It seems to me in all of the chaos and meaningless words that are being thrown around in the “current” right now, that it’s up to us to choose. To choose what we focus on and where we put our time and attention. We can focus on the beauty of nature, the warmth of the sun on our skin, the smell of the fresh cut grass, the taste of a really good ice cream cone.
We can choose where to put our attention which will directly affect and enhance the quality of Our Lives. It’s not just a question of “is the glass half-full or half-empty?”. It is a question of noticing that there is a glass, that there is something in it, and choosing how we feel about that. That is how you get the most value, the most “Dollars per Minute™“; or “Quality per Minute“, or “Joy per Minute“. Here’s wishing you the “Most per Minute“… always.
I’m sure you’ve noticed that every other ad on television this week, is for what “Men can give” and “Women can get” for Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s for “chocolate diamonds”, flowers, candy or even a new car, February 14th has become a set up for potential failure and disappointment from all sides.
How about a new perspective for Valentine’s day, and hopefully it will take any possible disappointment out of this “Retail created holiday”.
First, instead of waiting for an outward demonstration of love, come to this Valentine’s Day FROM love. Ask yourself, how can I come from love today? How can I show everyone I care about the loving energy that is inherent in my being? Show up from a place of love.
Next, an amazing “gift of love”, can be to tell anyone in your personal circle, what having them in your world brings to you. You can even make a card and show them in words and pictures what they mean to you.
And finally, what ever happens on Tuesday, February 14th, understand that ANYTHING, however big or small, is a gesture of love. Any disappointment you may experience is only your thoughts around what has occurred and not what actually occurred. You can give yourself the gift of love, by stopping for a moment and asking the question, how do I bring love to this situation? You’ll be amazed at how love shows up. Happy Valentine’s Day!♥
Superbowl 51 was historic. It was the first Superbowl in history to go into overtime. And it was one of the biggest “come from behind” stories ever. As I watched the second half of the game through the final minutes, I realized that this game contains lessons we can all use. Here they are… enjoy.
1. It’s not over till it’s over. Never count yourself out even if you think you can’t win. Keep trying by doing what you do.
2. Next, do what you do well. You are there because you earned the right to be there.
3. Don’t take for granted how things are at one moment. Keep playing. No matter what happens. You never know how the tide can turn by one comment or anothers misstep.
4. Trust your experience. If you have a team that knows each other well and knows each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Always play to the strengths. If you have a product that has succeeded for other customers in the past, lean on that experience.
5. Win with dignity and lose graciously because there’s always next year…or the next sale.
6. Finally, take a break in the middle for some glitter, fun, and entertainment. Everyone loves to enjoy themselves, and if you can create some joy in their world, they might just want to do business with you… again.
As another year comes to a close, another trip around the Sun
We look back at all we intended to happen and everything we got done
The new friends we made and the lessons we learned and even our losses and wins
And we can put them where they belong, in the past, and look toward how this next year begins
Now going forward we have the choice to make, as to how we want to react
Do we react from Fear or take action from Love for the greatest amount of impact
So I wish you peace and love and joy as we get “2017ing”
May your moments be great and your memories be warm, as you create a year rich with meaning.
-by Carolyn Strauss
The Holidays are here again. Can you believe it? December already. The weather is turning cold, and it seems that everyone is getting ready to wind down 2016 pretty soon. Too soon for me. Here are a few ideas to keep us from allowing the hectic pace and people’s “peopling”to trigger us to react with stress, anger and frustration.
Here are 3 tips to not get triggered and enjoy your holidays.
Understand that events are neutral. People are neutral. Nothing has meaning… good or bad until we superimpose our meaning onto it. So when you feel triggered, take a breath and realize that what is happening has no meaning… and then choose to give it the meaning that will serve YOU. If something is horribly triggering, breathe and find a way to separate yourself from it for a few minutes to give yourself perspective.
People are constantly “peopling”. What is that? It is that people with all of their personality components, their life situations and their history bring that into the room with them. Understand that you do not have to take it on. Any of it. Even with family, you can choose to objectively look at the behavior and language that is coming at you, and stand back, observe and then choose to engage or not. My Dad always said, you NEVER go wrong keeping your mouth shut.
And…. you can choose to or not to engage in the holiday ritual of shopping, and gift giving. If you have enough “stuff”, as I do, you can make the request of family and friends and co-workers, to make a small donation to a charity of your/ their choice. You can also ask someone to be specific as to what would be the best gift for them if they were to get a gift from you. Then you can choose consciously to create a holiday season that works for everyone.
Should you like to give the gift of coaching or voice dialogue facilitation to someone in your life or your organization, feel free to reach out to me and we can get it scheduled. My gift to you is that I’m here to help whenever you feel it will be a benefit, a joy or a gift.
I hope to speak for your organization or see you at an event in 2017.
With Peace and Blessings for a beautiful holiday season. – Carolyn
“It’s Halloween again the time of year that’s filled with candy and strangers
It’s a time to be “fake” scared from creepy ghouls, zombies and other dangers.
As for costumes some are creative and designed and expertly made by hand
And for others going to the store to choose creates huge retail demand
For queens and ghostbusters and storm troupers and politicos, the choices this year have no end
You can use Halloween as this month’s intention to spend an evening with friends.
So it’s time to go out and enjoy a wonderful weekend of tricks or treats
Remember it’s okay once in awhile to indulge in handful of sweets.”
Happy Halloween Everyone. By Carolyn Strauss (your friendly neighborhood witch)
