It's been a week of ups and downs. So much happening inside and out. There were times when I felt quite sad and overwhelmed and didn't really know what to do with it all. By mid-week, I decided I needed to start taking care of myself again by reintroducing a morning yoga flow. It's of my own design (done in my living room before I've even washed my face and put on my glasses) and I've come to feel quite protective of this time. Whether I do 10 minutes or an hour and a half - it's my practice. It's like a gift I give myself. Over time, I've found it has become my time to just be. Some days I set an intention, some days I don't. Some days I'll add a new Asana and other days I rely on the tried and true. Some days I feel in the flow and others it feels more of a struggle. Then there are the days I'll ask a question or for help & guidance. That's what I did this week. And here's what happened.
There I was in Downdog and it occurred to me that it's ok to not know all of the answers; it's ok to ask for help; it's ok to not be perfect. So what if my heels don't touch the floor in this Asana. Big deal. I'm in it - I'm engaged - I'm present - I'm here. That's good enough. Being human, it's a guarantee I can't be perfect. Of course it's ok to ask for help - and to receive it. In that moment, an affirmation popped into my head - and it felt like a light went on.
"With grace and gratitude I receive abundance from the Universe."
What a joy and relief to say those words.
Later that day a gift arrived the form of a blog posting from a lovely and talented woman who attended a group
Stress Reduction session I gave earlier this month. Please read Violette's story here. She overcame fear during a troubling time, and I feel honored to have been able to help her and grateful that she is sharing her story.
www.violette.ca/2013/04/26/peaceful-meditations-and-creative-connections/
Sometimes it's hard to remember that we choose our thoughts - and it is nice to be reminded in such a gentle way that we can change them and overcome fear.
Friday, 26 April 2013
Friday, 29 March 2013
It's a great day for soup!
I have to share this story with you. It is about
someone with the most amazing spirit. His name is Andrew; he's the teenage
the son of a friend on mine.
A bit of back-story about Andrew. He has already experienced a few physical challenges in his short life. Recently a dramatic turn of events put him in the hospital. He was in a coma for a few days, endured major surgery (involving his digestive tract) and is now on the road to recovery. He's still spending a lot of time in hospital and will be for a while. Even after all of that, it doesn't appear to have dampened his enthusiasm or positive attitude. Here's the update I got from my friend.
"Every day, three times a day for the past month, the hospital food cart has parked right outside Andrew's room to deliver meals to all the patients except him. The cruel irony has not passed him by. But he never despaired. He just commented on the type of food being served and smiled.
Well, last night the food Santa delivered a meal for Andrew. His eyes lit right up at the sight of the tray waiting for him in his room. A glorious three course meal of clear soup, jello and apple juice.
"It's a great day for soup!" announced Andrew, like some profound declaration of independence.
Couple that with an 6 hour furlough each day to go home in his street clothes, walk his dog and play some Wii, things have gotten a little more normal for the kid. Slow and steady.
That's the latest and greatest. Hope this finds you well."
What a wonderful lesson in finding joy in the most unexpected place. It's humbling and inspires me to slow down, notice how fortunate I am and to feel grateful for what I have.
A bit of back-story about Andrew. He has already experienced a few physical challenges in his short life. Recently a dramatic turn of events put him in the hospital. He was in a coma for a few days, endured major surgery (involving his digestive tract) and is now on the road to recovery. He's still spending a lot of time in hospital and will be for a while. Even after all of that, it doesn't appear to have dampened his enthusiasm or positive attitude. Here's the update I got from my friend.
"Every day, three times a day for the past month, the hospital food cart has parked right outside Andrew's room to deliver meals to all the patients except him. The cruel irony has not passed him by. But he never despaired. He just commented on the type of food being served and smiled.
Well, last night the food Santa delivered a meal for Andrew. His eyes lit right up at the sight of the tray waiting for him in his room. A glorious three course meal of clear soup, jello and apple juice.
"It's a great day for soup!" announced Andrew, like some profound declaration of independence.
Couple that with an 6 hour furlough each day to go home in his street clothes, walk his dog and play some Wii, things have gotten a little more normal for the kid. Slow and steady.
That's the latest and greatest. Hope this finds you well."
What a wonderful lesson in finding joy in the most unexpected place. It's humbling and inspires me to slow down, notice how fortunate I am and to feel grateful for what I have.
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Unexpected Beauty
There I was, wandering aimlessly in the Garden department of a big box store, when this delicate creature gracefully wafted by me and landed on a bouquet of spring flowers. What a wonderful gift of unexpected beauty. She (I think it's a she) let me take 4 photos of her before fluttering her wings and gliding off to find another bouquet. Sometimes beauty just shows up. I am so glad that I stopped to enjoy it - and now I get to share it with you.
A butterfly - in a Home Depot - in March - in Canada.
That settles it - anything is possible
.
A butterfly - in a Home Depot - in March - in Canada.
That settles it - anything is possible
Wednesday, 20 February 2013
Choose A Lane
'Choose a lane.'
Yep, that's what she said to me.
'Choose a lane and drive, Nicolette.'
It felt a bit like a slap in the face, but it was just what I needed. I'd spent months with a Career Coach, figuring out what I really wanted to do - we looked at my values, what was truly important, what I wanted to accomplish and do with my life. It was heavy and hard work. Some days it felt like I was moving mountains and other times it was more like I was on a treadmill (I'm sweating and my legs are moving, but I'm not getting anywhere). It really was time to make a move forward.
So, on that eventful day when she said, 'Choose a lane'....... I was confused and scared at first. Really? 'Choose? What if I choose the wrong lane? Her response was, 'Well - you can always change your mind, and choose another one.'
Those words helped me get 'un-stuck' and gave me the kick-in-the-butt that I needed to get off the sidelines and into the game - or using that 'lane' analogy - put my car in drive, pull out of the rest-stop and get back on the road - continue my journey - live my life.
Was that was the moment I decided that, yes, I could do it - I could make a dramatic change in my career and in my life - to really believe in myself? I don't know. Maybe. Or, maybe that doesn't matter.
What does matter is that each day I wake up, I get to 'choose a lane' and drive. In fact, it's up to me to do it. Sometimes I've got a destination in mind, and sometimes it's simply a pleasure ride. What's important is that I am choosing - and I'm taking action. And, if I don't like where I'm going or where I am, I can change lanes and take a different route. And, yes, from time to time, I pull into a rest stop to take a look at the map and look at where I want to go, and then either reconsider my original destination or continue on my way.
So, if you're feeling stuck today - take action, do something different (or differently). See what happens when you choose a lane and drive.
Yep, that's what she said to me.
'Choose a lane and drive, Nicolette.'
It felt a bit like a slap in the face, but it was just what I needed. I'd spent months with a Career Coach, figuring out what I really wanted to do - we looked at my values, what was truly important, what I wanted to accomplish and do with my life. It was heavy and hard work. Some days it felt like I was moving mountains and other times it was more like I was on a treadmill (I'm sweating and my legs are moving, but I'm not getting anywhere). It really was time to make a move forward.
So, on that eventful day when she said, 'Choose a lane'....... I was confused and scared at first. Really? 'Choose? What if I choose the wrong lane? Her response was, 'Well - you can always change your mind, and choose another one.'
Those words helped me get 'un-stuck' and gave me the kick-in-the-butt that I needed to get off the sidelines and into the game - or using that 'lane' analogy - put my car in drive, pull out of the rest-stop and get back on the road - continue my journey - live my life.
Was that was the moment I decided that, yes, I could do it - I could make a dramatic change in my career and in my life - to really believe in myself? I don't know. Maybe. Or, maybe that doesn't matter.
What does matter is that each day I wake up, I get to 'choose a lane' and drive. In fact, it's up to me to do it. Sometimes I've got a destination in mind, and sometimes it's simply a pleasure ride. What's important is that I am choosing - and I'm taking action. And, if I don't like where I'm going or where I am, I can change lanes and take a different route. And, yes, from time to time, I pull into a rest stop to take a look at the map and look at where I want to go, and then either reconsider my original destination or continue on my way.
So, if you're feeling stuck today - take action, do something different (or differently). See what happens when you choose a lane and drive.
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Happy Hour
This morning I came across an article and wanted to share part of it with you. Here's the quote that got me excited.
"By accomplishing something that is very hard for us," writes McGonigle, "like solving a puzzle or finishing a race, our brains release a potent cocktail of chemicals that make us feel satisfied, proud, and highly aroused. When we make someone else laugh or smile, our brain is flooded with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward."
Jane McGonigle - game designer and author.
She's describing something that sounds like the makings of Happy Hour to me.
So - take a moment and mix up your own cocktail with elements that makes you feel good. Add an umbrella or slice of juicy pineapple - pour it into a tall, frosted glass and take a satisfying sip.
Ahhhhhhhh. Funny - when I imagine that, I instantly find myself on a tropical island, enjoying surf, sun and sand.
Where do you spend your Happy Hour?
Here's more about Jane McGonigle - author of
"Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change The World"
http://www.amazon.ca/Reality-Is-Broken-Better-Change/dp/1594202850
She's also an engaging presenter of a Ted Talk; seeing Gamers and Gaming in a different light. Check out this video.
http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world.html
"By accomplishing something that is very hard for us," writes McGonigle, "like solving a puzzle or finishing a race, our brains release a potent cocktail of chemicals that make us feel satisfied, proud, and highly aroused. When we make someone else laugh or smile, our brain is flooded with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward."
Jane McGonigle - game designer and author.
She's describing something that sounds like the makings of Happy Hour to me.
So - take a moment and mix up your own cocktail with elements that makes you feel good. Add an umbrella or slice of juicy pineapple - pour it into a tall, frosted glass and take a satisfying sip.
Ahhhhhhhh. Funny - when I imagine that, I instantly find myself on a tropical island, enjoying surf, sun and sand.
Where do you spend your Happy Hour?
Here's more about Jane McGonigle - author of
"Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change The World"
http://www.amazon.ca/Reality-Is-Broken-Better-Change/dp/1594202850
She's also an engaging presenter of a Ted Talk; seeing Gamers and Gaming in a different light. Check out this video.
http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_mcgonigal_gaming_can_make_a_better_world.html
Thursday, 10 January 2013
New Year's Resolve
Happy 2013.
We made it into the new year
We got past the dire predictions and the holiday hoopla.
Yay.
Admittedly, this is a great time for reflection (what worked last year & what didn't) and resetting things (boundaries, goals & the PVR).
How are those resolutions coming along? How's your resolve?
I usually don't make new year's resolutions, but this year, I did. Maybe it was the persistent reminder that our time on the planet is finite (thank you Mayan's).
Looking for direction, the wise words of a teacher popped into my head.... 'When we really want to do something, we find a way to do it. The opposite works, too. When we don't want to do something, we will find a way not to. How we feel about something will override our willpower (immediately or eventually*)."
* my words added.
Using that theory, I looked at what I really wanted for this year; how I wanted to be.
My goal: I want to be healthier this year. I considered why that was important to me and how I would feel about being healthier. Yes, I know, the word 'healthier' is subjective; not a specific, measurable goal, like say, 'I need to lose 10 pounds', or 'I have to walk 1 mile a day, or eat less chocolate'.
Instead - when I say to myself "I want to be healthier.", it can include what I eat, my activities, how much sleep I get, who I spend time with, how I get places and what I do for myself. And guess what - somehow, I find myself wanting to practice yoga in the morning, reaching for an apple when I'm hungry for something sweet and choosing to walk to the grocery store. That doesn't mean that sometimes I only do yoga for 15 minutes, enjoy a piece of dark chocolate or take the bus/car when it's raining...... but it does mean that I'm engaged and each time I do something that promotes my health, I feel good about it.
What makes this different than the wording of a lot of 'resolutions', are the words 'I want to' (and meaning it).
When we feel pressured or guilted-into, or manipulated into doing something - we begin to feel resentful and look for ways to get out of doing what ever it is - that can include resistance, avoidance or out-right rebellion. Not a happy situation. We notice feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, guilt, revenge, resentment, disappointment welling up inside us...... all very negative feelings that are usually paired up with negative words we say to ourselves. This too often causes us to procrastinate, defer, delay, avoid, and quit. When we're feeling that way, why would we want to do anything?
Wanting to do something trumps the duress of pressure. It takes the heat off having to be perfect. Somehow it also quiets my inner critic (when I slip up). So the words I say to myself are kinder, more encouraging and generally more fun to hear.
So far this year, I have followed through - I am practicing yoga in the morning, am more aware of what I'm eating and have found myself choosing to walk places more. The results may not be 'measurable' yet, but I do feel healthier and happier (that's a bonus!). I'll keep you posted.
We made it into the new year
We got past the dire predictions and the holiday hoopla.
Yay.
Admittedly, this is a great time for reflection (what worked last year & what didn't) and resetting things (boundaries, goals & the PVR).
How are those resolutions coming along? How's your resolve?
I usually don't make new year's resolutions, but this year, I did. Maybe it was the persistent reminder that our time on the planet is finite (thank you Mayan's).
Looking for direction, the wise words of a teacher popped into my head.... 'When we really want to do something, we find a way to do it. The opposite works, too. When we don't want to do something, we will find a way not to. How we feel about something will override our willpower (immediately or eventually*)."
* my words added.
Using that theory, I looked at what I really wanted for this year; how I wanted to be.
My goal: I want to be healthier this year. I considered why that was important to me and how I would feel about being healthier. Yes, I know, the word 'healthier' is subjective; not a specific, measurable goal, like say, 'I need to lose 10 pounds', or 'I have to walk 1 mile a day, or eat less chocolate'.
Instead - when I say to myself "I want to be healthier.", it can include what I eat, my activities, how much sleep I get, who I spend time with, how I get places and what I do for myself. And guess what - somehow, I find myself wanting to practice yoga in the morning, reaching for an apple when I'm hungry for something sweet and choosing to walk to the grocery store. That doesn't mean that sometimes I only do yoga for 15 minutes, enjoy a piece of dark chocolate or take the bus/car when it's raining...... but it does mean that I'm engaged and each time I do something that promotes my health, I feel good about it.
What makes this different than the wording of a lot of 'resolutions', are the words 'I want to' (and meaning it).
When we feel pressured or guilted-into, or manipulated into doing something - we begin to feel resentful and look for ways to get out of doing what ever it is - that can include resistance, avoidance or out-right rebellion. Not a happy situation. We notice feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, guilt, revenge, resentment, disappointment welling up inside us...... all very negative feelings that are usually paired up with negative words we say to ourselves. This too often causes us to procrastinate, defer, delay, avoid, and quit. When we're feeling that way, why would we want to do anything?
Wanting to do something trumps the duress of pressure. It takes the heat off having to be perfect. Somehow it also quiets my inner critic (when I slip up). So the words I say to myself are kinder, more encouraging and generally more fun to hear.
So far this year, I have followed through - I am practicing yoga in the morning, am more aware of what I'm eating and have found myself choosing to walk places more. The results may not be 'measurable' yet, but I do feel healthier and happier (that's a bonus!). I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, 22 December 2012
Human kindness
Ok - full disclosure - I'm sentimental.
In particular, at this time of year, I find myself feeling quite emotional. Tears seem to spill quite easily. Recently I watched the movie "Love Actually", and even though I've seen the film many times, I still find myself weeping during the 1st few minutes of the film. It's the scene at in the Arrivals area of Heathrow airport, Seeing people reunite is so moving - in particular the faces of grandparents when they see and hug their grandchildren - and it has me reaching for a tissue. (Yes, same thing happens when I am in an actual airport, too).
So, this morning, rather than read the newspaper, I chose to look at this link of a photo essay (sent to me by a dear friend). I hope you check it out. It reminds me that there is great kindness, compassion and love in the world; that miracles (big and small) happen all the time; that we are capable of great courage in the face of adversity.
It gives me hope.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/moments-that-restored-our-faith-in-humanity-this-y
And, in the words from the theme song from that movie, "Love is all around us; I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes......"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meU4cxhdjJI
Let the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts.
In particular, at this time of year, I find myself feeling quite emotional. Tears seem to spill quite easily. Recently I watched the movie "Love Actually", and even though I've seen the film many times, I still find myself weeping during the 1st few minutes of the film. It's the scene at in the Arrivals area of Heathrow airport, Seeing people reunite is so moving - in particular the faces of grandparents when they see and hug their grandchildren - and it has me reaching for a tissue. (Yes, same thing happens when I am in an actual airport, too).
So, this morning, rather than read the newspaper, I chose to look at this link of a photo essay (sent to me by a dear friend). I hope you check it out. It reminds me that there is great kindness, compassion and love in the world; that miracles (big and small) happen all the time; that we are capable of great courage in the face of adversity.
It gives me hope.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/moments-that-restored-our-faith-in-humanity-this-y
And, in the words from the theme song from that movie, "Love is all around us; I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes......"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meU4cxhdjJI
Let the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts.
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