Path 2 Life Balance Coaching

Below is a poem that my father wrote back in 1996.  He was a United Methodist Minister and passed away in 2003.  Despite the few "Christian" references, even if your beliefs differ, I hope that you can appreciate the value of some of the insights he was trying to convey as we look ahead to this new year.  Thanks, Kimberly

"Oh, What to Do?!"

When Christmas is over and the new year's begun
It's time to take stock:  "What's to do, what's been done?"
If I could relive the last year, would I do it the same?
Or would I paint a new picture with a much better frame?

Would I do more with family, and call them more often?
Some of the hard lines I've drawn, could I just a bit soften?
Is it too much to ask to be more loving, forgiving?
Such a spirit would make '96 better living.

Will I see people as persons and not simply things?
They're not lifeless puppets for me to pull strings.
Will I caution my tongue to not cut like a sword?
Can I speak the encouraging, not discouraging, word?

Might I let my tears flow for those who feel pain?
It's not torrents they need, only light, gentle rain.
Might I brighten their day with compassion and laughter?
For the joy they desire is the same I seek after.

Can I be still enough to learn from another,
Such as a parent, or friend, or sister, or brother?
And though help from such sources is certainly fine,
Will I create proper time to approach the Divine?

Will I nuture my faith-life, and do so with care?
Will I make time for worship, and service, and prayer?
Will I respond like the disciple when told, "Come and see;"
Or will I leave it to God to come looking for me?

As I try to assess the year that's now past,
With life, and with death, God's hand held me fast!
God will always be near me, whatever life holds;
So I can face the new year as it daily unfolds.

And I pray as I think of each one of you
That you will experience that same comfort, too.
May your year be enriched with peace, love, and joy:
All gifts from our God who sent us that Boy!

                     Rev. David A. Hein, 1996

Fears are the only things that multiply faster than rabbits.

                                                                        Hal Boyle

 

Have you ever felt anxious?  Have you ever lain awake at night worrying about something that happened during the day, or anticipating some future event?  Have you ever felt like you couldn’t stop the worry or were overwhelmed with an unexplainable feeling of panic or fear?  If so, you are not alone.   You are one of over 20-million people who suffer with anxiety.  That is one out of every five people. 

 

Anxiety can come in many forms.  Some common symptoms of anxiety are:  panic attacks, rapid pulse, upset stomach, shortness of breath, shakiness, dizziness, feelings of unreality, fear of going crazy or losing control, headaches, muscle tension, scary or depressed thoughts, fatigue, and hot or cold flashes.   Many people with anxiety go to emergency rooms fearing they are having a heart attack, when in reality it is a panic attack. 

 

Regardless of whether you have ever had a full fledged panic attack, a sleepless night, or simply worried about passing that final exam, there are things you can do to learn to cope more effectively with anxious feelings and worry.  Some of these things include: relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, regular exercise, a diet limiting sugar and caffeine, managing anger, increasing assertiveness, time-management, recognizing stress signals, and, in some cases, medication. 

 

The power of the human spirit is amazing! But, only you can choose to overcome anxiety.  As Abraham Lincoln said, “People are about as happy as they decide to be.” 

I’ve heard it said that we are the sum total of our thoughts.  We can talk ourselves into a good or gloomy mood within minutes.  Have you ever woke up in the morning, jumped in the shower, and proceeded to say to yourself, “I’m so tired; today is going to be busy; it’s raining outside; I don’t feel like working; I’ve got a headache; maybe I’m getting sick; I don’t know what I am going to wear…?”  Now imagine what it would be like if you said, “I’m going to make the most of today; I’m prepared for the what the day may bring; I maybe a little sleepy still, but am starting to wake up already…”  

            Too often we beat ourselves up mentally every day.  What we say to ourselves can set the tone and mood for the whole day.  You see, our brain remembers the messages we give it just like it remembers messages from others.  Think about how it affects you to hear praise or criticism from someone.  Don’t you feel so much better when someone praises you or is comforting?  Many people with low self-esteem get their sense of self from how others feel about them.  But, we need to reprogram our brains and fill ourselves with the positives.  We need to learn to self-soothe, because we can’t count on someone else always being around to build us up.    Our automatic self-talk is just that…automatic.  Like an addiction.  Why be addicted to the negative thoughts?  It feels so much better to be addicted to the positive.  It’s hard to feel bad when you are filling yourself up with so much good stuff.  The trick is to catch yourself being negative, and try replacing the thought with a more positive, comforting, soothing one. 

Here are some examples of positive self-talk when faced with stressful situations:

• It’s no big deal.
• Relax, be patient.
• I’m taking this too seriously.
• It’s not worth dying for.  (Remember, stress and anxiety can kill!)
• Don’t take it personal; take it professional.
• It’s never too late.
• Try, try again.
• There’s no such thing as failure.
• Just do it.
• I’m capable, I’m strong, and I’m intelligent.
• People like to be around me.
  Remember:   Change your mind; change your mood.

Hello!  Welcome to my blog at Path 2 Life Balance Coaching!  Join me here for tips and tools regarding how to find more balance, joy, relaxation and abundance in your life!