One Balanced Life

I tend to go on and on about power of writing it down. Whether it is feelings, thoughts, dreams, action steps, etc. - our writing it down gets it out! We can release what we need to release, gain clarity, and bring attention to what we want and need to live fuller more satisfying lives. I won't get to woo-woo here - but believe this to be one of the most simple effecttive practices you can incorporate into your life. It is a powerful tool in supporting your journey to create the life you desire.

I learned about the practice of Birthday Lists on one of my favorite blogs, your write one thing down for every year of your life that you would like to have happen in your life. So for instance, I turned 38 in June and my list this year has 38 items. I've been doing this for several years and laugh come July when at the things I completed that I thought were "out there." Last year I wrote I wanted a new camera and within days made it happen. This year I wrote I wanted to compete (or complete) in a triathlon - and I've signed up. I also wanted a halter top and that is done too. Some things will take a little longer - like creating more consistency in my life - but I have a year!

Consider creating a list for yourself - there is something inspiring that each year as I grow older I get to do more, be more, learn more. Have fun with it.

PS I should have also put on my list - take swim lessons!

I just returned from a three week adventure with my family in the Pacific Northwest. One of the greatest lesson I walk away with when I travel with little ones is about the power of letting go and embracing an attitude of adventure. A relaxing of my expectations and my needs for a schedule served me amazingly well on this trip. If you want to explore how to do this a little more I encourage you to attend one of my (and the amazing Julie Kesti's) summer retreats. We will focus on creating an attitude of playful fearlessness, embracing adventure, and challenging you to rethink you "busyies" (totally made up word I have no idea how to spell). And as usual there will be wonderful massage and yummy food.  Contact me to sign up.

June 27 10-4
August 22 10-4

PS The pic is of one of boys, at Pikes Market, who insisted on carrying the bundle the weighed as much as he did! And

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.)

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.

It is amazing how easy it is to fall into old patterns. I spent the weekend slowing down at a retreat. It was wonderful...nurturing food and company, time for reflection and clarification on the direction I want to move in. When the weekend came to an end and I was entering the airport my traveling companion said "whoa you need to slow down, you are moving so much faster." I laughed as I knew it to be true. I felt the press of my life and the movement around me and fell right back in. So this week I'm waking slowly, even if involves a tangle of little limbs and demands for breakfast.

I encourage you to slow down this week and if you want a little inspiration to do so contact me about my renewal retreat this weekend (we have a few spots open still), where you will have the opportunity to hit the pause button, reflect, eat some yummy food, and get a massage!

Sometimes we need a little shake-up, especially after a winter that seemed quite long. This week I've tried to mix it up a little. Finding myself bored with my exercise routine, on Monday I went to dance class instead of lacing up the shoes. On Tuesday, instead of the usual bedtime routine with the kids, we put their PJ's on covered them with a sleeping bag and let them fall asleep in the stroller while we walked. It was wonderful to get some connection and exercise time in. Join me in making March the month where you "Do it Different."

Would love to hear your stories!

Lately I've been feeling a bit like a frayed wire–a live one too! If you get too close to me you are likely to get shocked, which unfortunately my family has experienced as of late. When I end up here–this place of tension and anxiety, of butterflies and heart palpitations–I am now able to recognize the feeling for what it is...a call to action. This haywire feeling is a result of something in my life being out of alignment. Sometimes the answer and action are simple–attending to my physical space or physical being–and sometimes it is more complicated. Perhaps I am doing something that doesn't align with my purpose or values, or spending time with people or on activities that drain my energy. And then sometimes the answer is more elusive. Something has shifted on a fundamental level and I need to go deeper to explore and to respond with intention. So I get quiet, meditate, and sit with the discomfort. I know my path will be illuminated as long as I give in, let go, and wait patiently.

Somehow I've given off the impression that I am a highly-organized person and with some tasks I am. With others, my husband would surely say not so much!  I tend to be spontaneous so I always have to a have a little flexibility. I am slightly envious of those people who follow the same routine on a regular basis (i.e. the gym on M, W, F and date night on Saturday). I am more of a "wake up in the morning and see how I feel" kinda person. But owning my own business and becoming a mother have forced me to approach life a little differently. I've need to adapt and become more structured. Becoming organized has been about creating systems that support my lifestyle and personality.

I've been asked a few times recently about what system I use to manage email and my response is none! It is the one of the areas I feel overwhelmed by but since it has come up and since I recently blew of a request for a meeting I've decided to address it. It occurred to me after a group last night, where we focused on present moment awareness, that my issue is really about failing to be present. I tend to bring my computer down from my office, plop it on the kitchen counter and begin multitasking...pouring cereal, checking email, wiping faces, and getting out the door. And well we all know how this story ends - responses that don't get sent, ones that are forgotten about, and ones sent without being proofed (gasp)!

So my NEW (simple) system is to leave my computer in my office and only check emails when I can be fully present to address them.

I'll let you know how it goes and hope it helps some of you who were looking for some help!