More Yeses

Sometimes I feel anxious heading back to work after a 3 day weekend because it often brings lots of, "What did you do on your day off?"  I used to feel like the answer should be something exciting or unusual, or "in addition to" how weekends usually roll.

Sometimes long weekends are special... and that's good.  But more often than not lately, I am finding myself content with simply saying yes more often to what comes naturally.  What are those tried and true things that feed your soul?  Let's be Intentional about naming those things and allow them to find their way into our personal Rhythm.

YES to an extra long walk on my favorite trail; not to check exercise off the list, but simply to enjoy 60 degrees in February.  YES to lunch with my husband.  YES to making a huge batch of chili to freeze for when the March snow flies in Minnesota, because it will!

So when I have extra time, my YESES are walking outside, cooking, and being super present to my family.  What do you notice in your days that you'd like a little more of?  When you find yourself with a little extra time, allow yourself to go there.  Take a minute to intentionally know yourself well and allow YOUR RHYTHM to shine. You are invited to share in the comments.  Let's say More Yeses.

My Brain is Back!

I met with someone last night who had been practicing jotting down everything that had her attention....big things like planning a trip, and little things like getting that bag of clothes donated.  Close to the beginning of our session (just as we clinked out glasses of red together) she said, "It feels like I have my brain back!"  

Yep, that's the idea.  Get things out of your mind so you feel more relaxed and more present.

So have a place or two where you make note of everything.  Maybe you need a spot at home and a spot at work.  Or maybe you need a paper tool and and electronic tool.  Just keep jotting so your mind is clear.

Then, try finding a time each day when you review the things you've captured.  Make a cup of tea or snuggle up by a sunny window. Don't think for a moment that you're "wasting time."  The few minutes you spend getting your thoughts together for your day are money in the bank!

If there are things that must happen today, get those somewhere handy.  But honestly, very few things are absolute musts for today. Most everything  just needs to get organized in a way that it's ready when you need it.  When we make these big long lists, buy dog food gets mixed in with schedule my quarterly review with my supervisor.  No wonder it can feel scattered.

Instead, try making a separate page for each project or area. For example: make a page for all the things you normally bring when you go to the cabin.  Make another page for plans you're working on with your senior. Make another page for the tasks related to a presentation you have to give at work.  Then when you're heading to the cabin or having dinner with your teen, or in your office, just focus on that. 

Next up:

So you've got some things you need to do today.  You've got another big 'ole list of all the stuff that used to be rattling around in your brain.  And you've got those wishes or goals it sure would be nice to get to some day.  Let me show you how to feel a little movement in all those arenas.

Keep reading along, or Contact me to start a conversation about Your Intentional Rhythm.

Those girls can talk!!

My friend showed up to our meeting about 40 pages into David Allen's productivity classic, Getting Things Done.  As I listened to what was jumping out at her from the book, it became pretty clear to me that she needed a way to clarify and organize all the amazing things she was doing and the awesome ideas she has for what's next in her life.

For now she has decided to continue to use her existing calendar/journal.  On her "Today" list goes only the tasks that are absolute musts for today.  All the tasks that are "should, hope so, gotta get to" go somewhere else.  Those lists are called "Next" and "Someday."  Breathe.... we'll get there.

Remember.... This is not about being "organized."  This is about creating a way that you free your mind so you can lead to your heart.  We met for 2 hours and WOW, did we cover some ground!!

Next up:
Is it working to jot everything in one place?
Are you feeling more calm and free?
Now that you're capturing everything is one place, let's practice sorting it so you it makes sense to you and it's where you need it, when you need it.

I am beyond excited for my first meeting tonight.  I'm also nervous! Can I really synthesize and pass on the reading, thinking, planning, and trial and error that has convinced me over the years that an Intentional Rhythm is key to living our lives the way we desire?!

A good friend has agreed to be a guinea pig for my coaching.  She wants to begin by getting control of those pesky household "musts" and "shoulds" that grab her attention, so she can streamline and have more time for people she loves to be with and things she loves to do.

In prep for our meeting I asked her to do a brain dump. What are those household tasks that have your precious attention?  Get them out.  All of them!

Stay tuned for how it goes tonight when we try to clarify and organize her list.

How do you feel when you do a brain dump?

Feel free to work along with us, or contact me if you would like to schedule a coaching session tailored to your specific goals.