Choose Your Life Monday is an invitation to name what pattern you will lovingly notice this week and to do so in community. Of course, you can do it any day you want- you don’t have to start on Monday. Join in when and whenever suits you.
Hmm… Last week I practiced being aware of when I go off to la-la land of “If I could just” and bringing myself back to the present and reminding myself I’m okay.
That went pretty well.
I made great progress planning my days.
I watched my travels to the land of “If only” and how much time I can spend fantasizing about when X happens, then Y will never happen again (Y always involves never feeling anxious or fearful or stupid again).
I wrote an hour on my novel every morning except Thursday when I did a radio tour that started at 4:15 am. I talked about summer de-stressing on behalf of SC Johnson and their cool new product Off! Clip-On.
It was a complete blast to spread a simple message of self-kindness.
Whenever I do something like this, I’m always astonished how hungry people are for a bit of bright loving energy and a few doable ideas.
Most of us are so lost in our craziness, we need tiny wake-up calls.
I forget that. I think I need to reinvent the wheel.
Note to self: stop that.
Little Things Work
Over at the Comfort Cafe, we’re taking simple actions on one desire. Women are experiencing little miracles of energy and focus and moving ahead with ease.
Like NayNay:
I’ve really struggled to choose one thing. I mean REALLY struggled. I’ve been trying to declutter and lose weight and be more creative…and, and, and…but since Sunday I’ve been able to eat very healthy and walk regularly. I’m feeling so good that I think that’s the ‘one thing’ I want to take simple action on this month. That way, maybe I can keep the feelings at bay, “Oh, I have to be perfect, Oh, I just blew it…” and come back to “what is one simple action I can take today toward health…”
Today, I noticed myself eating two of the small Dove dark chocolate w/almond pieces. In mid-bite of the second one, I decided that I didn’t have to eat that and put the rest of it back in the wrapper for another day. Wow!
Wow is right.
Choice in action.
The mind whispers,
You need a plan. You need to do it right. You need to know it’s going to turn out perfectly. There are so many things you need / want to do, what’s the point in picking just one? You have to do it all right now or it doesn’t count.
The truth is life is always lived one step at a time.
You can rest there, in that simplicity, and listen for what your next step is
or
You can believe your mind and chew your leg off waiting to know.
Or as one of my character, Serge, said in my novel, “Knowing is vastly over-rated.”
This Week
I’m going to pay attention to the fact I can choose to shift my mood.
I am adept at seeing that I am in a mood -which is the first step.
I’m getting good at seeing how thoughts trigger a mood – like reading something beautifully written and having the thought,
Why bother trying to write fiction, you’ll never be about to write like that…
then finding myself in a mood of resignation and “What’s the point?”
This week I will lovingly notice that I have a choice to shift my mood.
I don’t have to take it – I can stay in the mood I am in – but I will declare to myself that I have the choice.
Given how much I have on my plate these next six weeks, and the fact my daughter is gearing up for finals, choosing to see my mood, instead of giving in to the story of I’m-so-busy-and-stressed-and-that’s-just-the-way-it-is could be very, very helpful.
What will you notice this week? I’d love to hear!
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6 responses so far ↓
1 Deb Owen Jun 8, 2009
Jen,
Our thoughts most definitely affect our moods (which affects our actions, and then our results, which will reinforce whatever thoughts we’re having).
Often, the unpleasant mood being created has to do with what we’re thinking about a circumstance or event – either judging it to be good or bad, or wanting the event to be different than it is.
So for me, this week, I’ll watch my moods and my thoughts – and work on the acceptance part.
All the best!
deb
Deb Owen’s last blog post..get your creative groove back and get back in the zone
2 Hiro Boga Jun 8, 2009
Jen, thank you for this reminder that we can always choose one simple action to help us move forward. After all, a path is made by walking!
This week, I’m returning to a book project that I’d set aside for the past couple of years. When I sit down to write, I will lovingly notice all the inviting little side-trails that beckon and shout and jump up and down to snag my attention.
Then, I will breathe, and bow to them, and keep walking my path.
Hiro Boga’s last blog post..When I grow up I want to be me . . .
3 Janice Cartier Jun 8, 2009
Leafy greens. A few weeks ago, Charles Faris at Creative Lifestyles wrote a post on how we should all listen to what our mommas told us and eat our greens.
Simple. In a duh, smack your forehead kind of way.
So I am determined to become Queen of the Leafy Greens right now.
So far it is going great. I am at baby tiara status as I type. And feeling so much better. Energy level and allergies are improving daily. And when we feel better we can do better.
So leafy greens.
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..Bucking the Tide
4 Melanie Jun 8, 2009
I can totally identify with everything you are saying Jen. I am so wrapped up with all the stuff I have to do. I am constantly thinking of all the things I ‘have’ to do, instead of paying attention to where I am now. I’m so busy stressing that I hold my breath.
This week I’m going back to basics – something I thought I learned a year ago, but have stopped practicing.
So, this week I’m going to notice when I’m not being present, and bring my attention back to my breath and heart.
Melanie
5 Hope Jun 9, 2009
This week I’m going to notice when I expect too much of myself, and embrace that unhealthy expectation even as I let it go.
Hope’s last blog post..null
6 Beth DeLashmutt-Poore Jun 10, 2009
Choose Your Life Modays #25
Hi Jen – thanks for today’s Daily Dollop on ‘self-trust’ – it’s exactly what I needed to hear and happens to be what I am working on right now too!
BTW, the first line of my comment is actually a posted heading on your website — is that what you meant to say (Modays) or is it a typo? I am a perfectionist when it comes to written material and errors drive me crazy – even when they are harmlessly, unintended boo-boos.
Question for you: I am considering starting up a proofing service where I review website copy speedy quick before it goes live . . . that way there are no pesky mis-spellings, word omissions, or other distractions for readers.
As a web-based business, do you think that would be a welcome service?
Appreciate your thoughts – and thanks again for your awesome message! Blessings, Beth