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Change is easy when you have the right help . . .
Balancing Act - Part Two
Seven SECRETS to a Balanced LifeWe all know that balance doesn't just happen. It takes effort. It takes concentration. It takes focus. Too often we find ourselves wishing for peace and balance but not really knowing how to attain it. Furthermore, knowing how and doing it are two very different things. These SECRETS for finding and maintaining a balanced life will help you to learn how start setting up your life to support success and peace.
S - SIMPLIFY: Do a mental inventory of all the things you did over the past three days. How many of those things were necessary or rewarding? I know laundry is not rewarding but it is necessary. How about the coffee date with your grouchy neighbor. Was that necessary? Probably not? Was it rewarding? I'm guessing 'no'. Can you eliminate those types of obligations to allow yourself to make space for simplicity? When you simplify your life you are freeing up time and energy that can be used for enjoyable, fulfilling activities.
E - EFFORT: As I said earlier, a balanced life takes work. But in order to live a great life you have to define what that means to you first. Take some time today to re-evaluate your goals and ask yourself what adjustments you need to make to create your ideal life. Making those conscious choices, not matter how hard they are will help you to create balance with more ease. This may mean changing spending habits so that you can take more family vacations. Or perhaps you need to drop a couple of the kids activities so that you can eat dinner together more often.
C - CREATE PRIORITIES: Once you've defined your goals you can clearly recognize your priorities. If the choices you're making do not match your priorities, you'll be able to recongnize them as obstacles that need to be removed. Too often we operate reactively, just dealing with the fires in front of us. What happens then is that we're too tired to do the things that are important to us, leaving us feeling guilty and unhappy. Which sets in motion a cycle of negativity that depletes our reserves even further. When we intentionally choose where we focus our time and energy we are working pro-actively to create a balanced, rewarding life. Truly, it is a choice - not an easy one - but a choice none the less. So rather than give our power up to the chaos God's why not choose to create the life you want?
R - RESERVES: A balanced life is the result of having reserves - reserve of time, space, energy, money, love. Reserves are important because they reduce the fear of consequences and allow you to make decisions based on your priorities rather than what fear decides for you. Again, this takes effort. Creating reserves in your bank account, for example, may mean choosing not to buy the new patio furniture and, instead, place that money in the bank for the future. It also may mean turning down a promotion because it will require you to work an additional 20 hours a week. These are tough choices, but if you know what you want - and what you don't want - you can make them with a clear head.
E- ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS: Learning how to free up your mental energy for things that are important to you allows you to remain focused and energized. We are surrounded by distractions everywhere. TV's, computers, Blackberry's, IPOD's, just to name a few. How often do you take the time to sit quietly and still your mind? This is so important because it is these moments when you can get in touch with what matters to you. We all know that meditation is a wonderful way to tap into your inner voice, but people often see it as one more thing to do and end up avoiding it because they thnk it "doesn't work". Take the pressure off yourself and just carve out 10 minutes of quiet time. Lay on the bed, sit it a chair and look out the window, or go outside on the patio and enjoy the backyard. It is so important to take the time to recharge without the distractions of the world.
T - THOUGHTS: By now, most of you have heard of the book (and movie) called "The Secret". In this book they state that "What you think, you create". Whether you believe this theory or not, the fact is that it doesn't cost anything to think positively and productively. Believing that you can achieve a balanced life will give you the confidence to attain it. Believing that every problem has a solution gives you the motivation to continue seeking new ways to solve it. Tune into your inner voice. Are you unknowingly sabotaging your goals with negative thoughts? If so, try placing cue cards around the house with your new thoughts and beliefs. Say them to yourself repeatedly until they feel natural to you.
S -START: If not now, when? Even if you don't know where to start, taking any action will get you where you want to be. Many people don't take action for fear of making the wrong decision, but even the wrong decision is the right direction because you receive feedback that clarifies the right way to move the next time. Remember that every change starts with a first step. Decide where to take action and start TODAY.
A balanced life is wonderful thing. I truly believe that it doesn't have to be hard if you just know where to find the right help. I can help guide you through the process and teach you the skills to enable you to live the life you want to live. Don't wait until tomorrow. Call me today so we can create your ideal life. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Live well,
Karen Mavrikos
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Ok To Be You | P.O. Box 1875 | Scottsdale | AZ | 85259
Karen Mavrikos has a Masters Degree in Counseling and more than a decade of experience working with adults and children dealing with challenges in their lives. She has turned those skills from helping people in crisis, to guiding women who want more from an already good life.
OK 2 Be You
When you need someone who listens and understandsKaren Mavrikos M.C.
Professional Life Coach (602) 625-2080 Karen@ok2beyou.com
Professional Life Coach (602) 625-2080 Karen@ok2beyou.com
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