But what would happen
If the last 4 was late?
And how would it be
If one 2 was me?
Or if the first 4 was you
Divided by 2?
We’re all subject to criticism. I’ve not met a person who enjoys being criticized. It bruises our egos and sometimes it’s mean and not meant to help. When criticism is legitimate we can learn from it. We can use it change or improve. Only a foolish person discards all criticism without first weighing its validity. It’s good to enjoy a day being angry at the criticism. After the angry day, shake it off, and reflect on the criticism to see what can be learned from it.
Where are you living? Are you living in your hopes and dreams? Or, are you living in your fears and false limitations? You know where life is soaring and calling you. Shed your fears and false limitations as quickly as a snake sheds its skin.
Is it time to broaden your circle of contacts beyond work and friends? What about your neighbors, the folks who life next door or on the same floor? The more we connect with those near us, the more we lose our sense of isolation and develop a sense of connectivity. It’s emotionally and physically healthy to make connections. When we connect we have people to call on when we need a hand. We also have the opportunity to lend a helping hand. From a personal experience as a widower, it has made all the difference for me. I have great neighbors who have my back and I have their back as well.
Joe: “I’m depressed. I used to have a handle on life.”
Pete: “What happened.”
Joe: “My handle broke.”
Chill has several meanings. I’m using it in its informal sense meaning relaxed. The fast paced digital world creates a culture where news, real and false, streams non-stop at us. We face one crises after another with no power to influence the outcome. Maybe it’s time to chill. Take time off from the non-stop nonsense. Schedule time each day to chill. Find creative ways to do something fun with friends or your soul mate. You’ll discover the non-stop news will still be streaming. But you’ll be relaxed and in a good space and better able to decide what’s important to you and what’s not important to you.
Something as simple as taking a few deep breaths can transform your body and state of mind. Yet science shows it does. Deep breathing sends a message to your brain that has a calming effect. It can lower your heart rate and breathing rate, decrease your blood pressure, reduce muscle tension and help you feel less stressed overall – all essential for your health and well-being.
A Breathing Exercise to Try
Here’s an easy way to get started in just five minutes. If possible, try it out right now.
After doing this exercise, tune into yourself again. Do you notice any shift in how your mind and body feel?
“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.” ~ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
When my 5 daughters were young we had house rule, ‘share and share alike.’ We wanted to teach the girls that everyone deserves an equal piece of the pie or whatever was available. I still follow the rule. Sharing is a way bringing us closer. I’ve found there’s always enough to go around. Sharing is a form of love in action.
The calendar on my iPhone will remind me of an appointment. I’ll set a reminder on my digital assistant (Alexa) to remind me to buy a birthday gift. As much as we plan and organize our coming days, they remain a mystery. When we wake we step into the unknown. The day may hold great opportunities, challenges, or a combination of both. It takes courage to walk into the unknown filled with confidence and the belief that we are stronger than any challenge. And, with the hope that only good things will come our way. Keep your eyes and heart open for great opportunities. Your journey to date has prepared you to face and defeat any challenge you face.
