|
What an amazing day! I never thought that in the
middle of November I would be sitting on the deck
writing this newsletter. I also never expected I would
be watering small trees and shrubs this time of year
either.
The trees have lost their leaves and
the grass is brown, but now I can see the bird nests in
the trees. It's like life, we see different things at
different times, whether it is in a day or a year. Some
of our days are outstanding and some are just so-so.
Sometimes we enjoy our kids, our partner, our
friends. Then the next day they drive us crazy. But on a
day like today, it's all good.
Now for Advice
from a Hummingbird
- Sip the Sweet Memories
- Let Your True Colors Glow
- Be a Nectar Collector
- Don't Get Your Feathers Ruffled Over the Little
Things
- Some Days are Just a Humdinger
- Just Wing It!
- Keep Your Visits Short and Sweet
Have a great week.
|
|
|
Lessons From a Hummingbird.
Let your dreams float.
Outside of our sunroom windows, we have some
plants that have small orange flowers shaped like
bells. I have no idea what they are called, but I do
know the hummingbirds love them. I sit quietly and
watch them, amazed at their beauty and
grace. Then they disappear.
Did you know
that hummingbirds are
found only in the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del
Fuego? Their wings beat 15-80 beats per
second. And their heartbeat is 1260 beats per
minute. A Ruby-throated hummingbird can fly over
500 miles during migration.
Legends say that
hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for
love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird's delicate
grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is
everywhere, every personal connection has meaning
and that laughter is life's sweet creation.
Our
hopes and dreams are just as beautiful and amazing
as the hummingbird. Nurture your dreams, grow
them,
and let them float free of time. Follow them wherever
they lead you. You may lose track of your dreams, but
don't worry. Like the hummingbird, they will come
back to you. And with them, the sweet laughter of life.
|
|
|
|
|
Be Passionate.
Don't just watch the telephone poles go by.
I remember as a kid taking road trips to the Door
Peninsula in Wisconsin. I loved it when we got there,
playing all day, fishing with my grandfather, watching
the ferry go by. But the trip was long and I would get
bored and just watch the telephone poles go
by.
Have you ever met people that just
seem to watch the telephone poles go by in their life?
They just go about their day doing the same thing, just
waiting for life to go by and never really seem to be
enjoying life.
What a waste! Life is too
precious to lack passion. I am passionate about what
I do, about writing this newsletter, about my family, my
friends. I want as much as I can get from life. I want to
savor each moment. I don't always do it, but I try. I try
to savor moments like a glass of fine wine or a
wonderful dark chocolate.
Friday night I was
bringing Malaika home from youth group at church.
The moon was full and huge over the horizon. Malaika
was delighted as we were driving on South Boulder
Road and she could watch the moon, commenting on
how much she could see of the moon's features.
Then we turned into our subdivision and the
moon "disappeared" only to reappear over the
neighbor's house.
That drive home was a
moment to savor, a moment of wonder for a 12 year
old. Malaika was absolutely passionate about the
moon. I started to think about that passion she had for
the moon. True it was just for a few minutes, but she
has many of those experiences in her life everyday.
She lives in the moment, savoring each one with
passion. She is teaching me that life is more than
watching the telephone poles go by.
I wish
you passion in your life. Don't just watch the
telephone poles go by.
|
|
|
|
|
Success Begins Every Morning.
It takes action.
This week I had lunch with a very successful business
woman. She had come in for a PSYCH-K session
and wanted me to know how the session had affected
her. She was very excited at some things that had
happened. She told me she had always visualized
herself in the position she wanted but never visualized
herself doing the work! What an amazing statement.
Our dreams only come true if we work for
them.
Success begins in the morning. We
plan our day and get things done or we will never
accomplish what we want and feel good about our
day. My day starts are 5:00 am with prayer and
meditation.
Then it's time to get going, get out of the house and
over to the Rec Center. Then I start the work of the
day. That's where my priorities are and what works for
me. I do take an occasional day to sleep in, but for
the most part I stick to the schedule. This may not
work for you, but you can find your own way to start
your
day that's best for you.
If you want to achieve
you must seize the day, organize your schedule and
then decide what you will accomplish each day. Yes,
house-cleaning and ironing counts. So does taking
care of your family. Your time is important and some
things must get done. As if I don't have enough to do,
I agreed to be the chair of the Search Committee at my
church. Last night I had (I don't like to use that word
unless there is no choice) to go over some
documents and make some corrections. Malaika was
into Three Dog Night and making pumpkin bread. I
turned her over to Dad, closed the door and got done
what needed to be done.
Here are four suggestions to help you
achieve:
1. Plan your day. Some people plan the night before,
others do it first thing in the morning, but plan your day!
Consult your calendar, review your goals, and decide
in advance what you will accomplish each
day.
2. Use a system. Whether you use a "to do list" or
some other tool, have a system to keep you on track
all day long. There will be distractions--count on it--
and you'll need a system that automatically pulls you
back on track.
3. Start strong. A routine is a HUGE part of starting the
day with momentum and passion. You may be a night
owl and not get up as early as I do. Develop
your own rituals, but have a pattern that empowers
and gets you started!
4. Celebrate victories! It's vital to acknowledge each
accomplishment through the day. When you
accomplish something you have been working on
celebrate, pause to smile, maybe do a fist-pump, or
even a little happy dance! Celebrations give us energy
and confidence. Celebrate what you have
accomplished.
There will always be days when no matter what you
will not accomplish what you wanted to do. That's
okay because in the long run, over time, if you
are responsible for your personal productivity and
planning you can and will achieve your goals.
|
|
Grace and Peace,
|
|