mother Nature. I’ve noticed that even though I’m sweating up a storm and breathing heavy, my mood is very light and I’m happy. Nothing is infringing on my little world. That was when I realized that I’m being present in the moment. I’m not having a conversation in my head about what’s it is for dinner, what I need to do next week, conversations that I’m pre-planning to have with individuals or thinking about the past. At that very moment I’m present in my actions.
Gee, what took me so long?! Be present in what you are doing. The moment at present is what you are living. It’s not yesterday, it’s not tomorrow…it’s now. Be present in the moment.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Enough?
Is enough, enough? Or is it ever enough?
I dashed in to Target one afternoon to pick up a specific item. At one point my three year old points at something and says, "Mommy, I can not have this because we don't have enough?". I asked her to repeat her questions. "I can not have this because we don't have enough?". It dawned on me that she was referring to money. Hmmm, wonder if they're learning about money in school right now? She made me laugh out loud. The first thought that occurred to me was that I don't ever want my child to believe in the "lack of things". As funny as that may sound to some people, I don't want my child to have a belief at such a young age that there is "not enough" of any thing.
I simply smiled at her and said, "No, you don't need that because you have enough." She looked at me for a second and then said, "Oh, okay. I don't need it. I have enough Mommy." That was the end of that.
A few nights ago, my little girl walked in to my bedroom and said, "Mommy, I have enough?". I wasn't sure what she was referring to but I simply said, "You have plenty. You have plenty of toys, plenty of food, plenty of clothes, plenty of friends and plenty of love. You'll always have enough, if not more." She just smiled her biggest smile and said, "Yeah, I have plenty."
If only a large majority of adults could easily accept and believe the way children do........
I dashed in to Target one afternoon to pick up a specific item. At one point my three year old points at something and says, "Mommy, I can not have this because we don't have enough?". I asked her to repeat her questions. "I can not have this because we don't have enough?". It dawned on me that she was referring to money. Hmmm, wonder if they're learning about money in school right now? She made me laugh out loud. The first thought that occurred to me was that I don't ever want my child to believe in the "lack of things". As funny as that may sound to some people, I don't want my child to have a belief at such a young age that there is "not enough" of any thing.
I simply smiled at her and said, "No, you don't need that because you have enough." She looked at me for a second and then said, "Oh, okay. I don't need it. I have enough Mommy." That was the end of that.
A few nights ago, my little girl walked in to my bedroom and said, "Mommy, I have enough?". I wasn't sure what she was referring to but I simply said, "You have plenty. You have plenty of toys, plenty of food, plenty of clothes, plenty of friends and plenty of love. You'll always have enough, if not more." She just smiled her biggest smile and said, "Yeah, I have plenty."
If only a large majority of adults could easily accept and believe the way children do........
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