Perfect Madness

I've been reading a book titled "Perfect Madness", motherhood in the age of anxiety. This book has had a big impact on me. Its helped me see more clearly why it is so challenging to lead a balanced life as a mother in this culture. I now have more perspective on the how and why of my parenting style and insight into what I can do to support change. It's a good read with a mix of facts and stories. If you are looking for a new book, give it a try.

I also wanted to let you know that I will be on a rivertrip for the next 10 days. I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to be in nature and have lots of "being" time. I look forward to sharing my experience when I return. I'll leave you with a quote I find inspiring:
"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world."
Robert Louis Stevenson.

Appreciation

I had an amazing session with my coach this week. She shared her appreciation for all of the positive things I have done to expand my business. I can’t explain how great it felt to be validated for all of my hard work. The most amazing part was that I was able to take it in completely, to soak up all those positive words about me.
For the last two years every night before I fall asleep I ask myself “ what are you grateful for today.” My gratefulness can range from a beautiful smile or laugh from my children to having had a great day hiking or skiing and everything in between.
I have added appreciations of others and myself to my nightly gratefulness ritual and it has altered my view of the day.
My appreciation for the day goes to all of you who have found some value in what I am sharing and believe in me. Thank you!!!!

From Selfish to Self-Care

I’m giving a presentation on self-care next week. I find it such a great topic and yet it’s challenging for people to GET the importance of it. For many women to take care of themselves feels selfish. However, what I’ve found is if you don’t do great self-care you aren’t your best self.

Here’s an example; when my children get home from school and I haven’t taken time for myself I find it easier to be irritable and less connected. When I take fifteen minutes prior to there arrival to nap, have a cup of tea or simply be, I find myself much more willing and able to focus on their needs and the connection feels warm and whole.

How do we switch the mentality from selfish to self-care? Step one is to simply notice. Pick a couple of days this week to be very conscious of how you are feeling. When you are feeling irritable, overwhelmed, angry, tired… simply ask yourself, “Would it be selfish or would it be great self-care to do something kind for myself in this moment?”
If you choose to take this on I would love to hear your comments on what you noticed.
Have a week filled with inspiring moments!
Best,
Carol

How to get started

How do we start to make positive changes in our lives? The more I work with clients the clearer I get on this topic. The first and most important step to making changes is to take some time to figure out exactly where you are before you begin. Take time this week and pick one area of your life you want to give more attention to.

For example if you are wanting to increase the amount of time you exercise you would spend this week paying attention to how much you are doing now, what gets in the way of doing it, what do you enjoy most in your routine, what is the underlying commitment... you get the idea. Take notes, have fun just noticing.

At the end of the week you have some concrete information. You now have more clarity about where you are in this area of your life and that makes it much easier to plan for where you want to go. Take some time to check in with yourself about what your long term goals are. Now set a couple of goals for next week. I encourage you to set small attainable goals and pay attention to the shifts that are occurring by you consciously choosing to move forward.
Have fun and remember its the journey not the destination!!
Appreciate yourself.