Random thoughts, findings, and quotes about happiness:
*Happiness is not something that comes to you
*It's something you create, now, today.
*Waiting for something to change in order to be happy is waiting to live your life.
*It's not what happens that counts-it's how you react to what happens.
*Finding happiness is like finding yourself
*You can't find happiness - you make happiness.
*Do what brings YOU the most meaning and contentment in your life
*Know what you want. Not knowing what you want can be confusing and frustrating.
*Break-out of routine; routines can be an obstacle. Breaking out will allow you to see things differently.
*Know your personal values; and live by them.
*share your happiness. Make others happy and you become happy as a result
*The cause of unhappiness is attachment.
*"Attachment is an emotional state of clinging caused by the belief that without some particular thing you can not be happy. Again and again we need to let go." -Anthony de Mello
*We tend to look outside ourselves for happiness. (the right car, house, job, spouse, friends)
*Seek happiness from within; not outside. Happiness is a state of mind; a state of being. Not doing or having.
*"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly may alight upon you." - Nathanial Hawthorne
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Move Toward the ROAR!!
I recently heard a story about how lions hunt that is a great metaphor for life. The story goes like this: In Africa older male lions will line themselves up so that they are standing along side Gazelles. The younger male lions will place themselves in the opposite direction. When the older male lions give a loud, "ROAR", the gazelles turn and run the other way; right towards the younger male lions who will chase them down and kill them.
The interesting thing about this story, is that if the gazelles ran toward the ROAR, they probably would be safe. The older male lions could not chase them!
In life, when we embark on making changes in our lives. Our fears and our own voices get louder trying to have us stay where we are. Our loud voices and fears cause us to run the other direction. However, when we move towards the ROAR...we quiet the voices and move in the direction we really want to move in.
Move towards the ROAR! The pay-off is much bigger than the ROAR itself.
The interesting thing about this story, is that if the gazelles ran toward the ROAR, they probably would be safe. The older male lions could not chase them!
In life, when we embark on making changes in our lives. Our fears and our own voices get louder trying to have us stay where we are. Our loud voices and fears cause us to run the other direction. However, when we move towards the ROAR...we quiet the voices and move in the direction we really want to move in.
Move towards the ROAR! The pay-off is much bigger than the ROAR itself.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Magic of Thinking BIG
I've been having a great time hosting DreamBoard Nights. I think it's important to have a vision for ourselves. And, I like to challenge others to THINK BIG! Create a BIG vision for yourself. The real challenge is letting go of the "how tos" and the "I can'ts" and just let your imagination fly. Create the ideal life. Afterall, anyone can think small; most people do. Most people see themselves in the same place in life, doing or not doing the same things all because of limited beliefs or conditioned thinking.
Don't think about what is possible, think about what might seem nearly impossible, that would require you to grow, move, and shift beyond who you currently are. Think about what you have always wanted to do or have in your life!
"If you can dream it, you can achieve it." - Walt Disney
Thinking big equals going big. Thinking small means staying small. We all have the choice of how we think. I believe we have one shot at this life, so why not make it great? Make your life something that you are proud of.
Thinking big...or creating a DreamBoard does not mean "pie in the sky"...like suddenly having all you want or doing unbelievable acts. It simply means stretching yourself to grow into a bigger picture. Believing that you are capable of being all that you are.
DreamBoards and Thinking BIG...are a way to stretch yourself, your mind and your beliefs to grow into something you already are...but are afraid of.
So, why think small when you can think big? Thinking big opens all kinds of new, endless possibilities.
Don't think about what is possible, think about what might seem nearly impossible, that would require you to grow, move, and shift beyond who you currently are. Think about what you have always wanted to do or have in your life!
"If you can dream it, you can achieve it." - Walt Disney
Thinking big equals going big. Thinking small means staying small. We all have the choice of how we think. I believe we have one shot at this life, so why not make it great? Make your life something that you are proud of.
Thinking big...or creating a DreamBoard does not mean "pie in the sky"...like suddenly having all you want or doing unbelievable acts. It simply means stretching yourself to grow into a bigger picture. Believing that you are capable of being all that you are.
DreamBoards and Thinking BIG...are a way to stretch yourself, your mind and your beliefs to grow into something you already are...but are afraid of.
So, why think small when you can think big? Thinking big opens all kinds of new, endless possibilities.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Endless Possibilities
A friend sent me a card a while back. Inside she wrote that she hoped that perhaps the passage would help others find their quest in life as I have. With that hope, I share that passage with you hoping that you too find your quest!
"Today your life holds for you endless possibilities. You have built a solid foundation, and you have worked hard for it. Continue to do what is necessary to move forward one day at a time. Write down your dream and tuck it away - entrusting that all things will come at the right time. Keep sight always of what is important in life. Remember that true happiness and purpose will be found in relationships - in the workplace and at home. Live each day open to guidance, and your purpose will be revealed to you. May your future be filled with love and acceptance."
Write down your dream...tuck it away..or not...and watch for the opportunities that arise.
"Today your life holds for you endless possibilities. You have built a solid foundation, and you have worked hard for it. Continue to do what is necessary to move forward one day at a time. Write down your dream and tuck it away - entrusting that all things will come at the right time. Keep sight always of what is important in life. Remember that true happiness and purpose will be found in relationships - in the workplace and at home. Live each day open to guidance, and your purpose will be revealed to you. May your future be filled with love and acceptance."
Write down your dream...tuck it away..or not...and watch for the opportunities that arise.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
72 Hours
Did you know that when you have an idea or thought...you must act on it within 72 hours, otherwise the thought or idea just remains just that...a fleeting thought or idea. If you take action within 72 hours of the thought or idea, then the thought or idea becomes an action step...it becomes more solid and real!
I led a workshop on Friday night. One of the women said, "I'm afraid I'll wake up tomorrow morning and all the thoughts and ideas that we're discussing right now will
leave me." She knew in order to make the changes she wanted to she needed to act.
Many times we have thoughts or ideas that we don't act on. How powerful is it when we take action? When we take action we're moving forward...often proving to ourselves that whatever had held us back in the past was only our thoughts about how big, long, or boring a certain task might be. Taking action, one small step, frees you to see what's possible.
Taking the first step is often the hardest. That's why 72 hours is the key. Push yourself to take action within 72 hours and your world will open up. One of the biggest benefits of working with a coach like myself is the accountability. If you knew someone would call you within 72 hours to see how you are doing and if you have done what you said, it's a great motivator. Just knowing someone else knows what you must do is helpful.
72 hours...or less...is all it takes to get moving. What will you do in the next
72 hours that will move you from your comfort zone to your growth zone?
I led a workshop on Friday night. One of the women said, "I'm afraid I'll wake up tomorrow morning and all the thoughts and ideas that we're discussing right now will
leave me." She knew in order to make the changes she wanted to she needed to act.
Many times we have thoughts or ideas that we don't act on. How powerful is it when we take action? When we take action we're moving forward...often proving to ourselves that whatever had held us back in the past was only our thoughts about how big, long, or boring a certain task might be. Taking action, one small step, frees you to see what's possible.
Taking the first step is often the hardest. That's why 72 hours is the key. Push yourself to take action within 72 hours and your world will open up. One of the biggest benefits of working with a coach like myself is the accountability. If you knew someone would call you within 72 hours to see how you are doing and if you have done what you said, it's a great motivator. Just knowing someone else knows what you must do is helpful.
72 hours...or less...is all it takes to get moving. What will you do in the next
72 hours that will move you from your comfort zone to your growth zone?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Happy New Year!!
It's interesting to me as I bump into people or overhear conversations about the holiday break, the New Year and the feeling of new starts. I sense a feeling of renewal, of reflection, of hope and a yearning for change. It sounds like people enjoyed a slower pace during the holiday break as well as a break from the daily routines.
I enjoyed a very relaxing time away with my family in Vermont. I too, broke away from my daily routines and pace of life. The break allowed me to really remove myself from my routines. Now, I find getting back into my usual routines a chance to see them differently, to make subtle changes, to appreciate and embrace all that surrounds me. I find myself re-evaluating my life and making new goals, letting go of old ones and feeling refreshed and renewed with a new plan for my life.
Yesterday while at my gym a woman said to me, "You must be busy this time of year!?" She was referring to all the New Year's Resolutions that people make. She then said,"I should talk to you about my resolutions." She commented on seeing a group of women out running together that morning. She laughed as she also commented on wondering how long that resolution would last.
Resolutions do serve a purpose. They do get us thinking about making positive changes. But, resolutions, for most of us don't last. Why? Because resolutions are often too big. "This year I'm going to..." Well, after 6 weeks the idea is a faded memory, or you get bored, etc, etc. Resolutions also have no plan. How will you achieve it?
Instead of resolutions, set goals. Make them realistic. Break the goals down into monthly, weekly and daily goals. The small pieces help to create your plan. As the woman in the gym said to me, "You must be busy." Yes, busy in helping people get clear about what they want in their life, helping them to set realistic goals and developing the plan to achieve them. Nothing is more satisfying to me than seeing my clients make the changes in their lives, achieve what they want and have a smile on their faces.
I enjoyed a very relaxing time away with my family in Vermont. I too, broke away from my daily routines and pace of life. The break allowed me to really remove myself from my routines. Now, I find getting back into my usual routines a chance to see them differently, to make subtle changes, to appreciate and embrace all that surrounds me. I find myself re-evaluating my life and making new goals, letting go of old ones and feeling refreshed and renewed with a new plan for my life.
Yesterday while at my gym a woman said to me, "You must be busy this time of year!?" She was referring to all the New Year's Resolutions that people make. She then said,"I should talk to you about my resolutions." She commented on seeing a group of women out running together that morning. She laughed as she also commented on wondering how long that resolution would last.
Resolutions do serve a purpose. They do get us thinking about making positive changes. But, resolutions, for most of us don't last. Why? Because resolutions are often too big. "This year I'm going to..." Well, after 6 weeks the idea is a faded memory, or you get bored, etc, etc. Resolutions also have no plan. How will you achieve it?
Instead of resolutions, set goals. Make them realistic. Break the goals down into monthly, weekly and daily goals. The small pieces help to create your plan. As the woman in the gym said to me, "You must be busy." Yes, busy in helping people get clear about what they want in their life, helping them to set realistic goals and developing the plan to achieve them. Nothing is more satisfying to me than seeing my clients make the changes in their lives, achieve what they want and have a smile on their faces.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
New Life
An amazing thing happened to me on Tuesday. I became a grandmother!!
My daughter/step-daughter, gave birth to her first child, Dean.
The miracle of life! The miracle of labor, of the human body, of the immediate bond between Mom, Dad and child. The joy, the newness, the awe of it all. There's nothing like the birth of a child.
At a recent conference I attended in Montreal, we were treated to a Native American blessing. A song writer had put it to music and had the huge room of 2,000 people sing it in a round. The words and music brought tears to my eyes. It was a blessing I knew I'd want to bestow on Dean.
Here are the words:
When you were born you cried
And the world rejoiced
Live your life so that when you die
The world cries and you rejoice!
I truly believe that each of us have been put on this earth for a reason. We've all
been given great gifts. It's up to us to use them. Are you living your life so that when you die the world cries and you rejoice?
It's never too late to live your life differently, more fully and with meaning.
As I watched my daughter and son in law become parents...I saw them see new meaning for their lives. Our children stand for us to live our life so that when we die they cry and we rejoice.
My daughter/step-daughter, gave birth to her first child, Dean.
The miracle of life! The miracle of labor, of the human body, of the immediate bond between Mom, Dad and child. The joy, the newness, the awe of it all. There's nothing like the birth of a child.
At a recent conference I attended in Montreal, we were treated to a Native American blessing. A song writer had put it to music and had the huge room of 2,000 people sing it in a round. The words and music brought tears to my eyes. It was a blessing I knew I'd want to bestow on Dean.
Here are the words:
When you were born you cried
And the world rejoiced
Live your life so that when you die
The world cries and you rejoice!
I truly believe that each of us have been put on this earth for a reason. We've all
been given great gifts. It's up to us to use them. Are you living your life so that when you die the world cries and you rejoice?
It's never too late to live your life differently, more fully and with meaning.
As I watched my daughter and son in law become parents...I saw them see new meaning for their lives. Our children stand for us to live our life so that when we die they cry and we rejoice.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
