As I record this we are heading into the holiday season. And while it is a time of magic, it can also be a time of added stress and expectations. I am learning( through therapy, prayer and journaling) that the expectations this time of year are added by ME and by how I think things should happen. It can throw you off course and out of “alignment.”
Last episode I discussed setting goals amidst the uncertainty and how self-care will need to be a priority in times of uncertainty. When there are so many unknowns, have your cup filled provides this strong foundation to face whatever comes your way. Having a full cup means you are centered.
So, what do you do if you are off center or out of alignment? Today I am talking about building your very own re-centering toolbox.
[5:43] #1 Getting real with yourself that you are “off” – if you can recognize when you are off a little bit OR a lot, great! That is a significant first step. It is important to acknowledge your feelings and realize there is room for growth aka “areas of opportunity.” Wherever you are, it is OK and your worth is not defined by this. I share a quote from Zig Zigler…sometimes getting back in center is just a “check-up from the neck up.” Once you re-center that’s when you can decide other physical or tangible things in your life might need to change. This is all about your mind, your mental space, your energy AND taking responsibility for it. Re-centering has nothing to do with the physical things around you. I share some personal and business examples.
The challenges this year impacted my family and teams in many ways. It could have been easy (and maybe expected) for all of us to cower back. I feel the work I have done the past few years prepared me for 2020 and, as a result, that I faced 2020 well. When I got thrown off, instead of panicking, I moved forward with poise. So, what did I do? How did I feel I could handle this year without losing my mind? 3 things came to mind that helped me: My faith, a clear vision of my priorities and my ability to take care of myself/give my soul and body what I needed. There are certain tools you can use to help you get back into center easily. What tools help you the most? Identify your staples! What are the other tools that are there just in case? I share an example.
[21:15] So, what’s in my toolbox? Prayer, Rest, Exercise, Inspiration, Nature & Snuggles. Now, just because I have a re-centering toolbox, doesn’t mean I am an expert at this. For 2 weeks this past year, I just “pushed through.” I was avoiding the signs that I was out of alignment and my brain was not functioning. I stepped away from my computer, took full responsibility and said, “I need to get it together.” Work obsession is not a tool in my toolbox! I started by making time for my FAITH instead of resisting it.
[26:08] I discuss REST. I know my body needs 8 hours of sleep. I was getting that, but still felt tired. Said another way, I did not feel strong. I read about it and learned pressure and high emotion situations can affect adrenal system and make you feel tired. I needed to step it up a notch. It took 2-3 weeks to focus on my sleep before feeling back to normal. I prioritized rest instead of work. I think the key here, too, is balancing the hours I am awake. Running, walking, breathing all helped me step away from the intensity of my workday. I had to prioritize NOT working so hard in order to prioritize rest.
[33:20] I share how EXERCISE, INSPIRATION, NATURE (and SNUGGLES) affect me positively and serve as fantastic tools in my personal toolbox. Getting my body moving even when I am exhausted is crucial in my toolbox. I also have my time set for inspiration- whether this means a therapy appointment, reading a book, going out with girlfriends. It is important to take action and put these into your schedule! Nature is another example of something in my toolbox. I share how winter is a difficult time for me because of how much I love summer. I began skiing to help me enjoy my time outdoors and add NATURE time to my schedule in the cold winter months.
[37:50] I discuss how SERVICE and helping other people can help put my life back in perspective in a special and unique way. Service plays an important impact in my life.
How are you acknowledging and taking responsibility for your lack of alignment? What inhibits you or gets in the way? What tools can you implement and prioritize in your schedule that will bring you back to center. I know we are all trying to find the positives of this year and we sure did learn a lot about ourselves in the process. I personally was forced to learn so much about myself and the tools I interact with and respond to. I am a stronger version of myself as a result. Pursuing you is a journey full of mountains, rivers and valleys and every time we take a step forward in this journey, we are getting closer to who we were created to be so we can give the gift of our best selves.
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More Episodes You’d Be Interested In
Episode 56: Setting Goals Amidst the Uncertainty
Episode 55: What Are You Too Afraid to Ask For
Episode 54: Why You Don't Have to Wake Up Early to Be "Successful"