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Embracing Freedom and Independence

July 5, 2012

Embracing Freedom and IndependenceImage

 

We live in a country that offers an abundance of freedom!  

We all have had those moments in life we experience for the first time that offer us a new found feeling of independence and empowerment. As early as childhood we experience independence.  Choosing a new adventure or activity that opens up  another part of us and who we are. We choose these new experiences on our own and when we are ready.

Like the first time we rode a bike without training wheels. Do you remember the feeling when you first dove off the high diving board?  Can you remember that first day at your first job? Those moments are more than just memories – they remind us of how we push pass the fear of intimidation. Something deep with in us, conscious or not, whispered to us that we were ready. And that our efforts had earned us this moment to embrace and appreciate.

Taking a leap of faith is an empowering feeling. Some leaps change your life forever. As we mature and grow, sometimes we begin to take for granted the freedom we have to try something new or make a change. It could be because we had some life experiences that left us confused, afraid or fearful. Maybe you felt too intimidated  to start a new business or try something different.

Every day we run into obstacles or challenges that allow doubt to creep in. When we remember that feeling doubtful and intimidated is just a state of mind we can move forward into a unfamiliar new event with courage and faith.

Easier said than done right? Here are a few tips that can help you to overcome feelings of intimidation and doubt:

  • It can help to recall those moments back in childhood when you felt brave and ready to take that leap of faith. Take some time to think back to one of those memories. How old were you? What were you feeling before the event? Nervous? Anxious? How did you feel after the event? Exhilarated? Excited? Brave? Confident? Write these thoughts down and refer back to them when you are feeling intimidated, nervous or apprehensive.
  • Stop the negative thoughts and inner chatter. Thoughts like “I’m not smart enough to start my own business” will increase your doubt and lower your confidence. Awareness is key. Once you are aware of these negative thoughts you can turn them around into a positive thought. Focus on “I know when I concentrate on a new endeavor my efforts will help me reach my goal.”
  • Surround yourself with those people who truly want to offer positive support and encouragement. You will know when you are in the presence of positive people because you will feel uplifted and inspired – Even for hours, days or months. You will also know when you are in the presence of someone who is a negative influence because you will feel emotionally and mentally drained. Your energy level will feel low when you are around them and even after your encounter.
  • Remember that doubt is just a state of mind. Recall those moments in life when you had complete confidence. Embrace your freedom to choose something new and different. Seek out that new adventure, push past the fear of intimidation today and go for it!
  • Which moments in your life stand out to you when you had the courage to take a leap of faith?  Share your memories of when you were brave and independent.

Most of all, celebrate the freedom you enjoy every day!  Read additional inspiration and empowerment in my Uber Empowermentbooks. Contact me for information on coaching sessions – Summer Special.

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Ray of Sunshine Offers Contentment

June 6, 2012

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How often have you found yourself catching a glimpse of sunshine and felt ten times better? Do you work indoors, step out at noon and walk to a local cafe for lunch? Perhaps this restaurant has outdoor seating that allows you to soak up some sun. Basking in the sunshine for just 10 to 15 minutes a day can have a positive effect on the mind, body and soul.

Sunshine is a natural mood booster and tends to raise my energy level. The warm light feels good on my skin and I feel relaxed yet energized. Even when I have been feeling under the weather with a seasonal cold, I have found that some time in the sunlight has helped to strengthen my immune system by providing a germ-acidic effect to kill off bacteria.

I often find complete contentment just sitting in the sun. Contentment is the emotional state when we are not bored but also not highly interested in anything other than being in the situation or place that allows for the contented moment to continue. While goals are important, feeling content with your life, who you are and what you have is just as important. That isn’t to say, stop trying to improve, for that would mean that we have stopped growing. No matter how happy we are in life, we should continue to improve. But contentment is necessary as well.

Summer time can offer the perfect time to unwind and appreciate all you’ve worked for and achieved so far this year. Making sunshine a daily priority here in Redondo Beach isn’t too difficult on most days. Soaking up our natural mood booster can be a simple abundance of pleasure nearly every day. And just a few minutes is necessary for the highly beneficial effects.

To find some sun-induced contentment try the following:

  • Bathing in the sun on Redondo Beach and feeling the warm light on your skin, lounging with your eyes closed, is an activity that offers pure emotional contentment.

  • Watching the sunset and feeling the cool night ocean breeze is one of life’s most simple pleasures that offers rich contentment.

  • Taking a drive up the coast and listening to your favorite music or enjoying quality conversation with a companion.

  • Walking through the Farmers Market on a Sunday in Palos Verdes allows you to feel the warmth of the sun while enjoying the scent of fresh cut flowers, tasting fresh strawberries and looking at the colorful produce.

  • Writing in a park while enjoying the sunlight streaming through the trees can provide a peaceful state of mind. Write down all your blessings. Focusing on all the things that are going right in your life and not only on what is wrong, can help you feel content.

  • Enjoying a hobby outdoors whether it is gardening or home improvement projects, anything that allows you to be in the moment while in the sunlight can provide contentment.

 While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much can be dangerous. Be sun wise and take precaution if you plan to spend time in the sun longer than 10 or 15 minutes. How do you find contented moments in the sun?

Enjoy more Inspirational reading in my Uber Empowerment Books! 

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Creating a Healthier & Happier You IS Possible!

May 15, 2012

Above is a photo of my mom and I during one of her trips to visit me. During her busy life, she makes time to spend with me.I’ll cherish the memories of this trip forever.Time is precious. All too often moms tend to say they don’t have enough time for “me time” or no time to enjoy doing those things they long to do. Well, they are right. Moms may say they don’t have time to eat properly or exercise but this is an excuse; not a solution. Like many things in life, there is an option and that is to make the time. We must make the time for our passions, interests, health and relationships. This doesn’t mean it is easy, but it can be possible with a little time management and organization. I have a sister who has eight children and she has accomplished a happy family that includes time for things she likes to do for herself.

These are some of the tips I’ve picked up on from my sister:

She wakes up earlier if even just a half an hour earlier than her children. This is her time to enjoy her coffee and plan the day, answer e-mails and read. This is very important when prepping for your day and planning schedules.

She sets out breakfast items for her kids. The older siblings have learned to help with the younger siblings in dressing them, helping them make their own lunches and chores such as taking out the trash, loading/unloading the dishwasher and preparing dinner on nights when she is busy carpooling some of the kids to their activities. Giving responsibility to your children automatically teaches them independence.

Prioritize a quiet time. This can mean nap time for the younger children and a quiet time as they get a little older. During quiet time I swear I could hear a pin drop in her house. And a few of these times there really were eight kids in her house and a dog. A pure quiet indulgence from 1:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon where my sister can nap or tend to some of her personal needs. It is important to respect the body’s need for rest. We need it to grow and be healthy. Even older kids will still have some ‘down time’ if they are home during those hours of quiet time. We all need it. Quiet time can include things such as reading, catching up on phone calls or focusing on whatever needs to get completed so you can feel at peace. Two hours of bliss! Hey…it CAN be done.

Relationships are a top priority as well. She schedules a Date Night regularly with her husband. Date nights are a must and so beneficial to your relationship. That is how it all started in the first place, right? She has a night with friends as well. She and her friends take turns and every other Friday morning they have a get together at one of their homes. This provides their kids to play together while they women get to visit.

My sister is great at enforcing a bedtime with her kids. Once her kids are in bed, she usually has an hour or so before she goes to bed. This gives her time to read, plan out the next day, visit with her husband or catch up on phone calls. If you give children an inch, they will take a mile. Bed times must be enforced. We feel much better the next day with proper sleep.

Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean you don’t need “me time”. You probably need more than anyone else! Prioritizing time for yourself and showing your children that you regularly take time to do things to nourish and value yourself while keeping a balance of meeting your own needs and everyone else’s needs is one of the most effective ways you can show this to your children. Why? Because children tend to learn best from our behavior not what we tell them.

Regardless of being a mom or not, we all must nurture ourselves. Some nurturing tips you may have recalled your own mother doing. Such as making you hot vegetable or chicken noodle soup when you were sick with a cold. You may have created your own authentic nurturing remedies as well. During times of stress or illness, these are all certainly a great time to rely on your authentic nurturing remedies but you don’t need to wait for a challenging situation to come up. Practicing regular daily nurturing remedies can keep your life in balance and when those challenging days do arrive you’ll handle them with better energy.

Some authentic nurturing remedies are listed below. You may already practice one of these or many of these. Some of the nurturing methods may be new to you and you may want to add to your own regime.

Are you a bubble bath girl? Try getting your favorite bubbles that you really love and have a few of your favorite scented candles. This is your time to unwind.

Do you love to read? Set aside from what you may need to read for for work or business and try to keep books on healing, empowerment and inspiration from various authors always on hand. Enjoy a hot cup of tea while you read and notice how this can help bring you back to your center.

Try making a good hot bowl of chicken soup when catching a cold, this can warm your body and soothe your soul.

Perhaps you prefer to pray or listen in silence for a higher power during difficult times, this can offer you inner peace and guidance.

You may find yoga stretches help bring you back to alignment.

Going for a walk in the park and admiring the beauty of nature and just being outdoors does wonders for the body, mind and soul. Take in all the beauty, indulge the senses and breathe in the surrounding smells. Enjoy a night on your deck under the stars can bring a very nurturing peaceful feeling within.

Watch some of the old fashioned romantic black and white movies such as Audrey Hepburn.

Visit museums, art exhibits, plays in the theater, musical shows, Opera and Broadway.

Nurturing yourself with sleep is one of the most therapeutic remedies for your mind, body and soul. Quality sleep is good for your physical health and your mental health. Getting optimum sleep will help you feel your best, think your best and be your best.

Getting a massage regularly can be a great preventative nurturing remedy. Regular massage sessions keep you healthy mentally and physically while providing relaxation.

Sitting in a steam room can be wonderful for sore muscles and provide an overall relaxing spa experience.

A little down time on the couch while watching the food network can offer some new and creative ideas for cooking, a new recipe to try and a nurturing new meal to enjoy. 

Nurture yourself and the path you are on by writing down your goals and dreams and what steps you need to take to get there. You could choose a place in nature to ponder these thoughts. Or choose something as extravagant as an exotic destination to go to for re-evaluating new goals.

Treat your self to a pedicure and manicure. A small but simple indulgence.

Dining by yourself at an outdoor cafe or a place you enjoy can be both nurturing and therapeutic.

Depending on how creative you are in the music area try diving into music, whether it be practicing guitar or writing a song. You may sense a release and feeling of empowerment of getting those words out of your head.

Spending time with family – especially with mom is a great way to receive and give comfort, love and nurturing.

One of the best indulgence moments – chocolate. In moderation, a little dark chocolate each day has been shown to be good for your heart. The flavonoids in the chocolate act as anti-oxidants which will protect your body from aging caused by free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Enjoying a piece of dark chocolate can be a tasty way to nurture your heart.

Listen to what your body needs – sleep? Food? Exercise? Give it that.

Balance in life can be a challenge and something to continuously work at. Commit to making time for you and nurturing yourself regularly can bring more balance and fulfillment into your life. 

© 2011 Nancy Hovde Uber Empowerment® All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, or in the form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise be copied for public or private use-other than for “fair use” as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews-without prior written permission of the publisher.

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Simple Pleasures in Summer

April 11, 2012

Notice how everything seems more vibrant hopeful and liberating during Summer? When I think of Summer I often have images of bright golden sunshine, sinking my feet in the sand and indulging in a easy reading beach novel. I often remember those warm starlight nights sitting by the pool or strolling on the beach. Maybe you have enjoyed that perfect Summer day, you know that day I’m referring to – feeling the breeze blowing, hearing the birds singing and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.

Indulging in Summers simple pleasures can be healthy for your Mind, Body and Soul.

Allow yourself to fully sense Summer’s present and enjoy unhurried mornings, restful afternoons and leisurely evenings.

Summers simple pleasures can also be beneficial in strengthening the bond in your relationships with your friends and family.Create some wonderful times to be remembered. Cherished memories are important because they help connect the past with the present and the future. Memories help us know who we really are. Creating memories with your friends and family that will last forever is important, but so few people ever even consider it. Times spent with friends and familiy are some of the most precious moments and memories you will hang onto forever. Finding ways to spend quality time with those who mean the most to you is not only important, but vital to the stability and unity of your relationships.

What memories of Summer come to your mind?

Perhaps some of your memories go way back to childhood and you can recall the smell of hotdogs and hamburgers on the BBQ, sticky pop cycles on children faces and little hands, enjoying ice cream cones in the park.

The warm Summer evenings make it a perfect time to enjoy outdoor live music. Many cities have free outdoor concerts in the park or on the beach. I have had some wonderful times shared with family and friends listening to outdoor concerts on the beach.

Some of us may remember Summer time when we smell Hawaiian Tropic Dark Suntanning Oil. Or the scent of freshly mowed grass evaporating in the sun.

Maybe you are lucky enough to have had picnics with the extended family in the backyard of the house your Great Grandfather built and this house is still in your family. Perhaps in this same yard you remember playing, as kids, with all your cousins and running around the huge yard filled with every kind of fruit tree and picking what ever you wanted, then found yourself swinging all afternoon on the swing!!


Maybe you recall drinking from the well your Grand Father had in the backyard and it tasting like the best water on the face of the earth!!!

Were you one of those kids who got to enjoy bike rides to the small town swimming pool and finding joy in swimming and hanging out with friends all afternoon?

Precious summertime memories for some of us are when we remember hanging out at grandma’s in town and listening to her stories while falling asleep on the couch. Maybe your grandma allowed you to watch MTV or anything else you wanted at her house and have whatever you wanted from the grocery store.

Were you one of those kids who would get up early to pick corn in the fields with your cousins, siblings, parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents on the family farm. You may have gotten up very early to beat the sun into the fields and would have it done before noon with everyone working together to shuck the corn, boil and can it for the winter. When family is all around it makes it fun and the day goes by fast.

Summer is here. Indulge yourself with some mind, body and soul therapeutic moments and allow yourself some leisurely time to read, walk on the beach. Relax with friends and family and create some cherished memories. 

© 2011 Nancy Hovde. Read more Inspiration in my Uber Empowerment BooksImagei.

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Writing for Inner Awareness: Stay Focused on YOUR Path

February 21, 2012

As a writer, I practice my craft each day. I find that writing activities such as journaling help create more inner awareness, which allows for more peace and harmony. I keep a gratitude journal, and I write in it daily.

Writing for inner awareness can be done on a laptop, in a traditional journal, on a phone, whatever. I like a journal.

Choosing a comfortable location where I’m unlikely to be interrupted helps create a therapeutic experience. Nature or a beautiful location can provide inspiration for writing and thought processing. One of my favorite places is Veterans Park, overlooking the ocean.

I also write just before I go to sleep each night. I reflect on my day and think of a minimum of five things to be thankful for. I might also write about a pleasant surprise I may have had, such as unexpectedly running into an old friend.

Some days are more challenging and I may just feel like writing down the basics, simple things such as gratitude for my health and my family’s health or gratitude for the delicious dinner I enjoyed.

I have noticed that when I take time to give thanks and appreciation for all the good things in my life, I seem to experience more happiness and positive moments.

Another activity that can help clear your mind and keep you guided on your true path is to sit down and write in order to process the thoughts going through your head. This can be in the morning, in the middle of the day—anytime you are sensing too many things on your mind and feel you are missing out on the quality of your day.

I have actually, while driving, pulled over on a side street and grabbed my notebook and pen and begun to write.

Silly as it may sound, so many thoughts will go through my head, including, “I need to get my carpet cleaned,” or, “Did I remember to return my client’s call?’ or, “Should I call up my friend Sheila for dinner plans for tonight?”

When we are caught up in these thoughts, we are not experiencing life fully and in the moment. I call this scattered thoughts or scattered energy. Even though these thoughts are not negative, they are still pulling us away from enjoying ourselves.

When we are in the moment, we are enjoying life and more aware of everything around us.

Be in the moment more often. It is easy to get out of balance more than it is to stay balanced. But if you want it, it can be done. Do you want it?

With consistency, practice, patience, doing each thing with mindfulness, and having the ultimate will, you’ll find yourself enjoying each moment more often and knowing you are living a high quality of life.

Writing also works when you have to make a choice and are having a difficult time figuring out which choice is best. Once you start writing, let the words flow. Stream of consciousness.

Don’t worry about spelling and grammar. This is for your eyes only. If you are angry with someone, or hurt, write down whatever it is you feel and wish you could say.

Tear up the paper when you are done, if you like. You will feel better just having gotten things out of you and onto paper, which also provides clarity.

Writing can bring inner awareness to what your core needs and beliefs are and whether you are paying attention to those needs and making them a priority in your life. This will get you back on track, centered and balanced, and keep you on your true path.

Read more about my Uber Empowerment Books and why I decided to write them.

Share how writing in a journal has helped you in processing life’s challenges and experiences.

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New Year Brings New Opportunities

February 1, 2012

Taking advantage of new opportunities—whether it’s a new job, new project or something else—helps us grow in life.

I was eating lunch at Creme de la Crepe in Riviera Village when I overheard a conversation between a couple. They were wondering whether should move forward with an opportunity. Was the timing right? How would they know if they are making the right choice? Were they only excited because this was a new opportunity for the new year?

There something refreshing about a brand new year and the exciting opportunities it brings! Do you act on opportunities? Life often tosses us opportunities with a window of time to act—or not.

Nobody ever feels 100 percent ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.

Do you see yourself as too cautious, someone who only does what he or she has always done to stay within a comfort zone? By not taking chances, we miss the opportunity to accomplish all the amazing things we are really are capable of.

Here are some tips to help you recognize and seize opportunities:

  • Stop trying to be a perfectionist or waiting for the perfect time. Waiting for the perfect time or trying to become a perfectionist for anything new often masks procrastination. If you find yourself saying, “I’ll start the project one of these days,” you are procrastinating. Instead, set a date for each action stop along the way. Perhaps you need to learn some new skills for this opportunity; deciding on dates and action plans creates a road map to the point where you’ve achieved what you want. The key is to keep the momentum strong when the idea or opportunity first presents itself. Creating small steps along the way will keep the goal in sight.
  • Sometimes you need to learn to become more assertive in order to seize the opportunities life tosses your way. If you don’t try, you are guaranteed not achieve what you want. It is necessary to take risks when seizing opportunities. Remember, you do not need other people’s approval when a goal or opportunity has deep meaning for you.
  • Having a clear picture of what you want and knowing your values in life well help you recognize when an opportunity presents itself. This helps you know which opportunities to take and which ones to leave alone. Ask yourself, does this bring me closer or take me farther away from my ultimate goal? What are the costs involved? How will this help me benefit and in what ways will I grow?
  • It is easy to be fearful of trying something new or taking on a new adventure without knowing what obstacles may come up along the way or the eventual outcome. Making mistakes is part of learning what does and doesn’t work. No matter how bad the mistake may have been, feel positive about yourself because you took a chance.
  • Nothing seems to hold us back more than our negative thoughts. It can help to remember that our negative thoughts are not facts—they are just thoughts. Assumptions can create negative thoughts. Worrying is a complete waste of time and energy because most of the negative thoughts or assumptions we make never happen anyway.

Take a look around for opportunities—even small ones. You never know where they may lead you. Read more inspiration in my Uber Empowerment books.

 

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Stop Making Assumptions

January 18, 2012

Assumptions, though easy, can hurt us in the long run.
As I got situated in the Redondo Beach Main Library one day, I began going through my text messages and noticed I hadn’t heard back from my dad in several days. This is unusual; we text nearly every day. I assumed he was receiving all my updates via my text messages to my mom.

Meanwhile, my dad could not figure out why I was not responding to his text messages. It was during my visit for the holidays that we finally figured it out: the last digit in my phone number had been deleted from his phone—which made it impossible to receive his text messages for several weeks.

Both of us were incorrect with our assumptions about why we weren’t receiving each other’s messages!

What causes us to make assumptions? Perhaps we do this because we’re busy and it’s easy; we categorize and assume things so we can understand issues and act quickly. We impatiently jump to conclusions or make assumptions—and this causes us undue stress.

Whatever item—be it a memory, an emotion or something else—we link to an incident or idea is what it becomes. Although some of our past events may have created great memories and instilled confidence, others work against us, limiting our talents and skills. Realize these circumstances are now in the past.

The mind believes only what we allow it to accept and reacts only to how it has been conditioned. Our beliefs are those we have formed. Whether right or wrong, they make up the system we act on, but it is never too late to change. Stop making assumptions. Learn to become aware of when you are making assumptions and understand how they can cause misunderstandings with these tips:

Get into the habit of asking yourself, “What assumptions am I making?” Check in with yourself before allowing your imagination to run wild about things that frustrate you. This will save you from unnecessary drama. It is easy to take your untrue assumptions personally. By assuming something, you could create a misunderstanding with another person.
Listen to your internal mental chatter—it’s creating assumptions. Try some divergent thinking exercises like brainstorming, mind mapping or writing in your journal. These types of exercises can help expand your critical thinking while keeping you from making false assumptions. The exercises are also a great way to break some bad mental habits and reduce negative inner chatter. I often head to Abalone Cove Beach in Rancho Palos Verdes to focus on divergent thinking exercises when my mind is overwhelmed with unclear assumptions. I walk along the shoreline there, decompress and then sit awhile and write down my thoughts on paper.
When in doubt, ask and double check. This one may sound simple because it is; however, many times we just don’t take the initiative and ask or double check. My dad simply could have called me to ask if I was receiving his text messages; I could have called him to see if he was extra busy and just receiving my updates through my mom (as I was assuming he was). Many of us may become passive in a similar situation as this; we may actually fear asking the question or questions that need to be asked. This could be because of an unpleasant past experience, and we are assuming the experience could repeat itself.
Try not to automatically make assumptive shortcuts just because you think you know someone well. Even if you’ve known someone for years, it doesn’t mean they will respond or react as they have in the past. Trying to interpret what someone will do or say can be disrespectful of that person’s feelings, needs or values. Recall a time when someone made false assumptions about you—how do you feel? Resist the urge to accept stereotypes. Even though many times stereotypes might be quite accurate, they tend to cloud our judgment.
Consider asking yourself, “When does making my assumptions cause me unnecessary frustrations, and what can I do about it?” When you find yourself in a similar situation you’ve faced in the past, it is easy to revert to the way you did before. Nevertheless, the similar situation probably has different people in it, and they will react differently. Use a few minutes to take a deep breath, clear your mind and ask questions that will help you gather the facts and information you need. Ask open questions to clarify assumptions such as the who, what, when, where and how.
Making assumptions can actually hinder us from reaching our goals in life. Assumptions can keep us from having the courage to acknowledge what it is we need. Last week, we learned how we make our choices and how those choices can influence where we are currently in our life. Now that we have explored more about how making assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, let’s keep this knowledge in mind as we move forward this year.
Read more Inspiration in my Uber Empowerment books.

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Christmas Feeling Lingers

January 10, 2012

Is it just me, or does the week between Christmas and New Years hold a unique, special feeling of more time to unwind? It is as if there is a little more quiet in some areas in life, more time to catch up with friends, more time with family, more time to organize your office files, more time get out in nature. The rushing too and fro is over, at least for a little bit.

My grandma once told me that the Christmas season really begins on Christmas Eve, for that is the first day that family gathers, the rushing around is done and the focus is on family, friends and spending quality time together. All that preparing to create that one special day can turn into a very unique and special holiday week.

Here are some ways to pass the time and wind down during the final week of the year:

  • Share warm conversations over a café mocha or tea in a local coffee shop with friends before taking a leisurely walk in the warm winter sun along the Esplanade, Torrance Beach or one of the Palos Verdes Peninsula’s many trails.
  • Read a good suspense book and enjoy a hot chocolate while you’re hunkered down in an overstuffed chair at Catalina Coffee.
  • If you are off from work this week, take in a matinee at South Bay Galleria AMC 16 or Regal Cinemas. Whether it is a Christmas movie or a new box office release, you may find yourself enjoying a movie when you would normally have to be at work or school in the afternoon. As an added bonus, being at the mall allows you to exchange any gifts that may not have fit just right.
  • You may have to work the entire week after Christmas. Often there’s different feeling in the air—a lightness, perhaps because Christmas shopping and any stresses the holidays might have brought on are now gone. Working that week certainly holds some benefits. It provides time to catch up on overdue emails, clean out files and organize your workspace. It also gives you time to review all you’ve achieved over the past year, which can provide feelings of accomplishment, gratitude and readiness to take on the new year.
  • The week also gives you a little more time to savor what’s left of 2011 and anticipate of a new year just ahead. This week can provide some quality conversations about the past year’s challenges, celebrations, accomplishments and vacations.
  • You have time to linger. Whether you’re thinking about the moments that are still left of this year, spending time with family and friends or simply lingering with your thoughts, enjoy this extra special time.

We get so wrapped up in the go, go, go; allow yourself this special week between Christmas and New Years to linger a little more; reach out to a friend you haven’t seen in awhile; or indulge in a hobby, activity or passion you enjoy. Spend more time playing, discovering and exploring. End the year feeling you enjoyed life as much as you possibly could.

I am a health and wellness coach, author and blogger at UberEmpowermentBlog.com who lives in Redondo Beach. Her column appears Monday mornings.  Read more Inspiration on my blog and in my Uber Empowerment Books. 

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A Crises Offers Us Opportunity to Practice Patience

January 5, 2012

One of the best ways to learn to practice patience can be found in taking regular yoga classes. Many Yoga Instructors will teach students how they can remain patient with themselves when first learning the yoga poses. Practice and detachment can be used in yoga classes just as they can be used in other areas of life.

For example, a computer crashing can feel like a major crises. A crises that causes someone to want to panic. Especially with deadlines to meet, meetings via SKYPE and e-mails to answer from clients. Fortunately, there are computer repair services to come to your rescue.

A crises can happen at anytime. It can be very difficult to practice patience during a crises when we really feel like panicking. A crises feels like a very intense time of difficulty or trouble. It can be a time when an important or difficult decision must be made perhaps even in a very short amount of time.

How can we practice patience during a crises? Here are some helpful tips to practice patience instead of panicking:

Remember one of the biggest benefits when you practice patience includes making better decisions and this will increase your peace of mind.

Patience helps us manage stress and anger which will keep your blood pressure under control for a healthier you.

Practicing patience requires self-discipline and patience can soon become your natural instinct. Acting impatient is a natural instinct but patience can be too.

Patience helps us have a healthy perspective on the situation and approach it with a state of calmness.

Patience isn’t easy, it does require practice; with practice patience can become one of your best qualities.

Lastly, when we take the best care of ourselves through eating a healthy and nutritious diet and get plenty of exercise, we tend to feel our best physically, think with more clarity and be more patient.

When we practice patience this allows us to approach the obstacles in life with courage, a quiet inner strength and a sense of empowerment. It is easy to feel overwhelmed in life and take on too much. Know that it is okay to ask for assistance and to reach out to family, friends, a lifestyle coach or even a therapist. Read more Inspiration in my Uber Empowerment Books.

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Go Ahead & Make Someone’s Day!

December 20, 2011

I was sipping my coffee at the Yellow Vase in Malaga Cove Plaza when I happened to overhear a conversation next to me. A woman told to her friend how she wanted to make a special dish and take it to a neighbor who was recovering from a lengthy illness. She was adamant about cooking this special dish that same day—otherwise it would get put off and may not happen.

Have you ever found yourself thinking of doing a kind act for someone and even going a little out of your way to offer a thoughtful gesture, yet you don’t? The thought was there—but that is as far as your good intention went.

Perhaps there may have been times in your life when you felt you missed the opportunity to show thoughtfulness to those people who deserved it. To avoid feeling any regret in the future, it can help to reflect on those past opportunities and become more conscious of how we can begin practicing thoughtfulness.

Simply doing something that is deeply meaningful to someone you care about can bring as much joy to you as it does to them. Here are some tips that will help in striving to be a little more thoughtful each day:

  • First, be kind and considerate to yourself. In what ways are you thoughtful toward yourself? Each day check in with your mind, body and soul; ask yourself what you need right now that would bring you contentment, joy and inner peace. Does your body need to take a break and move? Go for a walk. Could your mind use a little humor to help lighten up your mood? In what ways does your soul need nurturing today? Practicing self-care actions creates a happier and healthier you, and when you are healthy and happy, you have more energy to do thoughtful things for others.
  • Is it easy for you to consider others needs? Notice in which situations you seem to find yourself naturally expressing thoughtful actions with ease. Perhaps you are a whiz at inspiring and complimenting others through your encouraging words and supportive actions. Maybe you find it easy to recognize the positive gifts in others and offer a sincere compliment. Do you find you like to build connections through sharing tips about delicious restaurants or interesting books to read? Reflect on how these thoughtful gestures allows you to give to others as much as yourself.
  • What about those situations where you find it a challenge or difficult to do something thoughtful—what do you think is stopping you? What gets in the way? How would your life be better or different if you were to let go of what gets in the way or embrace the right action that would help you become more thoughtful? Perhaps you may not agree with someone’s way of doing things, but maybe if you put yourself in their shoes you would have more compassion and be able to offer a kind word. Letting go of any non-judgment doesn’t mean you are agreeing, but that you can offer compassion.

It is helpful to remember that the thoughtful gesture needs to be sincere—others can feel when our gesture is true, as it is often felt in the heart.

We all have experienced those people in our life who are kind, caring and considerate. Their thoughtfulness is felt because it is strong and intentional. When you make the effort to be thoughtful it is likely it will be met with a return act of thoughtfulness.

Read more inspiration and motivating quotes in my Uber Empowerment: 500 Inspirational Quotes for Knowledge, Insight & Wisdom.

Posted in Gratefulness, Inner Wisdom, Inspiration, No Regrets, Thankfulness | Leave a Comment »

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