Tidbits of Wisdom to inspire your unique life journey – Jeanne Loehnis, Songs For Your Spirit, LLC
Bring to mind a situation, relationship, belief that both challenges you and that you are ready to experience shift around.
Got it? Now:
A recent post talked about choosing our daily activities with intention and re-choosing, or not, the activities in “today” that were planned “yesterday”. You can read more about this HERE.
Why do we put activities in our planners, “plan ahead”,
when we might not feel like it when they arrive?
Why not just wing it?
Beyond those activities that are date/time specific (i.e. the dentist appointment, kids’ sports, the networking event), I think we put tasks in our planners to save us from ourselves!
What? If you, like me, have big dreams and goals, major projects you would like to complete, you know that the steps along the way just might include those you can’t wait to do … and the rest. The rest includes the tasks that don’t light you up, that you aren’t sure you know how to do, that you perhaps really dislike doing. The rest need to be done, and often YOU need to do them.
Here is where the daily planner, the structure that some days you resent, is very helpful. We put tasks into the planner when we aren’t emotionally attached, we aren’t fully invested in the negative energy we will feel when it comes time to do them. That is a gift! Our planner, the structure, keeps us on track when it reminds us that now is the time.
What do we do when we don’t feel like doing it?
We pause. We notice the resistance within us. We call to mind and heart the bigger reason that this task is on the list. We vision the dream fulfilled, the project completed. Then we return to that recent post:
Simplicity … again: the Choice
We choose with intention if and how we will follow the structure and do today’s planned task. If your choice is “do it”, please schedule in time to celebrate!
What structure, what task, do you face today?
What purpose is behind it?
What if you complete it?
What if you don’t?
I suspect, like me, your day is filled with activities and interactions that were planned in the past. You chose them “then” yet here you are. Given the option, you might not have chosen them today!
The first and most important choice you make each day is this:
Will I follow through on today’s plan?
Sometimes, we need to respond NO. Perhaps illness or an urgent matter calls to us. Maybe we really need to change life direction and today’s plan no longer fits. If you are here with NO today, then make it a firm and powerful NO and set a new trajectory.
If, however, you responded YES, then make it a firm and powerful YES!
Whatever plan you are following, you have a second choice to make each and every day: How will I execute the day’s plan?
What energy will I bring to today’s moments?
With what spirit will I fulfill today’s commitments?
What will have me arrive at the pillow tonight
feeling fulfilled, grateful, whole, happy?
The Choice is Clear!
Bring to mind a situation, relationship, belief that both challenges you and that you are ready to experience shift around.
Got it? Now:
Earlier today, despite a great night’s sleep and an easy morning ahead, I noticed my attitude toward the day slipping. I was quickly losing joy, excitement, positivity and purpose. What was going on? I paused to notice physical discomfort, pain in my body. I have learned that pain takes me out of my game. Pain takes my thoughts to fear, to frustration that I can’t do everything I may want to do. Pain is one thing that takes me out of love and into fear, negativity and bondage.
What takes you out of your game?
When we are taken out, we have a choice to make. We can intervene and redirect – or not. I most often choose to intervene. How? By focusing on things, actions, thoughts, attitudes which are restorative and which lift my spirits. For me, those things include gratitude, delight, nature, experiencing timelessness, a short walk, meditation, play or calling to mind those I love or who love me.
What restores you and lifts your spirits?
Take the time to answer those questions. The next time you sense yourself riding the slippery slope out of your game, consult your lists.
What is taking me out?
What step am I able to take now to reverse the ride?
What will I choose?