ONE WORD CAN CHANGE YOUR WHOLE DAY - STILL

There is something beautiful about the word "still". It conjures up peacefulness and contentment doesn't it?  Learning to be still is a discipline that many people have trouble doing.   Taking time to just breathe, be quiet and to reflect in your own thoughts or to clear away everything and just be still.

If you took 15 minutes a day to just be still and to let go, you will start to notice an amazing difference in your life.  It may look like you are doing nothing but in fact you are. You are giving yourself the gift of recharging so that you can lead in a more grounded and clear way.

Enjoy the day!

FORGIVENESS

Would you like a gift today?

This gift is just for you and it is designed to give you contentment, joy and peace.  This is not like any other gift though. In order to unwrap it, you have to open your heart and let go of the feelings that are not serving you well.  This could include anger, bitterness, hatred, disappointment, envy, jealousy and the list goes on.

Learning to forgive others and yourself is freeing and will give you a renewal in your spirit and in your life that you may be longing for.

This gift is for the benefit of you!  Choosing to forgive and meaning it, unlocks the door of the prison that you have put yourself in by harbouring such deep darkness.

Try it and watch how much brighter and lighter your life will seem.

BREATHE.....

It is a beautiful sunny morning where I am today.   I am working outside overlooking blue water, an expansive bright sky and lots of greenery.  As I am writing this I am hearing all of these different noise, water trickling, birds singing, squirrels running and am reminded just how much I miss in the run of a day.  

Today, I challenge you to take stock of where you are at. Notice the little things.  Breathe it all in. Life goes so quickly and recalling the simple moments are just as important that being impacted by the big ones. 

Living life fully means experiencing life fully.  Breathing...feels good!

CAST YOUR EYES

Taking the time to just stop, watch and listen often is the best gift that you can give yourself.  How many leaders do you know that are wound up, stressed out and pushed to their limits?  I would guess that if asked none of them schedule in time to be alone and just to be quiet.

We need to do this on so many levels.   Emotionally it allows us to breathe and diffuse negative thoughts. Mentality it gives you a moment to allow other possibilities to present themselves to solve problems or make decisions and physically, your body will love you if you give it a chance to slow down and kick back for a moment or two.  Finally, spiritually, it may remind you that you don't always have to be in control and that 'letting go' may actually increase your life in more ways than one.  You won't ever know unless you try.  Being quiet and sitting in silence is a learned skill and a very important once that if mastered will keep you grounded, peaceful and productive.

WHERE YOU LOOK

Perspective is an interesting thing.

How we look at situations or events in our lives can make an impact in both a positive or negative way.  Your point of view matters and so does understanding the point of view of others.  We all experience life in our own way.  Remembering that factors of socio-economic, emotional, relational and physical environments all play a part in how we view the world at any given time.

How are you seeing your world today?  Learn how to shift your perspective to fuel your life in a more positive way.  It is a great exercise in achieving more peace and fulfillment.

THE PILOT

Time really does go quickly doesn't it?

We really see it in how fast our children seem to grow up or when all of a sudden you look in the mirror and realize that you have aged seemingly overnight.   There are so many days that I dream of times past and wish that I could relive some of those moments.

Stay grounded in the present and create moments that are memorable.  It is far better to live a life well lived than a life of regrets of not having lived the way you wanted to.

Photo Credit: Victoria Craig.

PRECIOUS ARE THE DAYS

I was very blessed to have a wonderful childhood. We spent many a day riding our bikes and playing with friends and just enjoying our days.   I love thinking back to those days of cloud watching, playing and dreaming.   I still take time to do that today.

I love clouds!  Taking time to watch the sky and the cloud formations are one of things I do to add peace and wonder to my day. There is always something to new to be seen, a daydream to be had or just a time out while pondering on an expansive God given view.

We need more days like that.  I am cognizant of the fact that no matter the age, we should never forget to daydream ... even a little...every day.

To take those moments and just lie on the ground with our eyes up and just "be in the moment".

WHEN PEACE COMES

Often times what might make sense in your head eventually moves into what your intuition tells you, allowing your heart to take over.   When struggling with decisions and with the pressures of life, you might need to take a step back and check in to what your heart is feeling.

When you are living life in conflict to what your heart is telling you, it will never be smooth or fulfilling.  I have come to learn that peace is a treasured gift.  Not easily come by and not easily held onto. Work hard for it and be diligent about protecting it as being in a place of peace is a place where people work a life time to get to.

BACK TO BASICS

Today is one of this days I am looking forward to. It might seem boring but a date with my son for breakfast, playing music while I cook a variety of healthy meals and then more family time with laughter sprinkled throughout the day.

I might even squeeze in time for a good book and a hot bath.

As someone who keeps a very busy schedule, it is nice to have days just to do things that bring rest and contentment.

Have a great Saturday folks!