Between Us
Posted on 20. Feb, 2008 by Susan in Motivation
Reprinted from my column in the March/April issue of eWoman Magazine:
It’s the time of year when renewal is in the air. The official launch of spring is a few weeks away, but you can almost feel the buds forming and caterpillars spinning their cocoons. It’s a beautiful transition time between winter and summer, and also a natural time of growth. Successful and balanced women know that the way to grow and stay truly successful, integrating personal and professional lives, is to pay attention and take care of you. Amidst the flurry of spring cleaning, landscaping projects, and all that the upcoming warmer months have to offer, what are you doing to foster a relationship with yourself? This spring, develop a contract for rejuvenation for you.
I can see your eyes rolling from here. Before you turn the page, I’m not suggesting that you sit in front of a bathroom mirror and chant affirmations, becoming your very own Saturday Night Live skit. And, it isn’t selfish to think about your emotional, physical and spiritual needs. In fact, self love is the best way to step up what you can offer others. I want you to consider all that you do for everyone else, from laundry to presentations, fundraisers to lunch boxes, and begin putting yourself first.
By balance, I’m not referring to driving an SUV while bluetoothing (yes, that’s my very scientific term) clients and eating lunch all at the same time. Balance is not about winning a multitasking award or finding ways to cram more things into your palm pilot. Nor is success always the big house, expensive cars and exotic vacations. I’ve found that the definition of success and balance is unique to each person, making the prescription a very individual thing.
The first step is to assess what is going on in your daily schedule. Evaluate a typical day by writing down everything that you do from the time that you open your eyes, to when your head hits the pillow at night. Every last bit of it. Writing it down on paper is a real eye opener, and will allow you to begin the next step. Then, evaluate the “have to do” items on your list. Bag the things that are not necessary, barter to other people what you can, and better what you must do.
Here’s the best part–by bagging, bartering and bettering your daily schedule, you will create space for living. Newly created blocks of time will surface, and instead of filling the gap with errands and phone calls, fill them with things to nourish your body, mind and spirit, every day.
As spring approaches, consider what a caterpillar needs to fly (metaphorically speaking): evaluation of her current form, a decision to become something new, alone time to cocoon and grow wings, and courage to take flight. The recipe for your own success is also an inside job. What can you do to find center, calm and wings? What does your cocoon look like? Spinning never sounded like so much fun.
Note to Self:
It’s time to spend some time on me. Starting today, split the carpool up among the neighbors, establish a firm chore list for the kids, and basically resign as “Manager of the Universe.” Join that art class that seems like fun, and go visit mom next month. Don’t forget to resuscitate your boss when you tell her you can’t pick up her dry cleaning anymore….
Susan Hyatt is a Certified Life Coach and owner of Ideal Life Design, located in
Evansville , IN.
Box Tips:
1. Spend at least 15 minutes of quiet, alone time in the morning to center yourself.
2. Assess the schedule. Bag it! Barter it! Batter it! What on the list can you eliminate, delegate, or improve for yourself?
3. List some ways to do something for yourself everyday. Come up with fun rewards that to look forward to.
4. Schedule time to treat yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
5. Watch productivity soar and your stress level dip…enjoy!
One Response to “Between Us”
Leave a Reply
Get The Book!
Featured In
love this post!