Yesterday, I was working in the office for an extended period of time. I was focused on my tasks at hand and stressing a bit about an upcoming class I'm teaching. At the end of the day I was tired. I took a deep breath- it felt like I hadn't breathed in months. My energy was low and I might have been a touch grumpy- only a touch.
And then I remembered to smile. I learned this from Malcolm Gladwell's book Blink. In his book Malcolm talks about how your mood mirrors your physical body. If I frown I will probably develop a mood that goes with a frown. But if I smile my mood will also follow suit. So I smiled. I took a deep breath and relaxed. It took a few minutes but I was determined to shed the low tired energy of office work.
By the end of the night I was happy, full of energy and relaxed. I learned a very valuable lesson, one I might add I've learned before, I just forget. I seems, I'm a determined but slow learner. Anyway, I relearned this: during my work no matter what it is... I want to pause and smile, to notice how I feel and relax. Smile if for no other reason than to help me lighten up. This may come as a shock to you but I am much more enjoyable to be around when I'm relaxed and happy vs stressed and tired.
Whistle while you work -a classic and timeless piece of advice. Residue free also means free of stress and worry.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
The great list
I make lists of my goals, things I want to accomplish and items I feel obligated to do. My list is called my MASTER TASK LIST. Sounds quite impressive doesn't it? MASTER TASK LIST must be very important and worthy of a special name. But it isn't really. It is just a list of things I don't want to forget, things I should do-or think I should do and things I have full intention of procrastinating about and never doing.
When I think of my MASTER TASK LIST I feel guilty and behind. It's not that I don't get a lot accomplished in the course of a year. It's just that this important list is always there reminding me I am not done. It tells me I am behind and will never catch up-not a good feeling.
This year I'm going to try something a little differernt. I'm going to rename my list. What do you think of "Really good, Don't forget and Procrastination list". That has a nice ring don't you think?
I now realized this list is just a list. I have many great qualities and one of them is procrastinating. I'm not doing to defind myself. I just thought you should know.
MY MASTER TASK LIST is kind of like all the stuff I collect over a year. I gather material/ideas/research. I devour some and file others for a later time- a time that rarely comes. I am curous and overzellous in my enthusiasm. If you put this quality in a MASTER TASK LIST you will have a long list.
This year, the the first items on my list will not cause my stomach to do twists but my heart to do a leap of joy. Next, on my list will be valuable items I don't want to forget. Like calling my grandparents, changing the fire alarm batteries or going for ice cream. Finally, I'll write my procrastination list. I now know this is not my most important list, it is just a list I created to help me along my year. a place to put things I don't want to forget.
I'm I rationalizing,? Could be, I'm also very good at that.
Happy New year,
Denise
When I think of my MASTER TASK LIST I feel guilty and behind. It's not that I don't get a lot accomplished in the course of a year. It's just that this important list is always there reminding me I am not done. It tells me I am behind and will never catch up-not a good feeling.
This year I'm going to try something a little differernt. I'm going to rename my list. What do you think of "Really good, Don't forget and Procrastination list". That has a nice ring don't you think?
I now realized this list is just a list. I have many great qualities and one of them is procrastinating. I'm not doing to defind myself. I just thought you should know.
MY MASTER TASK LIST is kind of like all the stuff I collect over a year. I gather material/ideas/research. I devour some and file others for a later time- a time that rarely comes. I am curous and overzellous in my enthusiasm. If you put this quality in a MASTER TASK LIST you will have a long list.
This year, the the first items on my list will not cause my stomach to do twists but my heart to do a leap of joy. Next, on my list will be valuable items I don't want to forget. Like calling my grandparents, changing the fire alarm batteries or going for ice cream. Finally, I'll write my procrastination list. I now know this is not my most important list, it is just a list I created to help me along my year. a place to put things I don't want to forget.
I'm I rationalizing,? Could be, I'm also very good at that.
Happy New year,
Denise
Monday, December 28, 2009
Top 10 New Year Resolutions with a Twist
It's the time of year to set our new years resolutions. Here are a few ideas for a different twist on the tradition of resolutions.
1- Get abbs of steel- by having at least one good belly laugh per day
2- Become a master of procrastination- 10,000 hours are all you need - you might be close
3- Tap a nap a week- Our cat loves to nap- she is happy and well rested
4- Practice listening- Our dogs are great listeners-its really nice to be listened to
5- Spend $20/week on whatever your heart desires-( as long as it only cost 20.00)
6- Learn to enjoy everything you do- or just stop doing it until you figure out how to enjoy
7- Go outside and get the stink blown off everyday
8- Make a wish a day- wish for anything you want and then just smile, relax and say thanks
9- Pretend. When in doubt or unsure learn to pretend as if
10- Find a new love a month. Not spouses! I'm talking foods, activities, books, friends
There is no need to end the year filled with regret. I say end the year well rested, with a smile on your face, happily enjoying your life and family.
Wishing you a most happy, healthy and prosperous new year!
Denise
1- Get abbs of steel- by having at least one good belly laugh per day
2- Become a master of procrastination- 10,000 hours are all you need - you might be close
3- Tap a nap a week- Our cat loves to nap- she is happy and well rested
4- Practice listening- Our dogs are great listeners-its really nice to be listened to
5- Spend $20/week on whatever your heart desires-( as long as it only cost 20.00)
6- Learn to enjoy everything you do- or just stop doing it until you figure out how to enjoy
7- Go outside and get the stink blown off everyday
8- Make a wish a day- wish for anything you want and then just smile, relax and say thanks
9- Pretend. When in doubt or unsure learn to pretend as if
10- Find a new love a month. Not spouses! I'm talking foods, activities, books, friends
There is no need to end the year filled with regret. I say end the year well rested, with a smile on your face, happily enjoying your life and family.
Wishing you a most happy, healthy and prosperous new year!
Denise
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)