Reorganizing & Getting Rid of the Excess!

The Trek Continues….

Unpacking My Backpack!

Even though I haven’t necessarily had a clear destination in mind I have been lugging around a heavy backpack (my weight and all the issues that surround it) for a very long time. I have just assumed that I needed everything in there, and in a way I have. Each of the items served its own unique purpose and fulfilled some need, but now that I am headed in a different direction I definitely need to “lighten the load!” and get rid of the things that no longer serve me.

In case you haven’t noticed, I am BIG on metaphors!! I believe that metaphors allow us to take a pretty HEAVY situation and look at it without the same attachment we get when using “normal” words and description. So, in case you haven’t made the connections yet – the “trek” is that unbeaten path I am embarking on to live a lighter life – physically and mentally. The Backpack is representative of the weight I have been carrying around and the contents of the pack are all the things, feelings, hang-ups, and “stuff” that are making my backpack cumbersome and contributing to me being ill-prepared for this trek.

So, first things first – re-organize the pack!

Unpacking has been quite a task. No doubt I will find hidden pockets with additional things tucked away in them throughout my trek. Here are some of the interesting things I found, both hiding and in plain sight, in my backpack:

Ankle weights – really, are these necessary when backpacking? These are all the reasons (stories I told myself) why I didn’t think I had the stamina or willpower to change my life. I think I will ditch these for some good hiking boots…

Ear plugs – for those loud nights in the wilderness?? These were quite useful in tuning out my body. I think I will leave them behind too… it is amazing what you can hear when there is nothing to listen to but yourself.

Rolodex – huh!? I am sure I will not need that where I am headed! This is my old “everybody,” the people who I thought were important. I hadn’t talked to some of them in years…. others I had never even met, and even more amazing, some of them I really didn’t like at all! Imagine that!? Truly significant people aren’t in a rolodex! I will definitely be packing a new “everybody.”

Hairdryer – not a good use of space. This unnecessary appliance is a good example of packing things we think will be useful, but turn out to just be extra weight! This represents the unhelpful and useless thoughts I have including, “I hate my body,” “what is wrong with me?” and even “If I could lose weight everything else would be better.” These are nothing but a waste of good space. I am ditching the hairdryer for a more constructive tool!

Next time, I will begin to pack the bag. I am sure I will have to stop for supplies along the way. In the meantime, I invite you to consider what you are carrying around that isn’t serving you. It doesn’t matter where you are going; you probably have more baggage than is necessary.

Ask yourself the following questions to lighten your load:

What are the stories you tell yourself that weigh you down like ankle weights? (Ex: “I am not worth it.” “I can’t succeed.” “No one loves me.” “I must be perfect.” etc.)

Are you really listening to your body or are you wearing ear plugs to tune out its messages? Notice what you feel and when you feel it. When we become numb to our emotions our bodies continue to send messages to us… take some time to listen. You may hear something that will change your life!

Who are the people you consider important? Is it time to create a new rolodex? If any of the people who make up your “everybody” are hurtful rather than helpful they should be replaced. You are beautiful, intelligent and creative and you believed this until somebody (your “everybody”) taught you otherwise. Replace your limiting “everybody” with those who see you as you really are.

Finally, what unhelpful comments or thoughts are you repeating to yourself? They don’t help! They take up space – and space is limited! Putting yourself down and beating yourself up are not going to inspire or motivate you. Instead, they will weigh you down and trip you up. Are you willing to get rid of one unhelpful thought?

If you are interested in individual or group coaching please contact me at spasister@comcast.net or 253-514-6197.

Until next time,
xoxoHannah

My Trek to JOY and a LIGHTER life!

Welcome to the first leg of my trek!

Well, actually I haven't started the TREK just yet, I am still in the planning and preparing stages. My experience (camping trips without the propane, car trips without the map, hikes without the water) tells me that preparing is the most important part of the trip!

Before I share my preparations let me answer a few questions all five of you are dying to know the answers to!



1) Where are you going? I am going to a peaceful place where there is lots of joy to be had. In this place I am lighter - both literally and figuratively. One could call this my weight loss voyage, but I will try not to get too caught up in the weight loss part of it, because it really is SO MUCH MORE! Or at least I hope it is!



2) Why a TREK and not a journey? I think "journey" is HIGHLY overused, especially by life coach types, so I decided to avoid the cliche! Plus, the synonyms for trek seemed wildly appropriate and included words like: ramble, climb, scramble, trudge, tramp and slog! I think I will be doing all of those things. Journey seems too pretty for what I am about to do.



3) Why should we read this blog and share it with others? I am hoping that through my vulnerability you will be able to find some common ground. We have all struggled with something. I figure if I share my trek with you (again, all five of you!) you will find some grain of hope and truth, something to laugh at, something to expect, or something to be inspired by. At the very least I want this to be my accountability. I have an audience to consider, after all. I wouldn't want my "trek" to end at the top of my driveway!



4) How long will this trek take? If only I knew!



Next step: Packing for my trek (oops! almost called it a journey!).

I have never back-packed so I thought I would give that a shot. I hear it is harder than hell and that's what this feels like, so it seems more appropriate than, say, flying! Plus, when I think of the extra weight I have been carrying it feels like I am carrying a backpack. It is heavy and cumbersome. So, the first thing I am going to do is reorganize my pack.

Tune in next time to see what I will be stowing in my backpack...



Pass this along to anyone who may enjoy it!

xxoo Hannah