Lets be REAL AND ALIVE because I don't see any other way of being. Our lives are our choices. We are in the now but all we really have is the future and the past. We learn form the past and create our future. We do this by choosing who we are right now! So we need to stop pretending it is not up to us to be who we want to be. Every day we have a choice to get up and get going. Sometimes this is easier said then done. But it is still our choice. Most of the time all it takes is a decision, a decision to make today a good day. My Grandma has always said "make it a good day" instead of "have a good day" when I was younger I did not understand her intent with this but now I do. We don't simply have good days, we make them. When making it a good day you might initially think some have it easier then others. For example, I know I am fortunate to have good health and a job I love, but these are all matters of perspective. My own perspective. I choose to see them this way. I remember in college the first time I really grasped the concept that we all come have such different stories we cannot compare one to another. My struggle and my joy are all my own and all relative to me. One persons idea of a hard day is just as hard as the next persons, but may differ in the others eyes. But we can only comprehend our own struggle we will never know the joy and gift of each others own individual lives. This is because our minds create the world we live in and everyones mind is different. I like to think that at the very least by sharing our struggles, our adventures, our lives we can show compassion to one another and share the gift of the ability of making everyday a good day. As some of you may already know my grandma, the one mentioned above who makes her own good days, is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Some days are harder than others, but on the days she can, she does just about everything she can. She never lets the cancer beat her, beat-her-up it some days definitely does, but she fights the battle like a winner! Making it to the best she can a good day. I am tell you this because it is such a great example of perspective. She acknowledges her choose each and everyday. But what we may not realize is so do we. Now I know not all of us are fighting cancer, some of us may be, and some of us have a completely different kind of struggle. The list is endless of thing we do not have or could have better, but we all have one thing in common and that is that we are ALIVE and we have a chooice. And that is what is important to remember when we wake up everyday. Not the battle but the victory. We have to remember how lucky we are to have this day to make how ever we want to make it. for some this may not come natural right away
Be thankful for who you are and excited to do the things you do. Our lives are truly gifts. And just like any gift it feels good to be excited about it. And we can be really happy when we choose to see the things that make us remember that being alive is a gift and that is also what can keep us excited to continue doing what ever it is we are doing. So when you get up and choose to feel good and make it a good day you should also strive to feel alive as often as you can because it really is exciting to have such a choice to make!
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As many of you know, I am known as what some people call an "Early Bird". In my experience, when you are a morning person it is one of those double edge sword things because people are either saying they wish they could do that or that it just doesn't come natural to them. I have come to realize that being a morning person seems like a rare breed. But I am here to tell you that there is nothing different or special about us. the Truth about Morning people1. We are just as likely to be as grumpy as you are. It is just that by the time everyone else wakes up we have had some time, maybe even hours, of wonderful, beautiful, non disturbed silence. Where no one has bothered us while we wake up. Now I know, that it would seem to make since then that we would understand why our peppy, up beat, attitude drives you up the wall when you rise. But we are so refreshed from all our wonderful alone time we can't wait to share the day with others. Sorry, we're just excited after we get over our grumpiness. 2. We have routines and rituals all our own, and we actually really like it that way. Occasionally, we think it would be nice to have someone with us but when we do we quickly remember the grumpy side mentioned above. 3. We like stillness, even if we are up and moving it is nice that everything else is not, we don't mind the quiet calmness that makes us feel like we are moving and getting things done at warp speed. 4. This could be because deep down we might actually be lazy. By waking up early and getting things done, not only do we have less things to do later but we call also go about them at a slower pace if we'd like. 5. And last but not least the reason we can go slower, be excited, and enjoy the calm is because when you have already completed 4 or 5 task before the rest of the world wakes up you feel productive and accomplished. How morning people think of non morning peopleBelieve it or not we may be slightly envious we wish we could cuddle up in that bed and fall back asleep. Weather its our internal clock or a habit we have made once we are awake we are awake and it just like how the night owl can close his eyes at night ours wont shut again. We sometimes wish we could stay up and party with our friends but it takes some major will power! I mean even staying up for a movie would be nice now and again! We also don't mean to seem overly joyous to those around us when they just wake up, we just have been quiet for hours and are so excited to share the beauty of our morning, and at the same time we barely even notice if you completely disregard us because we just figure its your choice not join in on our beautiful day. Tricks To Becoming a morning PersonNot all morning people were born "this way". Myself included. The number one trick is NEVER hit SNOOZE! I first started this trick in college when I had to wake up for cross country practice. In my first semester of college I would wake up a half hour early and hit snooze about 3 times then rush out the door. Once I realized this made me stressed (and can actually cause weight gain) I stopped. I literally slept until the last 5 mins I could. I would set everything out at night. As soon as that alarm went off I knew I had to hit the ground running. Even now sometimes when my alarm goes off I jump out of bed so quick its almost scary. But I have no problem waking up because I trained my brain to not think of the sound as optional.
Other things that help are like I said, having your clothes ready, a grab and go meal, and a plan. In college, I would sleep in my practice clothes, wake up and walk to the bathroom, Im pretty sure with my eyes still closed, my toothbrush laid out, put paste on it, go about my business, leave bathroom grab keys on the counter, next to the breakfast I had packed the night before with a sack lunch and shoes at the door, walk to the car get in a go... usually under 10 mins. Now that I am older and still jump out of bed I am not as rushed... I jump up, walk to my coffee pot turn it on, turn on the computer, walk to the restroom, come back get coffee, sit down and start writing to you beautiful people, or head out on a run. and thats that. I hope you find these tips helpful, or maybe I'm weird and you find them at least comical.... and too all you early people out there, like we do when we pass in the street on a twilight jog a nod of silent salutation and a mutual respect for each others own morning ritual. We are constantly being bombarded with different ideas, quotes and messages. I had some one ask me the other day in more specific situation about how to we know what to believe. Here is what I have to say in that case and in any other:
Go with your gut.... deep deep down you know the truth that works for you. I believe everyone does. If you don't feel comfortable with an exercise because of its safety don't do it. If you don't think a diet plan will work for you, you have already set your expectations. I will admit sometimes it takes a little more thought though, because we have to take a step out of ourself and ask will it really not work or are you not willing to do the work. Sometimes that even means calling yourself out on it. Example: Lets take for instance right now.... deep down I know that I need to get my workout in before it gets to late and this coffee wears off, but I also know that sometimes writing can feel forced and right now it does't so I am going to take full advantage of that, with the promise to myself that no matter how I feel after this I will workout. Which brings me to a couple ideals I have to help you through the same process. Tip #1: I find that I have had the most success when I don't allow myself to think about how I feel about doing something until I am already doing it. Tip #2: So then you might ask me how to start? Even when it comes to things as simple as getting out of bed in the morning, don't think about anything, just get up and go. Once you get to where you need you will figure out the hows but if you don't get going you will never start. Figure out how much weight you want to loose once you start loosing it. Figure out what race you want to run once you have started actually running. You don't need a feeling or an opinion about everything you do everyday. You do however need a feeling about your success. Tip #3: Once you have a feeling about your success you determination will naturally follow. Tip #4: With determination you have already accepted the fact that you are responsible for your future success and that gives you the freedom to know you are in control of your success. Tip #5: With responsibility comes the freedom of choice and it really is up to you! Which can feel like a daunting task... So, how do you stay motivated to give it your all? Remember, the time will pass either way, so back to where we started just start doing things and it is okay if goals change, heck they might even get bigger. Tip #6: Be patient... always and with everything, but especially yourself. Tip #7: I think this is one of those things that we do not understand when we are young, we always wan't the end result, but if you can learn anything from your younger self learn that if you enjoy the process the end result will be better because you enjoyed getting there. Tip #8: Your success is an everyday process! Love the Process! Tip #9: Don't wish for what others have, you may have even greener grass in the end, but YOUR journey is your own. Tip #10: There is nothing more rewarding then knowing you did this for you! When you work on yourself it is a project for you by you and with you. Start to depend on yourself, trust yourself. Know that you will always be there for yourself like no one else can be. Tip #11: At times it is hard to be there for you that is when you make sure and surround yourself with positive people who will help you because they see the beauty in you and in the person you are becoming and will help you when you have trouble believing you can do it. Tip #12: Remember that believing in yourself is a self feeding fire: The more you believe the stronger you become and the sooner your dreams will come true. and leading characterEvery single person you meet has a story.
He or She is writing it everyday. You are writing yours. Remember that everyday. People come and go, in and out of your life. You decided what roll they play and how you depict their characters in terms of you. You can't control everything in life but you can control how you let it impact you. So unless you want your life to be a drama don't take anything to seriously. Yourself included Make sure the things you do in life make you happy! Make sure you feel better doing them. Sometimes you just have to relax and think, what do I want my character description to sound like? HERE IS MINE.... Try making one of your own... oh yea and don't take it to seriously Lead Character: Strongest Attributes: Desire to help others feel their best Other Attributes: Easy going, Light hearted, Willingness to learn and change for the better. Physicality's: Strong, Quick and Resourceful Weaknesses: Chocolate, gullible and desire to help dramatic people. Also always remember you can rewrite your character anytime and just stop scripting those who don't make your story a positive one. So to be completely honest I have had some major bloggers block.... I'd say writers block but I feel like what I do on my blog is a little more like rambling but with a positive connotation.... so bloggers block, like real bad, I think I have 14 drafts over here... but sometimes you just got to move on to say what you actually wanna say. Since I can't seem to find my own words today I am going to share with you the 4 agreements.
So I was introduced to the 4 agreements solely by my dad. Apparently, they are originally presented to us by Miguel Ruiz. (Thank you daddy for not tricking me into thinking you made them up because I would have believed you) Now, as most daddies girls are, I am predisposed to believing my dad is the smartest man in the world (except when he says no to me).... Anyway, over the years my dad has shared many ideas with me, this is one of my favorite parts of our father daughter dynamic, but the 4 agreements might just be my favorite. So instead of sharing with you today one of my personal ideas I thought I'd share these. Lets start with what the agreements themselves are: 1) Be impeccable with your word 2) Don't take anything personal 3) Don't make assumptions 4) Always do your best Now this is all I know of any of Ruiz's work... I have not read his books or heard him speak or anything of the sort. But I am in love with these ideas, and here is why: Ever since my dad has told me these 4 agreements I have found that if I remember them and hold them true to myself. Not only do I feel better but I also am a better person for it. Let me give you some examples of each: When I am impeccable with my word not only do I become more task oriented and get things done, but I also don't make promises I can't keep. And good character is something I think we all in one way or another aspire to exude. When this is taking place and I it is also easier not to take things personal. In life people people may let you down, go back on their word or hurt you in one way or another but it is when we see it as something to do with them and not ourself it gives us the ability to be introspective and not assume. As long as I don't assume things I can believe all of the above statements are true. Another saying that my parents have ingrained in me over the years, more for the intent of helping my horrible spelling was "don't make an ass out of you and me (ass-u-me)" Which has also seemed to hold true in the other since too. When you assume you're picking one out come over another and it will either make that person seem like an ass or yourself and no one wants that. Which brings us to, if you're doing your best then you can only hope for the best. And if you are doing your best at the other 3 agreements they will hold true too. So you may be thinking okay cool, good share but maybe why? Well I feel like without thinking of the 4 agreements I might get so frustrated sometimes I'd just stop doing everything. In short term it may seem easier to blame others, feel attacked, and make assumptions, but in the long run life will play out how its going to play out and you can only control you and your actions so why worry and put things on others and out their in your environment that may not be true. When I remember to focus on the 4 agreements they help me stay motivated and to help others. (caution some real talk below) Personally, I feel like I have been struggling with "why" lately. Why do this, why do that, why be here, why help, why care.... why why why... Negativity breeds negativity and I needed a smack in the right direction (sometimes we need a nudge but I needed a full on wack) I think sometimes people are surprised when they hear that I consider how I am feeling as negative, I mean I will admit comparatively it might not be thhhaat negative, but for me it is. I mean hey I like my rainbow and gumdrop world, and sometimes that make a slight case of the blues for me seem extra dreary. As the song "I don't care I love it" pops in my head all I can say is thats the truth I love being happy and making others feel happy and when I forget that a good reminder of the 4 agreements really helps. A lot of life can be helped by slowing down and going back to the basics. For me the 4 agreements are a great set of basics to follow no matter what issue in life I am facing. It doesn't matter if it is training goals or personal they really seem to help me. So I hope by sharing them they help you as much as they do me! |
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April 2016
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