I can sense it in my heightened anxiety level, the anxious pit in my stomach, the sites, the smell, the sounds, the smiles, the trees and lights already being strung. I’m in NYC, and as I was walking down Madison Avenue, I spotted my first, then in rapid sequence numerous more, Christmas trees! The stores have already started decorating with white flocked ones, and green ones, tall ones and short ones, candy canes and jolly. How can it be? Weren’t we all just boating in 90 plus degree weather? I admit, I have a hard time gearing up at this time of year. I’m always try to remind myself that HE is the reason for the season and that I should take the time to reflect, embrace and enjoy family and friends. But as much as I try, truth be told, I always go into overdrive. Spending, shopping, decorating, hosting my annual toy drive for foster children, attending friend’s gatherings, luncheons, white elephant gift giving parties, holiday soirees spreading the yule and good tidings. Ho Ho oh NO, I’m exhausted just thinking about it all! I’m already overbooked, over-committed, over spent, over, over over! As I have shared all week, I am trying to utilize the tools I learned last weekend at the Oprah Live Your Best Life Weekend. One of Oprah’s Trailblazers, author of Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert shared that we should be cautious with the anxiety that the word BALANCE brings. She expressed that it is one more weapon word to remind us that we are not doing enough at getting it right. In my world, I find it truly challenging to get balance. I rise early to find morning time for meditation, reflection and pray. I have coffee talk with my girls, check emails, social media, blog, and get my daughter off to school. I try to fit in a work out, be it a walk or tennis game. Back at the office, I manage my property rental business, and field calls from plumbing to pest control. Make leases, pay bills, and show apartments. I tend to family needs, access potential deals, make dinner, attend events be it for charities, or fun, and by the time I roll into bed, read a few pages of a book, or zone out on a television program, without fail, I have fallen short on my tasks and am completely out of balance. Oprah shared that to find balance, she has come to utilize the word, NO. Stevie Wonder reached out and knowing that she is a child advocate asked for her participation in a charity event. She had no desire, time, or interest to commit, but found it difficult to turn her friend down. We all want to be liked and not to disappoint. She emerged with the inner strength to say no. To her surprise, he gracefully understood and accepted her decline. Oprah closed with sharing what author, Paulo Coelho wrote, “When you truly want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.” The moment is liberating when you realize you have one life in your hands. You must answer, act, be brave, and begin. I once read a quote by Robert Crawford that sums it up, “Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.” Oprah left the packed arena with this question- and today, I ask it of you… “In 1 year from today, what do you want to see manifested in your life?” November 14, 2015 I will __________________ Be looking forward to a peaceful holiday season, embracing the true meaning, surrounded by the love and contentment of friends and family. I will be if not in Balance, at PEACE. As I end my recap week of Oprah Live Your Best Life, I would encourage you all to read Oprah’s Trailblazer, Iyanla Vanzant’s book Peace from Broken Pieces. feenix - See more at: menopausebarbees/#sthash.Cp0lAscG.dpuf
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 15:52:13 +0000
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