Now what? Pivot vs. panic.

Here’s what I know: the “new normal” can more aptly be classified the new “not” normal. But the question begs: “Now what?” In my post, “When life is spinning out of control…” I share the one thing within our control. Even if it’s simply to breathe… congratulations! I get it. I, too, am scared. Exhausted. Discouraged. And wrapping my mind around the current climate proves boggling at best. Unplug for a moment (after reading this post) and close your eyes. Put your hand over your heart. Feel, and listen. You’re here for a purpose. What is it? Perhaps the new “not” normal will serve as your personal pause button: to pivot vs. panic. In other words, allow this time to change your course: to redirect your thoughts. To replace limiting beliefs with truth. Because here’s the other thing I know: that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:38).

How will you pivot?

Image courtesy of Danilo Rizzuti at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Fear is *not* a favorite F word

Fear can be debilitating. Fear of… failure, the unknown, change, making a mistake, saying the wrong thing, getting hurt, causing pain, running out of time, missing out. Regret. The other day, I made a decision, set my plan in motion and, for several hours, I felt at peace about it. Only, when it came time to execute ‘said’ plan, fear seized and held me captive, resulting in an aborted mission. The solution? I must confront my fears, head on, instead of running away from whatever situation I’m facing. Otherwise, I will never be able to make peace with the past and move forward into the present that’s waiting for me to delight in. But this requires courage that I have yet to access, and confidence to trust in the process. It also requires daily positive affirmations that, indeed, I am good enough. And keep in mind: There are no mistakes. Just life lessons. So that’s one fear we can all say goodbye to.

What is your biggest fear?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Putting on my big girl panties

It’s not working. The path to my purpose, plan and joy; living in the ‘ah-ha’ moment; circumnavigating discontent; creating my own luck (and balance)… you name it: Just. Not. Happening. And I’m a broken record when it comes to the things in my life I’m unwilling to change in the first place. My sweet friend, Joan, said, Maybe you just can’t [do anything about it] right now. You’ve got lots of stuff going on… You’ll come out of this… then you’ll fix what ails you, a little at a time. She reminded me it’s all about baby steps. Yet, even indecision is a decision. So for now I’ve decided to flounder a bit, “cut myself slack” and indulge in a little selfishness—with my time and energies. To heck with the big girl panties. It’s time for me to stock up on chocolate, wine and paperbacks, and to stop waiting for Someday to arrive in order to start rocking my tutu Today.

How will you live out Today?

Image courtesy of DealDash’s Photos.

Circumnavigating discontent

You could say I’m flailing a bit. At about the same time I dropped everything to visit with family and friends in the Midwest, I also stopped writing every day. Although no correlation, a friend is battling the aftermath of a tragic accident, a close relative is in non-stop pain following surgery, I’m dealing with ongoing medical issues, and in less than six months I’m turning the half century mark and knowing I’m still not where I want to be… but doing what I can to be okay with where I’m at. It’s not that I’m unhappy; it’s that discontent is an ever-present companion. Which brings me to the final chapters in my journey of self-discovery—a 33-day path to my purpose, plan and joy—and I feel a sort of letdown. Because it’s never been about “finding myself,” but rather creating myself by tuning in to what I already possess. And understanding that everyone else we meet is traveling their own path, too.

How do you cimcumnavigate discontent?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Preparing for a fabulous new year

[Image credit: chanpipat]

You may currently have all your resolutions, goals and “to dos” put in place for the New Year.  However, those lists may just as well be words on paper — rather than an action plan toward fulfilling dreams or simply navigating life’s choppy waters — if you don’t prepare yourself mentally.  It’s your mind that will either talk you out of it, or keep you on track.  Here are five tips to help you plan for a happy, successful and (hopefully) life-changing 2013:

1. Begin each day with expectation that something wonderful is going to happen.
2. Plan and prioritize.  If it moves you closer to your highest purpose in life, do it first.
3. Let go of your results.  Remember, control the things you can.
4. Turn off background TV or other distractions that pull your mind off track.  Focus on the job at hand.
5. End each day with gratitude.  Write down at least one wonderful thing that happened.

How are you preparing for a fabulous New Year?

The countdown to 2013

[Image credit: Danilo Rizzuti]

Three-fourths of the year is already over, and if I don’t replace the two dreams I had planned to accomplish in 2012 which an injured ankle derailed, I am entering the final stretch of the year with only six more goals to tackle.  All in all, I feel pretty good about what I’ve done and what remains to be worked on.  Even if I’m not able to cross everything off my list, I’m still glad I had plans in place.  It gave me a purpose to strive for beyond the everyday tasks and mundane chores and errands I easily get bogged down with.  Besides, now I know that some things can come off my list for 2013, while others can remain.  And I’ve already jotted down a couple of goals I hope to address at the beginning of the year.  Oh, I know the best laid plans are just that.  But it’s fun to have something to look forward to.

Do you think you’ll set goals for 2013?