On a lighter note…
After the thank yous have been given. It’s all about the pie for me!
What’s your favorite type of pie?
Tag Archives | Fun!
Why Do We Resist What We Need Most?
Image by RoyaleScuderi via Flickr
We all need time away, to reflect, to restore…to rest. Why is it that when the opportunity presents itself we either obsess about it or push it out of our minds?
Personal confession: My husband and I have been planning a long weekend away for several months to celebrate our anniversary (and a bit of my birthday too since they are 5 days apart.) He missed both occasions last year (deployed to Afghanistan.)But for most of that time I stubbornly refused to research what activities we might wish to do, where we might like to eat, what I would need to bring and the arrangements that needed to be made (dogs, kids, etc.).
Why?
Perhaps it was because it was still in the future and I didn’t want to get excited too early. Perhaps it was too stressful thinking about arrangements and choices. Here’s another confession…I really hate making decisions…big or small…I hate them all. (We’ll dissect that another time.)
The truth.
I think that I was too darn busy and this was just one more item to add to my already burgeoning to-do list. How many of you feel that same way? C’mon be honest.
Planning your vacation turns out to be so stressful that you end up not enjoying it.
Thinking about upcoming celebrations puts you over the edge; gifts, food, invitations, shopping, too much to think about!– birthday parties, entertaining, Christmas…(Don’t even go there, I’m getting hives.)
You have a long weekend coming up so in preparation you work 10 hour days to get everything done and you’re too exhausted to enjoy your time away.
Or while you’re on your break away, you can’t stop thinking about everything you need to do at work, at home, when you get back and worse you’re annoyed by your inability to relax. (Wait…Maybe that’s just me?)
So, what can we do? How do we fix this?
I really don’t have the answer to this one. But here’s what I’m going to try:
I’m going to read some of my old posts on the importance of recharging, refueling, rest and relaxation…and try to take some of my own advice.
I’m going to remind myself that I am lucky to have a husband and partner that I truly enjoy spending time with and further that he and our relationship deserves my time and attention (more of taking my own coaching advice.)
I am going to take a deep breath and unplug… totally. I sense a bit of anxiety just writing that…must be social connection & technology withdrawal anticipation(might have to toss in a Facebook or Twitter mobile pic upload.) (I really must listen to my own coaching more often!)
Wish me luck! And if you have any advice to toss my way…please…feel free.
Labor Day – Doing Your Part
In honor of Labor Day I wanted to share what one group is doing to support those who make the lives and opportunities we all share possible. Remember that while many of us enjoy a holiday there are thousands of troops who do not get ANY holidays off.
All the branches of service have bands and choirs for musically talented troops. These groups are often viewed as an opportunity to promote the military and showcase talent. Air Force Staff Sgt. Chad Usher met up with one Airman who is taking this opportunity to another level…
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Angie Johnson and Sidewinder perform a cover of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Sidewinder is part of the 571st Air Force Band, 131st Bomb Wing, Air National Guard. They are deployed as the U.S. Air Forces Central Command Band…
Watch them perform “Rolling in the Deep.” Angie has some pipes!
Find out more…
Sidewinder on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SidewinderANGband
Use “Fun Goals” to Improve Productivity, Happiness and Success
Image via Wikipedia
Must all of your goals have a valid purpose, a tangible ROI, or contribute to your bottom line?
Well, usually…but not always.
Sometimes it’s OK just to do something, reach for something, achieve a goal, just…well… because it’s fun or because you always wanted to try it or maybe you just felt like it for no reason at all.
Go ahead. Choose some “Fun Goals.” It can be anything you want. As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone, who cares? Don’t just think outside the box, step right up on top of the “box” and look around at everything else that’s going on in the world.
Maybe you want to learn how to be a gourmet chef or dance the Tango? You always wanted to learn to juggle or play chess. Why not?
My first “Fun Goal” was not as imaginative or mind-altering as all that, but I’m new at this. I’m a reforming rule follower and rigid planning devotee, so I understand how hard it can be for us to justify time spent on something that doesn’t serve some kind of purpose or isn’t contributing to our productivity or success.
If you’re curious about what I chose, you can follow along on my other blog. I just had a thought one morning that I’d like to beat “The Colonel” in an upcoming race and decided to pursue it. Why? I have no idea. Not because I need to lose weight or to improve my health or get more money or success…just for fun.
Next, I think I want to learn about rocks. Yes, rocks. Quartz, moonstone, jasper, you get the picture. All those colors, all those shapes and textures. I’m curious. Just curious and that’s enough of a reason for me.
What will your “Fun Goal” be?
*Hint – If your reason is, “Just because,” then you are on the right path.
If you need help, you know where to find me…
20 Strategies to Recharge and Refocus to Increase Your Productivity
Did you know that taking time to rest and recharge are possibly the most valuable productivity and success strategies you can practice?
What do you do to recharge and boost your energy and focus?
Here are some suggestions on steps you can take to restore your energy and revitalize your focus in no particular order. Choose one or several and practice them this week:
- Meditate – start with a few minutes and work your way up to whatever is comfortable for you
- Take a walk out in nature – try a park, the woods or near the water
- Spend time with friends – share, connect and receive and offer support
- Read a book that inspires you or stretches your imagination
- Get active – go running, cycling, swimming, tennis, golf
- Do yoga or Pilates – a regular practice helps both body and mind
- Practice Pranayama breathing – or try another kind of deep breathing practice
- Get more sleep – take a nap or go to bed early one night per week
- Drink lots of pure water and eat really fresh food – try a visit to the local farmer’s market
- Take in some culture – attend the theatre to watch a performance or a symphony
- Get outside – take pictures, draw or just sit and soak in the beauty of nature
- Have fun – play games, tell jokes
- Treat yourself to your favorite indulgence – a fine glass of wine, a soothing cup of tea, a delicious coffee creation, a scrumptious bakery delight
- Do something thrilling – cliff diving, bungee jumping, hang gliding, sky diving
- Get some “bodywork” – schedule a massage, facial, Reiki, reflexology treatment or acupuncture
- Learn a new sport or activity – try dance lessons, rock climbing, quilting, scrap-booking, bird-watching; the possibilities are endless
- Spend some time in solitude
- Listen to music – whatever kind appeals to you. Rock music can be relaxing and energizing for some and classical tunes can be an energy booster
- Dance – Just get up and let yourself go
- Brain dump – Get everything out of your head and turn off the worry machine
Vacation Reminds Us of What’s Really Important
Vacation is a good time to reflect on what really matters in your life and how you want to spend your time on this earth.
“Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing.” -Jim Rohn
Family
Love
Meet Royale
Freelance writer & Life Success guide. I write about a broad range of topics and serve as your guide to the fullness of life. Read more...
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