|
It's July 1, and almost a month since the last time I wrote Reflections. Although I have appreciated the release from deadline-related stress, I am also experiencing the pain of withdrawal. I miss the weekly connections. I miss sending a message into the universe, bouncing around with other minds and souls. I miss hearing back from you.
My reaction to this change confirms lessons I have learned from personal and coaching experience: habits exert a powerful force in our lives. Habits happen when behavior becomes automatic: when action is no longer encumbered by the moment of choice. Habits can serve us well, or not. They can be added, removed, or modified, but only with awareness and effort. I consider it important to acknowledge and review my habits from time to time. Are they taking me where I want to go?
Since the priority of creating more white space in life remains strong, I will continue to break from the habit of writing weekly Reflections. Because I also want to remain connected, I am trying something new: "re-runs."
With more than 100 issues of Reflections on file, I will pull one out each week, and post it again. In honor of season-specific themes, I will begin with July 2009 and continue through August of that year. It will be interesting to see what we were doing and thinking back then. Come September, I expect to start fresh with a re-energized weekly habit.
How about you? Do you have habits that deserve a makeover, maybe just for a few months? Instead of hiking the same hill every day, why not choose a different route on Thursday? If you work out alone most of the time, join a class or a club to explore the social experience. If coffee is your habit, how about trying herbal tea a few days a week? A mid-morning scone ritual could turn into grapes and cheese. Late to bed and rise? Check out the sunrise. Let us know how it works for you.
| 
