It's Forward Moving Friday.. "How" are you moving FORWARD today?

It's Forward Moving Friday again... what do you have planned for the weekend that will bring you one step closer to your #1 goal? 

If you're not quite sure yet, try this on for size. Maybe this weekend instead of focusing just on the "what" of your goal, focus on the "how". By this I mean the process or quality with which you accomplish your task.

As an example, as many of you know, cycling is my passion and I spend many hours and many days in the saddle. Each day has a specific task that guides me towards my specific goals. And the goals are all very concrete and measurable. The irony though, to me, is that it is the process, state of mind, and "how" of how I approach each workout that truly bring in the results. If I go out on my bike with my head in the tank, thinking about how tired I am or how hard the workout is going to be, what do you think the workout is going to be like? ... well.. umm... HARD.. and probably slow.. and probably not to fun. It is important to consider the "how" when approaching both things that we love and things that maybe we don't love so much. If we can approach all things with an open mind and a little bit of loving energy we are more likely to find success, experience joy and positively impact those around us.

So regardless if you goal is focused on your training, relationship, personal life or work notice "how" you are approaching the task at hand. If you don't like "how" you are approaching the moment, then take a moment, pause, breathe and ask yourself, "how do I want to be approaching this task?" When the answer surfaces, take heed and move into the next moment.

Hope you enjoy the process =]

Heidi

aRticulate it THURSDAY: It's all about YOU!

aRticulate it Thursdays are all about linguistics. How can we use language and our awareness of it, to get our messages heard, as well as communicate understanding to the ones we hold close?

Today's tip is to play a mindfulness game with ourselves. I know, sounds weird. Hear me out though. So the mindfulness practice is to make the word "you" our focus, just like we would with our breathing in a sitting meditation. Throughout the day, observe the use of the word "you" in our interactions with others. Make it your task to notice how the word is used and how often.

(This is what happens when we use the word "you" without ownership of your own stuff too much =] )

Often times, when the word "you" is used in interpersonal communication we are deflecting our own personal experience and pointing the finger at another. As in, "You really shouldn't do that." This can be translated to: "I don't like what you are doing, would you be willing to stop?" Notice the change in the communication? The word "you" is still used but the context is different and instead of making a demand, the dislike is owned, and then a request for change is made.

We also use the word "you" to show approval and congratulations. Which, yes, is way cool... yet for some, the "You did an amazing job!" can also mean, "Oh man, if I don't do it that way again, then I must be a real screw up!" I know, crazy, but these things happen in our minds and if we acknowledge that fact, then through mindful awareness, we can work to be sure our words send the message that we fully intend. In this case, a simple, "WOW!" could go along way. The recipient might respond, "Wow! What?"... and you could say, "I was pretty impressed with that performance!" Again, here, there is ownership for the impression instead of projection or judgement.

So for now, the task is to just be a watchful observer of how the word, "you" shows up in your life today. I find it to be a pretty fun practice myself. Hope "you" do as well. =]

Tough it out Tuesday! 8/27/13

It's Tough it out Tuesday! 

"To do anything truly worth doing, I must not stand back shivering and thinking of the cold and danger, but jump in with gusto and scramble through as well as I can."

~Og Mandino

Seize the moment my friends. When we let our doubts and fears stand in our way of actualizing our dreams we are left with just that, "fear" and "doubt'. Is that what you want from your life? If we at least we jump in and try we can say that we gave it out best effort.

I will tell you personally, the races I have raced where I have put my heart and soul into them and still lost were much more meaningful and growth provoking to me than the ones where I sat in trying to protect myself and, well.. yeah... lost anyway. Actually... I do remember those times well.. but they leave a very sour taste in my mouth as that is not how I want show up in this world!

I welcome you to share your personal stories of triumph when the cards were stacked against you today.

You never know when you story may just be that spark of inspiration that someone else may need to take that leap and spring to life!

All my best,

Heidi

GROWTHspring to Offer Daily Inspirational Tips on Facebook

I have decided to spice things up on my GROWTHspring Counseling and Coaching Facebook page. I will be bringing you a themed daily tip or story that I hope will give you some food for thought to carry with you throughout your days. Below is my preliminary outline of what I hope to be offering. Feedback is always welcome and if you ever have a question of a more personal nature, don’t hesitate to message me directly.

Mindfulness Mondays: Mondays I will bring you tips and ideas on how to bring mindful awareness to your training and every day living. These skills will focus on breathing, presence, emotional awareness, easing distress, accepting reality and much more.

Tough it out Tuesdays: On Tuesdays I will bring you stories and quotes about mental toughness, emotional endurance and what it takes to keep a tight mind in times of distress. Tuesdays are a great day to share your personal stories as well. Each of us has a story of how we have persevered through difficult times and when we share them, we move out of isolation and into the realm of connection. This my friends is what healing is all about.

WE POWER Wednesdays: Wednesdays will be the day when I bring you ideas on how to keep the WE alive in your relationships. I see this as being a pretty fun day.. I hope to share ways to deepen your relationships as well as maybe spice things up a bit too!  

aRticulate it Thursdays: Thursdays will be the day to kick start your communication know-how. Knowing how to speak to your listener as well as clearly express your feelings and needs are essential skills for living well.

Forward Moving Fridays: Fridays will focus on setting goals and intentions but I also hope to use this day for us to share new and innovative forward moving tips on health, wellness, fitness and exploring the world around us. Feel free to share a new trail that you discovered or an up and coming event in the valley that you may think other would be interested in attending. After all, picking our heads up and taking the next step into a new moment of discovery is what experiencing life is all about!

Be sure to LIKE GROWTHspring Counseling and Coaching on Facebook to ensure you get your daily tips and inspirations!

All my best to you.

Til next time,

Heidi