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Please, please practice self care

We are mid-way through this year and moving toward the end of summer.  Back to school displays are showing their faces with products in every imaginable place. How are your plans for summer going?

Oftentimes we tell ourselves we are practicing self-care — taking time out to do things we really want to do, pampering, resting, meditating, eating better, establishing an exercise routine, etc. Time passes and those ideas and lists pass with time.

If we do not take the time for ourselves, we are actually practicing

“self abuse” which may include

  • trying to be perfect
  • pleasing others
  • thinking we should be and do more
  • not allowing others to support and assist us
  • feeling rushed, tired and lethargic

Take the time NOW to commit to giving yourself the #self care you need and deserve.  You will thank yourself for thinking enough of yourself to give yourself this gift.

A walk in the park to get back in touch with nature;  a dinner date at your favorite restaurant with your favorite person — that would be YOU; a massage or a manicure/pedicure; a new hairstyle, using a different mode of transportation just to change things up a bit are some ideas that you can do just for you and your health and well being.

Self care starts with small repeated steps. You deserve this and so much more.

Let me know how it goes and what you are committed to continue doing just for you.

Joy and light,

Angela

 

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Getting To The New Normal

 

 

normal-quotes-2.jpgWhat happens when we fall?  Sometimes we land softly. Sometimes we feel shaken? There are times when we are badly injured. This “falling” is the life of many “baby boomers”  and caregivers who have lost their positions and possessions in life. More and more boomers –especially women — are finding there is no safely net from the falls.  These falls are the result of

  • reductions in workforce
  • caring for family members
  • changed careers
  • company buyouts
  • relationship shifts
  • forced retirements
  • poor financial planning
  • life

Life as it was known has forever changed.  Pensions — if they existed– have been depleted.  Social security is inadequate. These are educated, responsible, competent, and well-connected women. Many are finding employers are not eager to hire a 60 year old for various reasons.

  • ability to get along with a younger staff
  • outdated skill set
  • medial insurance
  • technological challenges

This is the time of life when we are supposed to be feeling “secure”. What happens?

We have to take charge of our lives.  Take the time to evaluate where we really are.  Realistically determine what we can and are willing to do about the situation.  Seek guidance and support from trusted and capable advisors or coaches. Prioritize and re-prioritize our priorities. What really matters?

  • downsize if necessary or feasible
  • capitalize on hobbies
  • return to school
  • sharing (car or house)
  • become more creative
  • monetize your gifts

When we face our lives as they are today, not as they were 5 or 10 years ago or what we expect they will be in the near future, we are facing our own reality and we begin to take the necessary steps to move toward our “new normal”.

This is where we find our True North – our essence, our authentic selves.  This is where success is.  It is ours.

Joy and light to you and your New Beginning.

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Don’t Worry; Be Happy

“Don't worry about a thing,every little thing is gonna be alright”When we stop worrying , that persistent repetitious thought process that leads to stress and keeps us from being as productive as we can be or more stressed than we need to be – our lives take on a favorable change.

Have you ever noticed as we stop worrying, a solution generally appears?

Remember the times when you told yourself to “sleep on it” and after a nap or another diversion, a feasible solution comes to mind?

Ask yourself

  • Does worry make the issue disappear?
  • Does worry make it better?
  • What purpose does worrying serve?

The new #caregiver you reluctantly hired, that important presentation you are about to make, your or your loved ones retirement or medical benefits, even those lingering holiday pounds are all examples of worry. Knowing that we have prepared properly and asked for support and assistance for those tasks  that seem overwhelming enables us to reach solutions to our challenges.  Worry is alleviated.

As we think differently about our concerns, our lives and the lives of those around us flow with less effort and more ease. The process of taking action to solve our worries greatly improves the outcome.

Let’s focus on the good.  There is always something good in every challenge.  We become stronger and wiser. Take the time for #self care.  Engage in activities that interest you. If it’s been a while or you have forgotten about those interests, reach out  and try something new and different.  Visit a new restaurant. Try a yoga class. Get motivated with dance instruction.  Revive your artistic talents. Something new is always on the horizon with a cooking class.  Explore mentoring in your community or volunteering for those who really appreciate your service.

Remember, don’t worry, be Happy.

Joy and light to you.

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Friends Holidays and Expectations

gluten-free-pumpkin-pie-3-900x600We are right in the middle of the holiday season. Have you decided to get in a little more exercise to balance those “extra servings”  of delicious seasonal specialties that caused us to over-indulge last week?(an extra slice of pie, a little more dressing,  another glass of that “too sweet” ice tea)

As adults, what meaning does the holiday season have for us?  Are we practicing the gratitude and thanksgiving all year long or just during that final week in November? I believe it is the time when family members and friends gather.  It is truly a time when we give thanks for  the many blessings we have received throughout the year.  We share our joy and love with those who are special to us.  It is a time of reflection.

Do we have expectations from those with whom we share? It is a time for allowing our friends and family to be who they truly are.(authentically themselves)  I am learning not to take those differences of opinion personally.  There was a misunderstanding, someone unexpectedly stopped by or many other reasons. gratitude-quotes-attitude-quotes-A-moment-of-gratitude-makes-a-difference-in-your-attitude

I am learning and accepting the fact that we all do things differently.  I am learning that every statement does not have to be followed by a response. Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. We are all  individually unique and special.  We all matter.  Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Will it matter in the end?

During this holiday season, I want to acknowledge my friends, family and clients.  Thank you for your support. I am grateful.  Many of you have lost loved ones during the past year.  This will be your first holiday season without that special person’s physical presence.  Call on a friend for support. Take it easy on yourself. Appreciate the love and joy you shared.  There is no time limit for feeling what you feel. Someone understands. That’s what family and friends expect.

Gratitude and thanksgiving,

Angela