Tag: Life lessons

Following Your Gut

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When’s the last time you followed your instinct despite not being sure it was the right thing to do? Did it end up being the right call?

I cannot tell you when I started relying on my gut. It is what I do. I am naturally intuitive and regularly just know things before they happen. My family has learnt to go with it, even though it often seems strange.

Over the years, I have chosen to hone this skill. I can’t tell you how I started but if you are interested,begin by learning to listen to your thoughts and instincts. Don’t judge. Some gut instincts will seem far-fetched at first. The more you trust yourself however, the more you can go with them.

I use my gut instinct in my counselling. It is surprising how often even the most outrageous statement is exactly on point and what the person needs to hear. Although I may not have known all the facts when, by following my gut, I have been able to respond in the right way.

Listen and its amazing what you can hear.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/gut-feeling/

Control Your MInd

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“If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere,” goes the famous song about New York City. Is there a place — a city, a school, a company — about which you think (or thought) the same? Tell us why, and if you ever tried to prove that claim.

Success begins in our minds. We decide our own fate. Whether we make it or not is up to us. It is our responsibility to control our thoughts. In response, our thoughts will control our outcomes.

Jack Canfield asks “do you take 100% responsibility for your life?” I believe if you want to make it, you need to take 100% control of your self-belief.

Decide what you want to do and control your self-doubt. You can’t make it in New York City or anywhere else with self-doubt driving you. Your mind controls your success, so control your mind. Five years ago, I began writing my book on eating disorder recovery. Initially, I was excited. I was doing what I always wanted to. Then suddenly, the more I wrote, the more I doubted others would be interested in what I had to say. My self-doubt had kicked in, but I didn’t let it stop me.

“What right do you have to be writer? Who wants to read what you have to say anyway?” said my self-doubt.

“Of course, I have something valuable to say. I have helped people with my advice for years” I replied.

This was a regular conversation/argument in my brain. However, over time the more I wrote, the easier it was to shut down my self-doubt. From here my self-confidence and self-belief grew. Allowing me to share my work with others, receive positive feedback and take my journey to the next level by self-publishing next year.

So, wherever or in whatever field you want to make it, remember the first step to making it, is to control your mind.

DREAM

BELIEVE

ACHIEVE

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/make-it-anywhere/

Making A List

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I am not a big list maker. Usually I have a handful of things I need to do everyday, which I can prioritise and organise in my head. However, when I have many things on my to-do-list and limited time—I create a list. The more things I need to do, the quicker I start my list.

When writing my list, I always add more things than I originally thought. Partly, I think that this is because I get on a role and partly it is because I want a few small things on my list I can tick off quickly.

I find this empowering. If I have 3-5 things I can complete in  the first two days—I am more likely to focus on achieving my goal.  Rather than only thinking about it with no follow through plans.

Adding some things I have already completed before writing my list, helps too as it shows my progress. Where possible I break  big jobs down into smaller tasks. This allows them to be marked off quickly and helps my moving forward momentum.

If you are always forgetting things or need help prioritising, make lists of the tasks required—daily, weekly or monthly—whatever works for you.

Silence

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How would you cope if you were unable to access social media on a daily basis. Your choice was taken away. It is an interesting experience, which forces you to re think your priorities.

For the last two years, my husband and I have spent a week living in regional China—a place where everyone lives under the same rules. Everything is controlled by the government. This means Facebook is blocked and Google appears more limited than usual. Suddenly I felt isolated even though I knew ahead of time that this was the situation. I wasn’t blogging at the time so do not know about access to WordPress.

My adjustment was quick and as I had no choice I decided to immerse myself in the quiet. No knowledge of the outside world for at least a week, maybe two. As we were travelling alone in parts of the world that few white people go, most Chinese speak limited if any English, and we were unable to understand Chinese TV our communication was limited. We only had each other. I loved the silence and started to realise the time media and social media wastes.

When we arrived at our international hotel in Ghangzhou, by accident my husband discovered that we had access to Facebook again. I was so excited that this become my status update. On Facebook in China, I can’t believe it. We suddenly were connected to our world again. It did feel like we were breaking rules and definitely changed our holiday. We could find out what was happening at home and could communicate with other people again. This was fun but I am glad we got to experience the forced silence—it taught me a lot.

Beating My Fear

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When was the last time you took a risk (big or small), and pushed your own boundaries — socially, professionally, or otherwise? Were you satisfied with the outcome?

Technology scares me. I don’t understand it and it scares me. I had wanted to start a blog for several years and had done my research. I knew WordPress was the platform to use and in the long run I wanted a self-hosted blog. I didn’t know how to do it, but Google would show the way. Happy with this knowledge I woke up last Mother’s Day and decided today was the day—viola Inspiring Max was born.

I can still remember the feeling of posting my first blog post. It was awesome. I had taken my fear, turned it on its head and created something I was proud of.

Through my blogging journey I have developed my online voice and become more confident. When I tell people about my blog they look surprised, often stating that they would love to have one but don’t understand how they work or they think blogging is too difficult.

For all of my professional life, my private life has been hidden. Now with blogging, I am finding the balance. Although now to most people I blog anonymously, next year when my book is published—my identity will be revealed. I have adjusted to this by putting a little more of me into my blog. It doesn’t scare me now. I have grown with it. I followed Walt Disney advice when starting my blog and it has changed my life.

Walt Disney

Feel the fear and do it anyway—you never know where your journey will take you.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/envelope-pushers/

Circle of Life

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If your life were a movie, what would its soundtrack be like? What songs, instrumental pieces, and other sound effects would be featured on the official soundtrack album?

I love Disney. I find their songs very empowering. Circle of Life from the Lion King reminds me that life is a journey that never ends—there is always something else to be done.  Everyone and everything on the planet plays a part—no one is an island.

“From the day we arrive on the planet

And blinking, step into the sun

There’s more to see than can ever be seen

More to do than can ever be done

There’s far too much to take in here

More to find than can ever be found

But the sun rolling high

Through the sapphire sky

Keeps great and small on the endless round

It’s the Circle of Life

And it moves us all

Through despair and hope

Through faith and love

Till we find our place

On the path unwinding

In the Circle

The Circle of Life”

The circle of my life has been an interesting one. It has taught me many things. The older I get, the more I realise the rewards I received from the various difficult mazes I have been through.

I have had the oppurtunity to see most official versions of The Lion King— animated, stage show as well as the Disney Theme park version. I enjoyed them all and they left me warm on the inside, reminding me of the importance of family.

Like in The Lion King, everyone has a support team surrounding them to help in times of need. Thanks to everyone who has been on my support team over the years and helped make my life what it is today.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/cue-the-violins/

Now Not Then

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Is there a period in your own personal life that you think of as the good old days? Tell us a story about those innocent and/or exciting times (or lack thereof).

Now are the exciting times of my life. While I remember some fun things I did, they were usually surrounding by many other things I don’t wish to remember. My other problem was I  couldn’t afford to do things my friends were doing such as traveling—the down side of buying a house when I was young.

During my younger years, I learnt many things from my mistakes as well as those of others. My life was full of difficult times, but I have always developed through them and they have made me the positive person I am today. I use these experiences in both my personal and professional life and they form the basis of my life’s patchwork quilt.

You cannot change what has happened in your life. You can however, change its impact on your future.

The next 6 months are going to be exciting. Next week we are going to Canada for a 6 week holiday—my first since I was 16. Then, on my return I will begin the journey of self-publishing my book—Inspiring Hope.

I am happy my current days are the preferred days of my life. Afterall, they are the ones I can control. Focusing on the past keeps you looking back—not moving forward which is the way I choose to go.

Dream, believe, achieve—this phase is paying dividends in my life and I plan to keep these exciting times gathering momentum daily.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/salad-days/

Life With Purpose

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Present-day you meets 10-years-ago you for coffee. Share with your younger self the most challenging thing, the most rewarding thing, and the most fun thing they have to look forward to.

“Well hello,” I said to my younger self. Thanks for taking the time to meet me. You think you are busy now. When you move to Sydney next year, your life is going a lot busier—with purpose. As a mother, your time will rarely be your own, as the kids sport goes to the next level. It is fun and makes you proud—but it controls your life.

The next 10 years are both difficult and rewarding. The difficulties are both personal and professional and are not things you have any choice about. Your role of getting yourself and others through these times, makes you a stronger, more confident person. It also makes you a better teacher and mentor than you ever thought possible.

When things get tough, remember the tough get going. Stop and think about the goal to the challenge you are currently facing. Break it down into simple steps and follow the advice in this quote. It is powerful.

St Francis of Assisi quote

You join Toastmasters for your own personal growth. Initially, although you can speak in public you waffle on, which minimises the impact of your message. Learning to hone your skills improves your life in many ways. There will be times when you consider giving up, as you are too busy—don’t. Remember to make time for things that develop your confidence. As the difficult stage of your life comes to an end, you will suddenly notice how easier things are for you as your confidence shows.

Somewhere in the next 10 years you decide to write a book based on your knowledge of what, why and how eating disorder recovery is possible. Written for those living with the disorder, their family and friends as well as professionals. You start this journey in 2009 and plan to publish it next year. Feedback to your original daft is that it is a thorough book and what the market place needs. Writing has turned into a love as you discover your voice that others can connect with—on this blog and through the pages of your book.

After you turn 50 and the children have become happy, healthy and independent—you begin to travel as a couple. Your holidays both at home and internationally are no longer be dictated by sporting commitments. This is a great experience and adds to the patchwork quilt of your life. Believe in yourself and enjoy your journey.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/good-tidings/

World Kindness Day

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Our ten-minute free-write is back for another round! Tap away on whatever comes to mind, no filters attached.

November 13 is World Kindness Day. This day focuses on acts of kindness in the community and helps breakdown barriers such as religion, sex, race, age and demographics. To join people together, making the world and our community more connected and a happier place.

Random acts of kindness, part of World Kindness Day are encouraged everyday, not just November 13. Some people are easier to be kind to than other. However, it is often those that are the hardest to be kind to—that need our kindness the most. Where possible choose to be kind to these people. A simple smile or hello can start to break down barriers and help develop opportunities for further act of kindness.

When working on being kind to others, I believe it is important to remember to be kind to ourself. Many people would never criticise or treat others the way they treat themselves. Make World Kindness Day a starting point to prioritising kindness—for others and ourselves.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” Aesop

Hands on a globe

Photo Credit: Google Images

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/ready-set-done-6/

Taking Control

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Today you can write about anything, in whatever genre or form, but your post must include a speeding car, a phone call, and a crisp, bright morning.

It was one of those days. Everything that could go wrong—was going wrong. I found my mind wandering off, thinking of ways I could make my day stop. At present I was not in control. Then it happened.

The passing policeman turned on his flashing lights—indicating for me to pull over. Oh no! He had noticed my speeding car. Just what I needed.  After being given my ticket—I decide to change my day.

Instead of driving off, I made a plan. Continuing to think ahead was not helping. I needed to centre myself. Meditation was my answer. Clear my mind, breathe deeply and stop the chaos in my head. I needed to be in control rather than my world controlling me—and giving me speeding tickets.

I changed my day around. Fortunately, my girlfriend answered my phone call and was available for an urgent coffee. Having a chat relieved my stress and energised me. That half an hour solidified my day’s plan—making the remainder of my day busy, but taking time out worked. I prioritised my day and as a result, I was reaping the rewards.

At the end of the day, I had achieved everything I needed and more. Because I took the time to focus on controlling my mind. So for now—tomorrow is another day. Hopefully, it will start with a crisp, bright morning as I would love a walk on the beach.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/trio-4/