If you’re not careful, your thoughts will control your mood. I’ve been learning this lesson! This last week I’ve found myself impatient, rude and snappy. I know my mood is due to how I am handling my thoughts. Here’s a picture of the thought’s that have been swirling around in my mind.
“When should I call the bank and financial planner to set up appointments? I have to remember to dust the blinds sometime soon. At 3:30 Gavin has a lesson. What’s the best time for me to fit in writing? Should I exercise now or will I make time for it later tonight after my meeting? Will that leave me any time to spend with my husband? Tomorrow’s the last day of my work week. Will I have time to meet the business goals I have set for myself this week? Oh yeah, don’t forget to make tasty, healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner for the family.”
Try to squish that all in your head. Actually, I’m sure most of you do, daily! Lately I have been spending less time planning and more time living task to task. This is my natural personality shining through. I am naturally more spontaneous. It takes effort to balance kids, a business (which seems like twins!) and the rest of life!
Don’t look back. Move forward.
Do you dream of what life used to be like before you started your career? Do you relish the memories of free time enjoyed before kids? I’ve been there! But there is so much more to enjoy and savor now that I am who I am. As we take on more responsibility we can’t help but to change from the inside out. These responsibilities offer us opportunity to become more of the woman I am meant to be.
Less snappy, more happy.
I’ve been learning a few lessons that I thought would be helpful for you too. We all could use a hand balancing work and life. So here are a few of the many lessons I’ve been learning. Every day we have these lessons to be thankful for.
Lesson 1: Give Yourself A Break
Come on friends! Let’s face it. We are too hard on ourselves. We expect perfection. We expect we will be able to make time for all of our personal and business related goals-every day. Undoubtedly, you are amazing. Yet, you are also human. It may help you to lower your standards and personal expectations until you find the perfect balance for YOU. Aim lower and add new goals as time permits. When you are identifying the top three goals you want to meet next week, remember that life interrupts your plans, so account for that.
Lesson 2: Prioritize Your Thoughts
You need a guide in order to prioritize your thoughts. Use your top three values to help you identify which thoughts need your attention first. This step by step way of processing your thoughts will save you energy. You won’t be trying to manage all of them simultaneously. My top values are Health, Relationships (family, friends, God), Integrity. When I decide which thoughts support my top values I will pursue those first. This means I am dedicated to making time in my schedule to connect with God, family and business clients, time to excercise and eat well and time to think before I act.
Sometimes too much of a good thing is simply too much. I know that this doesn’t apply to everything! I believe there are some things that we are to enjoy in ample portions. When it comes to too much tv or too much volunteering, you may want to re-evaluate how you’re spending your time. Put your feet where your values are. When you line your actions up with your values you will have a satisfied heart.
Lesson 3: Talk About Your Feelings And Ask For Help
We often live so much of our lives in our own heads. There is so much power in the simple act of letting others into your personal space. This is a healthy boundary. On a side note, you want to choose the people wisely who you share your heart with! Speaking your heart and what’s causing you stress out loud is therapeutic in itself. If you’re the type of person who takes too many tasks on at the same time (ie. Moms and Health Care workers to name a few) I recommend asking for help. You’re not some martyr who will be rewarded for accomplishing everything herself. For all you men out there, I know you have a lot on your plates too. You work hard and have minds swirling with tasks that need your attention. Don’t think I’m forgetting you!
When others know your heart and needs they can help. If they don’t know, they can’t support you and can’t help.
These are three lessons of many I learn on a daily basis. What are some of the lessons you’ve been learning?
Go out and shine today!
Amy
