Sometimes you are all ready for an appointment, a meeting, or a call and it doesn't happen. I used to get upset when plans fell through and take it as a "sign" that I wasn't worthy of the other person's time or consideration. I would spend the time I was supposed to be with them wondering what was wrong with me. I did this both in my business and professional life. Before I knew it the time I was intending to coach, meet for coffee or just chat was gone and I had used it to simply wallow and spin a story.
I don't remember when it hit me, and to be honest sometimes it still doesn't, but more often than not these days I see a missed meeting, missed coaching call, or missed appointment as an OPPORTUNITY to do something meaningful. Rather than spend this time focusing on what may have been missed I choose to consider what I can do with this gift of time.
Today, a missed coaching call becomes an opportunity to send out a quick blog. Tomorrow's missed appointment may be a chance to take a brisk walk and next week's cancelled meeting could become a creative explosion of marketing ideas (seriously, I could really use that!).
The point is that we get to CHOOSE how we spend our time. No one dictates our thoughts and our choices... we may have no control over someone forgetting a scheduled appointment, but everything beyond that is up to us - what we do with that time, how we react, and what we do next.
Olivia is downstairs playing a game with her Lala (grandma), I am in a quiet space... all is perfect in my world right now. Sure, I could have been on a coaching call - but I am not.
When plans change how do you respond? Are you a "victim of circumstance" or a Creator of Opporunity? What can you do today to make the most of change in plans?
Thanks to my fabulous client for missing our call... oh wait, the phone is ringing, she is just 30 minutes late. Wow - what an excellent 30 minutes!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
My Teacher...
There is a saying... "The Teacher you need is the person you live with." I believe the amazing and insightful Byron Katie said this in reference to the idea that when we notice the people around us and closest to us they have much to teach us.
The saying doesn't say that these are the people who drive us the most crazy, but most of us know that if you spend enough time with anyone (including yourself) you will begin to notice everything about them that makes you want to scream, pull your hair out, and generally complain!
Katie's belief on this is that these "teachers" are there so that we can learn the lessons life has in store for us from the very people in our lives who not only reflect themselves, but shed light on who we are and how we behave.
My mom has recently been spending A LOT of time with our family. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in March and since she lives in a remote area she is getting her treatment in our town, and therefore living (mostly) in our home.
Suffice it to say... right now MY MOM is my biggest Teacher!
She just completed DAY 3 of 7.5 weeks of radiation treatment. Only 34 left to go!
You may think this is going to be all warm and fuzzy about how my mom has taught me to persevere, to rise above the struggle, or to choose life. It isn't. At least not yet.
Right now, my mom is teaching me about negativity and what it does to those around you. My mom is teaching me about anger and frustration. My mom is teaching me about what happens to you and others when you fail to express gratitude and extend grace to those closest to you.
So, I ask myself today:
The saying doesn't say that these are the people who drive us the most crazy, but most of us know that if you spend enough time with anyone (including yourself) you will begin to notice everything about them that makes you want to scream, pull your hair out, and generally complain!
Katie's belief on this is that these "teachers" are there so that we can learn the lessons life has in store for us from the very people in our lives who not only reflect themselves, but shed light on who we are and how we behave.
My mom has recently been spending A LOT of time with our family. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in March and since she lives in a remote area she is getting her treatment in our town, and therefore living (mostly) in our home.
Suffice it to say... right now MY MOM is my biggest Teacher!
She just completed DAY 3 of 7.5 weeks of radiation treatment. Only 34 left to go!
You may think this is going to be all warm and fuzzy about how my mom has taught me to persevere, to rise above the struggle, or to choose life. It isn't. At least not yet.
Right now, my mom is teaching me about negativity and what it does to those around you. My mom is teaching me about anger and frustration. My mom is teaching me about what happens to you and others when you fail to express gratitude and extend grace to those closest to you.
So, I ask myself today:
- In what areas of my life am I being negative and what impact does that have on me and my family/friends?
- How do I behave when I am angry and frustrated? How does this serve me?
- Who can I show more gratitude to today? What will that feel like for them and for me?
- Who needs my grace and my patience today?
Thanks, Mom - I will be more patient and grateful to YOU today. You are an amazing teacher!
With love - Live a Juicy Life! xoxoHannah
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