One Balanced Life

As I watched the boats navigate the Straight of Juan De Fuca, climbed in the graveyard of huge trees on the shores of La Push, hiked in the Hoh Rain Forest, and as I now enjoy the beauty of the Oregon Coast, I wear the same old sweater. It is the item I could not live without in this amazing, chilly, rainy, breathtaking part of the country. It is the warm, comfy, snug in the right places – loose in the others, covers your butt sorta sweater (It even works well as a pj top). It reminds me of the some of the habits I wear so well. They fit perfect  and are my “go to” responses and actions when faced with stress, discomfort, fatigue, and boredom. Things like negative thinking, blaming, and well to be honest a gaggle of other ineffective ways of dealing with the crap life throws at me. But with the new scenery, I am playing with creating new ways of being, doing, and thinking. It is simple really - just trying on a new habit and wearing it until in fits as comfortably as the old one. And I trust the new way of being will eventually become my “go to” place. And now I am off to hike in my old sweater which I am feeling positive smells like the ocean and cedar!

What are some new habits you could try on?

(It was my intention to write up a nice little post about my three week odyssey to the Pacific Northwest but didn't get to it so in case you are wondering where I am mostly disconnected from electronics...except when I need a mocha.)

One of the downfalls of working at night is that I often come home a little to keyed up to go to bed. And so tonight instead of slipping into bed wide-awake I took a moment to sit outside, relax, and reflect. In the moment of stillness I immediately thought of my "favorite part" of today - a practice we do with the boys at mealtimes that is sometimes touching but usually ends up in "I am grateful for my sandwhich."

It was easy tonight to generate a gratitude list. I feel blessed...

• To bear witness to the power of women coming together to create change in their lives.
• To see the transformation in the people I work with and delight in their accomplishments.
• To smell the fresh lilacs in every room of the house.
• To feel the wind and the whisper of promise it brings.
• To listen to the laughter of my boys.
• To ride the current of my life and try not to fight it.
• To be...

Sometimes we all need a little kick in the pants to take action in our lives. A little accountability goes a long way in creating lasting change. While having coffee with a friend, we were discussing our desire to start the day earlier and lamenting the obstacles. It occurred to me we could support each other by holding each other accountable. So starting this morning we texted each other at 5:30. And no I didn't go back to sleep. It was one one of the most delicious starts of the day I've had in a few months...

• A run
• Some meditation
• A moment watching the drops of water fall from the trees
• A cup of coffee

Another wonderful lesson for me about the power of support and accountability. If you are in need of a little extra boost contact me about coaching or my wonderful morning mind and body boot-camp happening this weekend Saturday from 9-11:30.