Opportunity

Even when things seem to be going awry, what’s the opportunity that’s available to you?

National TV Exposure

So, thought I’d use my blog to share some fabulous news.

On December 24th, 2008 I will be doing a feature on Canada AM, promoting my co-authored book The Control Freak’s Guide to Living Lightly, and linking it specifically to managing stress around the holidays.  After all, much of the stress that gets created is a result of the expectations we hold around ourselves and others.  And when we can let go or modify these expectations, then we can truly lighten up and enjoy the holidays as they are meant to be — whether that includes chaos or not, solitude or not, massive shopping lines or not.  It’s all about learning to let go, right?  Tune in to CTV on the 24th if you can!  And if you haven’t got a copy of the book yet, order it at www.controlfreakseries.com.

Looking Ahead

What do you want to be celebrating come December 31st, 2009?

Staying the Course

You know, in these “tough economic times” (in quotes because I’m not completely convinced that they are all that tough!) it can be really easy to turn tail and run.  Heck, even when times aren’t tough it can be easy to turn tail and run.  I know from my own experience that sometimes it just feels like it’s time to stop chasing the dream, whatever it may be.  Believe me, I get it.

And here’s the other thing I get: while stopping the chase may be what’s actually needed, letting go of the dream altogether often isn’t.  Henry David Thoreau (at least I think it was him) said “we are not given a dream without also being given the capacity to make it come true.”  And Nathaniel Hawthorne talked about the wisdom of allowing happiness to catch up with you, rather than chasing it endlessly.  When I put these two ideas together, what I realize is that sometimes life is about waiting and allowing, more than it is about chasing and pursuing.  And indeed, my own life echoes this idea.  Sometimes, when I just sit still for a minute, the thing I’m chasing actually comes to me, seemingly effortlessly.

Bottom-line:  no matter what’s going on, even if you feel like you’ve gotta stop running for a bit, stay the course nonetheless.  Keep your eye on the ball, and know that sometimes the ball just comes to you.  It really can be that simple.  Them’s my thoughts.

Bust the Holiday Stress!

Let things go.  That’s right.  Hold on to what’s important to you, and the let the rest go.  Notice how the holidays then become a breeze!

Can You Beat the Holiday Stress?

Of course you can!  To a certain extent anyway.  How? By changing (some might say lowering) your expectations for starters! Because the stress that arises around the holiday time — whatever holiday you might be celebrating — is generally a result of the expectations, or at least the perceived expectations, that you’re trying to live up to.  So give your head a shake and get real!

Ask yourself, what’s really important to you about the holidays?  If you could have one particular feeling be present, what would that be?  I’m guessing that it’s something like “joy”, “peace” or “relaxation”.  But maybe it’s “exuberance”, “solitude” or “connection”.  Really, there’s a whole host of feelings you could be going for.  Pick the one that’s true for you, and then choose the activities and functions that are going to make that feeling your reality.

If you can do this, trust me , you’ll minimize the holiday stress.  It’s all about authenticity my friends.  Find your way to be authentic.  And of course, feel free to tell me what you think!