Issue No. 37
January 2012
Write Yourself A Letter
 
Dear Friends of Balancing Act,
Age of Miracles Book Cover  
Here we are, several weeks in from the New Year. Just possibly, it is beginning to look like the old year.

Maybe you've missed a few of those promised trips to the gym. Maybe that chocolate mud slide cake was just too tempting.

If this is ringing a bell, maybe it's time to write a self-compassion letter (instructions below) and give yourself a hug. It's an idea that's working well with my coaching clients.

Besides forgiving yourself, you can take some simple steps to move forward in a positive way.:
  • Get moving right in your office to stay in shape.  
  • Stop that junk mail forever.
  • Put a new face on your to-do list.   
Read on to get 2012 back on track!


                                            Pat  

 
Sit write down and write yourself a letter

LetterRemember that old song?  Well, writing yourself a letter may be just what you need, according to the VIA Institute on Character in Cincinnati.

If you're upset with yourself or have experienced a disturbing event, try writing a one-paragraph letter in the first person to yourself as if you were writing compassionately to a friend.

There's no right or wrong way to write the letter, but the recommendation is to be warm and understanding to yourself about the distress.  VIA says the exercise has been shown to boost happiness for six months and lower depression for three.

The VIA Institute is a non-profit established as a collaborative effort of Martin E.P. Seligman and Neal Meyerson, to further the science of positive psychology through VIA Inventory of Strengths testing. Individuals can learn more and take the VIA inventory online at no charge or receive an in-depth analysis for a $20 fee.


Make Your Office A Gym
Who among us has not missed that trip to the gym?

Take heart. There's a lot you can do right at the office if you put your mind to it. And you can do it right while you're working.

To see your office in a new way, with some peppy music too, check out this video aired by NPR. Soon, you'll be multi-tasking in a good  way. 
Enter...the new-look to-do list

to-do list Checking things off a to-do list is so powerful that sometimes it's worth it to add an already completed task, just to check it off!

No need to stick to pencil and paper, though. Technology has entered the scene and spiffed things up.

Click here for an amazing summary of to-do opportunities, courtesy of the Wall Street Journal





Copyright 2011 Pat Snyder 
In This Issue
Write Yourself A Letter
Make Your Office A Gym
New To-Do List
Quick Links
JUNK MAIL
BE GONE!!!  
junk mail

An easy spot to start simplifying your life is with junk mail.

 

One way is to drop it in the recycle bin before it ever hits the house.

 

Another is to keep it from ever reaching your mailbox.

 

To stop junk mail in its tracks, you can go to the Catalog Choice website, enter information from unwanted catalogs, fliers, and offers before you ditch them, and stop the madness.

 

Just think of the trees you'll save!  If all de-cluttering were only this easy.      

       

         

LEASH LAW

NO. 37:

GO WITH THE FLOW 

              

horizontal leashed dog

 

There's a lot of truth to the premise that what happens to us is not as important as how we react to it. Whatever your horoscope reading du jour, life will be more balanced if you leave room for surprises, creativity and the possibility of changing your mind. When strong winds come, the branch that bends does not break.   

 

This is one of 74 leash laws offered in Pat's book, The Dog Ate My Planner: Tales and Tips from an Overbooked Life. 

    

         

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