Do you have an "escape route" to relieve you from the pressures of the day and life's challenges?
My daily commute to and from the office can be quite a challenge. The traffic is completely unpredictable, as are my fellow commuters. Some go way too fast, some go way to slow and a scant few go just the right speed. The unpredictability of the drive can have a tendency to spoil even the most tempered soul. How can so many people be so inconsiderate of some one else’s space or right of way? Are you one of those? Am I one of those?
I’m certain we are all guilty, from time to time, of being in too big of a hurry or lacking in consideration of others during our day. We’re all going to get there, with any luck, at about the same time. However, the difference is, will we arrive in anger, or in tranquility? We do have choices. I have several "escape routes" along the way that will get me where I want to go and help me avoid some of the maddening crowds of traffic and flaring tempers. I try to look ahead and make every effort to avoid road blocks and traffic jams along my route. It may take me just a little longer and I may use a little more fuel, but if it saves my sanity and calms my soul, then that’s a compromise I’m willing to make.
It doesn’t always work, but at least I make an effort to minimize the stress and obvious pressures that the daily commute can inflict on me. So I was thinking – why don’t we apply the "escape route" technique to our daily lives. Why don’t we have our personal "escape routes" mapped out for those obvious happiness killer situations? Make ever effort to avoid situations that you know are going to irritate or anger you, but when you do find yourself in a stressful situation, know that there is a way out – an "escape route."
Sometimes in an effort to avoid one stressful situation, I find myself in another one of equal or greater stress. However, I have come to find that the more I try, the better I get at making the right escape decisions. Anything I can do to enhance my chances of a stress free day is a chance I’m willing to take.
Don’t allow someone else dictate how you’re going to feel at any point in time in your life. That’s your right, not someone else’s. Don’t let someone else ruin you day or your happiness. No one can make you happy or sad, that’s a choice you make on your own. Choose to be happy, always. Once you map out these personal "escape routes" you’ll find yourself tolerating life’s challenges with less stress and confrontation and with the peace of mind that you have an escape plan available to you.
Analyze the situation, take a deep breath, do a quick mental "escape route" run down in your mind, and then execute.
You may not have built the roads you travel in life, but you can certainly choose which ones to take. When life gets too stressful and you feel like your losing control, take a detour, if only for a short while. Never give up, just replenish you soul and get back in the game of life. Even with all of its challenges – life is wonderful – when you have a few "escape routes."
Monday, June 28, 2010
Being Brief
Don't be brief in you life experiences, be bold. Enjoy all that life has to offer now.
I recently received an email from a friend of mine who had inquired about Understanding life. Since I like to respond to all of my emails quickly, my responses to his inquiries were a couple of short, but direct, answers.
Feeling uncomfortable with my response to his initial email, I sent another reply later in the day, once I got to a point where I had more time to put some additional thoughts down. My second email started off something like this – "Sorry for being brief in my earlier email"……then I went on to explain the reason for my brevity. After prefacing this response I give him a more detailed answer to his questions, although the initial answers were correct, they were a bit cold and direct, or more cold and direct than I like to be.
I thought his response to my second email was profound, probably more profound than he realized. This was his reply –
"Being brief is a way of life. We all have so much to do and most of us don’t take the time to do the things we want to do. It is not too late in life, and I plan to do some of the things I want to do, and should do. That is really what life is all about. I never want to lose site of that."
Wow!
I’m not sure if he is aware how significant, meaningful and inspirational his reply was. It certainly got my attention, and I’m certain it’ll get the attention of others as well.
Don’t be brief in your personal endeavors, take some extra time doing and enjoying the things that make you happy. By keeping yourself happy you’ll be better at whatever your life’s occupation is, and you will be more pleasant to be around. I happen to know personally, that if you make time for yourself and enjoy some of what you may consider to be the finer things in life, you’ll be better for it. We all need some pampering from time to time.
Why don’t you make some time for yourself and for the things you like to do in life, or, just want to do. It’s OK to be self-fulfilling as long as you don’t become selfish. Life is short and unpredictable, have some fun!
It bears repeating. So, again, as my good friend says………."Being brief is a way of life .We all have so much to do and most of us don’t take the time to do the things we want to do. It is not too late in life, and I plan to do some of the things I want to do, and should do. That is really what life is all about. I never want to lose site of that."
I recently received an email from a friend of mine who had inquired about Understanding life. Since I like to respond to all of my emails quickly, my responses to his inquiries were a couple of short, but direct, answers.
Feeling uncomfortable with my response to his initial email, I sent another reply later in the day, once I got to a point where I had more time to put some additional thoughts down. My second email started off something like this – "Sorry for being brief in my earlier email"……then I went on to explain the reason for my brevity. After prefacing this response I give him a more detailed answer to his questions, although the initial answers were correct, they were a bit cold and direct, or more cold and direct than I like to be.
I thought his response to my second email was profound, probably more profound than he realized. This was his reply –
"Being brief is a way of life. We all have so much to do and most of us don’t take the time to do the things we want to do. It is not too late in life, and I plan to do some of the things I want to do, and should do. That is really what life is all about. I never want to lose site of that."
Wow!
I’m not sure if he is aware how significant, meaningful and inspirational his reply was. It certainly got my attention, and I’m certain it’ll get the attention of others as well.
Don’t be brief in your personal endeavors, take some extra time doing and enjoying the things that make you happy. By keeping yourself happy you’ll be better at whatever your life’s occupation is, and you will be more pleasant to be around. I happen to know personally, that if you make time for yourself and enjoy some of what you may consider to be the finer things in life, you’ll be better for it. We all need some pampering from time to time.
Why don’t you make some time for yourself and for the things you like to do in life, or, just want to do. It’s OK to be self-fulfilling as long as you don’t become selfish. Life is short and unpredictable, have some fun!
It bears repeating. So, again, as my good friend says………."Being brief is a way of life .We all have so much to do and most of us don’t take the time to do the things we want to do. It is not too late in life, and I plan to do some of the things I want to do, and should do. That is really what life is all about. I never want to lose site of that."
Do We Need More Time in Our Life OR More Life in Our Time
Everything we do revolves around the proverbial ticking of the clock and the passing of time. Seconds turn into minutes, minutes into hours, hours into days and time just slips away. Good usage of our time is critical to the quality of our lives. We have all the time there is, until it stops. Then when it does, we had all the time there was. No more, no less, we all have exactly the same amount of time in a minute, a day, an hour, a week, a month. Its what we do with our time that is critical to what we achieve in our lives.
Just as one good deed, or one act of compassion, can change a person or an event, one word can dramatically change the context of a sentence, or the meaning of a worn out phrase. So, lets take a look at the,Its About Time phrase. This is a phrase that we have always added something to the end of. However, look what happens when I put just one word at the beginning. I think you will have a new perspective and concept of the importance of time, I did.
Life, its about time.
Forget about how much time we have in our life; think about how much life we put in our time. Sort of changes the meaning of both time and life, doesn't it?
Now, all of a sudden, it comes down to getting the most out of the life we have in our time, and not so much as to, the time we have left in our lives. So, use your life time wisely, enjoy your family and friends, don't worry about the things you cant control, hug a child, hug an adult, hug yourself, make a new friend, forgive an enemy, absorb every moment of life, don't let it pass you buy.
Don't listen to the ticking of the clock instead enjoy every beat of your heart. They are precious, but they are limited. Don't wait until you have time to enjoy your life, enjoy your life in the time you have, right now.
Just as one good deed, or one act of compassion, can change a person or an event, one word can dramatically change the context of a sentence, or the meaning of a worn out phrase. So, lets take a look at the,Its About Time phrase. This is a phrase that we have always added something to the end of. However, look what happens when I put just one word at the beginning. I think you will have a new perspective and concept of the importance of time, I did.
Life, its about time.
Forget about how much time we have in our life; think about how much life we put in our time. Sort of changes the meaning of both time and life, doesn't it?
Now, all of a sudden, it comes down to getting the most out of the life we have in our time, and not so much as to, the time we have left in our lives. So, use your life time wisely, enjoy your family and friends, don't worry about the things you cant control, hug a child, hug an adult, hug yourself, make a new friend, forgive an enemy, absorb every moment of life, don't let it pass you buy.
Don't listen to the ticking of the clock instead enjoy every beat of your heart. They are precious, but they are limited. Don't wait until you have time to enjoy your life, enjoy your life in the time you have, right now.
A Matter of Mind
It is all about accepting your physical age but keeping your mind young.
The statement is simply – "Age is a matter of mind – if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter."
Having said that, it’s obvious that age does matter in some situations, and it can pose certain physical restrictions and limitations. There’s usually something that restricts us all to some degree, however, we can generally find ways to work around the limitations, or worst, tolerate them.
It’s wise to make every possible effort to change your non-beneficial habits such as smoking, drinking in excess and lack of exercise, etc, to maintain your physical well being. In addition, it’s equally important to keep your mental attitude fresh and current, that’s what keeps us "young at heart" and "young at thought", regardless of our age.
Use the knowledge and experiences that age has blessed you with, however, be open to new ideas and new ways of doing and looking at things. That’s when age becomes "a matter of mind". Don’t allow yourself to become stagnate in your ways – think out of the age limiting "age box."
To communicate in today’s world, and be to be able to maneuver through the marvels of modern technology, you’ll have to keep up with what’s happening around you. Embrace technology, don’t run from it. Stay in tune with today’s youth. You don’t have to agree with them, just stay in tune. It’s the differences and individuality in life that keep us going. What in the world would we do if everybody was the same? As the kids today would say – "BORING!"
The inner self in everyone, regardless of their age or situation, needs, and wants, to be happy. We all need to have a life filled with fun, laughter, and above all, compassion for and from others. These life sustaining emotions shouldn’t be confined to a specific age or group.
We need to learn and appreciate the knowledge gained from age and life experiences, but think and communicate in today’s terminologies. If you can pull this off, you’ll be more effective in sharing your ideas and thoughts with others in a way that your point of view, or opinion, will be understood.
Age is a matter of mind – if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter.
The statement is simply – "Age is a matter of mind – if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter."
Having said that, it’s obvious that age does matter in some situations, and it can pose certain physical restrictions and limitations. There’s usually something that restricts us all to some degree, however, we can generally find ways to work around the limitations, or worst, tolerate them.
It’s wise to make every possible effort to change your non-beneficial habits such as smoking, drinking in excess and lack of exercise, etc, to maintain your physical well being. In addition, it’s equally important to keep your mental attitude fresh and current, that’s what keeps us "young at heart" and "young at thought", regardless of our age.
Use the knowledge and experiences that age has blessed you with, however, be open to new ideas and new ways of doing and looking at things. That’s when age becomes "a matter of mind". Don’t allow yourself to become stagnate in your ways – think out of the age limiting "age box."
To communicate in today’s world, and be to be able to maneuver through the marvels of modern technology, you’ll have to keep up with what’s happening around you. Embrace technology, don’t run from it. Stay in tune with today’s youth. You don’t have to agree with them, just stay in tune. It’s the differences and individuality in life that keep us going. What in the world would we do if everybody was the same? As the kids today would say – "BORING!"
The inner self in everyone, regardless of their age or situation, needs, and wants, to be happy. We all need to have a life filled with fun, laughter, and above all, compassion for and from others. These life sustaining emotions shouldn’t be confined to a specific age or group.
We need to learn and appreciate the knowledge gained from age and life experiences, but think and communicate in today’s terminologies. If you can pull this off, you’ll be more effective in sharing your ideas and thoughts with others in a way that your point of view, or opinion, will be understood.
Age is a matter of mind – if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Turn Your Lows Into Highs
Life is filled with glorious and not so glorious experiences.
What constitutes lows for each person varies. For some, the smallest things may set them off. For instance, the weather may put a damper on their day, or someone says something that sends them into a frenzy. Perhaps something goes wrong at work or home that leaves them sputtering or stewing, or maybe they have to wait in line, or someone cuts them off while driving or takes a parking space, etc.
For others these may seem trivial compared to losing a job, loved one, or coping with addictions or illnesses. Perhaps you or someone you know is going through depression, anxiety, a phobia, or is diagnosed with a life altering or threatening disease or disorder.
What makes or breaks a day for each person is different, yet often brings about the same uncertainties and emotional anguish.
What if you could turn your lows into highs?
What if you could see your way through clearly?
What if you could move through the problem and "be" the possibility you wish to see?
Do you believe it's possible?
Just think of all the things in life that seemed impossible to someone and yet turned out to be record makers, brilliant ideas, cures, the spring board to form groups, miracles, inventions, gateways, breakthroughs, systems, dreams come true, connections, and corrections. Can you think of anymore?
Everything you see around you started as a thought that was inspired by something wonderful or not so wonderful.
Whatever you are facing, whether it be big or small doesn't matter. What does matter is YOU.
When you view things in a different light you are free to soar. Soar with the challenge instead of plummeting down from it.
Each difficulty we encounter offers us an opportunity to be the inspiration, the idea, and the life within it.
When you feel like you have been hit with a low, remember to aim high. Ask yourself what's hiding in this experience just waiting to be learned?
What is this incident showing and teaching you? Maybe it's to smile, or be patient and peaceful, perhaps it's to surrender or persevere, or lend a helping hand. It could be an idea waiting to happen, or dream to be lived, or something that's never been done before. You never know unless you explore, instead of ignore, what's going on for you.
Is it the fear, doubt, trust, the need to be right, resentment, unfairness, or the not knowing that's holding you back or keeping you down? What is it?
Question what's happening and where you are with it. Begin to see the lows differently than the way you are currently viewing them.
You are connected to the greatest source of inspiration. Trust and allow yourself to be guided through life's challenges and celebrations.
You can turn your lows into highs.
What constitutes lows for each person varies. For some, the smallest things may set them off. For instance, the weather may put a damper on their day, or someone says something that sends them into a frenzy. Perhaps something goes wrong at work or home that leaves them sputtering or stewing, or maybe they have to wait in line, or someone cuts them off while driving or takes a parking space, etc.
For others these may seem trivial compared to losing a job, loved one, or coping with addictions or illnesses. Perhaps you or someone you know is going through depression, anxiety, a phobia, or is diagnosed with a life altering or threatening disease or disorder.
What makes or breaks a day for each person is different, yet often brings about the same uncertainties and emotional anguish.
What if you could turn your lows into highs?
What if you could see your way through clearly?
What if you could move through the problem and "be" the possibility you wish to see?
Do you believe it's possible?
Just think of all the things in life that seemed impossible to someone and yet turned out to be record makers, brilliant ideas, cures, the spring board to form groups, miracles, inventions, gateways, breakthroughs, systems, dreams come true, connections, and corrections. Can you think of anymore?
Everything you see around you started as a thought that was inspired by something wonderful or not so wonderful.
Whatever you are facing, whether it be big or small doesn't matter. What does matter is YOU.
When you view things in a different light you are free to soar. Soar with the challenge instead of plummeting down from it.
Each difficulty we encounter offers us an opportunity to be the inspiration, the idea, and the life within it.
When you feel like you have been hit with a low, remember to aim high. Ask yourself what's hiding in this experience just waiting to be learned?
What is this incident showing and teaching you? Maybe it's to smile, or be patient and peaceful, perhaps it's to surrender or persevere, or lend a helping hand. It could be an idea waiting to happen, or dream to be lived, or something that's never been done before. You never know unless you explore, instead of ignore, what's going on for you.
Is it the fear, doubt, trust, the need to be right, resentment, unfairness, or the not knowing that's holding you back or keeping you down? What is it?
Question what's happening and where you are with it. Begin to see the lows differently than the way you are currently viewing them.
You are connected to the greatest source of inspiration. Trust and allow yourself to be guided through life's challenges and celebrations.
You can turn your lows into highs.
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