One of my biggest struggles is with my own sense of good enough. Meaning, I focus a lot on improving myself, getting more done during the day, how I can make myself and my family better.
Some of the thoughts that go through my head:Read More »
Category: meditations
Checking In
Most of my April has been spent not writing. Doing anything but writing. Actively avoiding writing. Hence the silence here. I’m not avoiding the blog, per se, I just got busy.Read More »
Habits, Willpower, and Decisions | How the little moments shape the big things in our lives
I’ve been thinking a lot about habit-forming and -breaking lately, mainly because in my search for self-improvement, I find that habits are especially important.Read More »
Passion Planner: Goals and Reflections
The Passion Planner made its way to me like most really good things do: by word of mouth. Read More »
Resolutions: Not just for January anymore
It’s almost February, so how are you doing with your resolution? Have you lost all 50 pounds, gone to the gym every day, and read those 30 books on your list? Ok. I’m being a jerk for a reason: I really don’t like resolutions.
Goals are great! I actually bought a new paper-based daily/weekly planner for that reason (more on the Passion Planner later). I love setting and achieving goals, but more importantly, they give me something to work toward. Without them, I feel like I am drifting.
How do you know where you’re going without some sort of roadmap? It doesn’t matter if you ever really get to the destination, but you’ve got to start somewhere.
So it’s almost February. Why not take stock of how you’ve come in the last month? Instead of totally scrapping the resolution/goal/roadmap, why not try to take a different turn at it? Instead of going to the gym every day, maybe you can make it to the gym twice a week? Instead of writing 1000 words a day, try writing for 15 minutes. Perhaps you can eat vegetarian dinners instead of trying to go all day without meat? And as always, celebrate your successes. Going to the gym 3 times in January is a great start! It’s three times more than I made it to a gym, certainly!
What resolutions or goals have you made, and are you planning on revising them?
Saying Yes (even when it’s not perfect)
Not long ago, I started knitting a shawl. It’s the ugliest thing I own, and I love it.Read More »
Striving and Stillness
One of my biggest struggles is with perfectionism. This manifests itself in so many ways: the ways that I treat my friends and family, the standards I hold myself to, and definitely the self-talk that I engage in.
Tapping In and Letting Go
So much of what I find myself doing and not doing revolves around fear. I’m not talking about the healthy keep-you-from-getting-run-over fear that keeps you from walking in the middle of traffic or jumping off of cliffs. I’m talking about the tiny gnawing fears: what will they think of me? Who will find out? What are they going to say?
Tips for Getting Away When You’re Away with Family
The best thing about going home for the holidays? Family! The worst thing about going home for the holidays? You guessed it! Family.Read More »
Gratitude isn’t just for November
Meditation teachers, religious leaders, gurus, people of faith and just really wise people from all over the world and varying cultures tout the practice of gratitude. From remembering those less fortunate in your prayers and meditations, to the act of giving back to your community and the world at large, to keeping a personal gratitude journal, there are so many ways to remember how blessed you are.
A few years ago there was this social media trend to celebrate Thanksgiving by posting a thing you were grateful for every day in November. I remember thinking at the same time, “Great idea!” and, “Why not every day?” November is just one month out of the year.
I think it’s funny (both ironic funny and sorta haha-funny) that as Americans, we have this day of thanks right before the biggest shopping day of the year. It’s almost like we want to get it out of the way, our one-day Lent so we can go ahead and get to the spending and self-centeredness of the holidays.
Sure, so many of us are focused on buying gifts for others and filling the stockings for the kids. Many people find this a spectacular time to give back to their communities and donate to charity.
At the same time, I know that I am required to fill out a Wish List to facilitate the purchase of gifts for me. All of this focus on what I want really does make me think of all of the things that I already have: a house, a loving relationship, and wonderful family to be around during the holidays. All of the other things can be procured later or lived without.
And sure, I want another pair of Toms and that perfect salad storage set, and all of the books, but does that stuff really matter?
So, in the middle of all of your shopping and running and airport travel and feeling stressed, maybe take a moment and put a little gratitude out into the universe. Share a little love (and patience) with the person in front of you in line instead of sighing loudly. Smile at your server in the restaurant instead of snapping at her when the order takes longer than usual. Be grateful that you’re the one sitting down with your family, rather than up serving others.
How do you share your gratitude?
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