Have you ever thought about the ripple effect a smile can have in the world? I have. From a young age, I was very in tune with the feelings of others around me. I had a curiosity about why some people seemed happier than others. It broke my heart to see people in pain. I am still quite sensitive these days and am known to wear my heart on my sleeve. There is nothing that brings me joy more than to see another person embrace their potential. It has always been that way for me.
I always felt deep down that my purpose was to “spread a little sunshine”. I look around me each day and wonder how I can make a difference in the life of the people that cross my path. I see what is possible when we all contribute to the greater good of creating a loving and caring environment wherever we are. I believe that it is a choice we all make every day – whether conscious or not. When we venture out into the world, we decide how we will experience each day. With our thoughts, we attract circumstances that create experience. How we react to those experiences is determined again by our thoughts. What we do and say is all related to what we are feeling at the time, but can also be clouded by judgments and biases that we have held for a long time.
We have all had mornings that didn’t start out so well. When everything seems to go wrong and we can’t shake the foul mood we are in. Throughout the day, we continually hear bad news and encounter rude people. We just want the day to be over! We get red lights and burn our supper. The kids are acting up and the in-laws are driving you crazy. Have you ever stopped to think about how YOU are being on these days, and how you are contributing to the reality you are experiencing? Have you considered the ripple effect that your frown can have in the world? I have. It’s pretty ugly so I won’t get into it. I’m sure you can remember such a day. I can. Ugh.
The fact is we have the power to change our thoughts. This means we have the power to change the experience we are having just by changing the meaning we are giving it. By changing the way we are being, we can create a positive ripple effect in the world. A significant impact can be made with one simple gesture: a smile. The amazing thing is that it doesn’t take any money, time or energy. It is one of the first things we ever learn how to do. Despite the ease in doing so, it is surprising how many people forget the power behind the smile. Imagine how your day can be turned around and you can spread a little sunshine:
Smile at your neighbor as you back out the driveway. Smile at the children as they cross the street in front of your car. Smile at the cashier at Starbucks. Smile at the driver who lets you out of the parking lot and then smile at the next one you let out. Smile at all the people you walk by on the hiking trail. Smile at your kids when you pick them up. Smile at your spouse when you come home from work. Smile to yourself when you go to bed and, then again, smile when you wake up.
Be conscious of this effort and the result it has in your life. Your heightened awareness may help you to realize how much (or how little) sunshine you have been spreading all along. The good news is: there is never, ever too much so keeping spreading it. [Living in Newfoundland & Labrador, I can tell you, we can ALWAYS use a little more sunshine!] And, while we can’t always depend on the weather, we can always depend on ourselves… so step up to the plate, embrace your potential, and spread a little sunshine… you never know how your day will turn out! Smiling is contagious you know. Lesson Learned.
Professional Motivator, Lisa Payne, finds inspiration in everyday events to help others embrace their potential.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
A Change of Scenery Does a World of Good
If I look back over the years, I am sure there is a pattern or two to be found. One of them has to do with how often I rearrange the furniture in my house. This evening, I found myself looking for comfort in change. While that may seem odd to some, I have always found that a change of scenery does my soul good.
As I move sofas and chairs, tables and electronics, I envision not only the finished space but also the mood it will set and the peace and balance it will bring to my life. It is amazing how the state of our homes is reflective of the state of our being. As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in this Sensational September. Today, what I experienced at work looked a lot more chaotic than sensational. At the end of the day, I went for a walk in the woods to clear my mind and gain some needed perspective and exercise.
Fresh air does the body good – and the mind, and the soul. I gained the clarity I needed to come back home ready to take on all that is on my plate with renewed enthusiasm and confidence. Yes, I PAUSEd: took the pause I desperately needed from the cell phone, computer, and children; accepted what was in my control and the role I was playing to create the current reality; understood the lesson – the pattern of behavior that has plagued me at this time of year; saw what was now possible with a fresh perspective and generated alternative solutions; and then, returned home to embrace my potential.
When I walked through the door to my home, the Universe tested me again… “Are you sure you have what it takes? Your house is a mess! Your office is a mess!” Blah Blah Blah. I WAS sure. After I served dinner, I enlisted the help of my children and we rearranged furniture to create the space that I need to embrace my potential. I feel so much better now!
In the past, my initial step in taking on any new project was to “get organized”. For me that meant cleaning up my work space, creating new files, sharpening pencils, buying a new notebook, etc. The physical cues for change have always provided comfort when journeying into the unknown and they still do. Just like rearranging the furniture. Where my growth has come, is that now, I acknowledge the connection between my state of being and my productivity and ensure that my first step is to PAUSE. I must nurture my soul, be true to myself, be the person I want to be, and THEN move. Lesson Learned.
As I move sofas and chairs, tables and electronics, I envision not only the finished space but also the mood it will set and the peace and balance it will bring to my life. It is amazing how the state of our homes is reflective of the state of our being. As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in this Sensational September. Today, what I experienced at work looked a lot more chaotic than sensational. At the end of the day, I went for a walk in the woods to clear my mind and gain some needed perspective and exercise.
Fresh air does the body good – and the mind, and the soul. I gained the clarity I needed to come back home ready to take on all that is on my plate with renewed enthusiasm and confidence. Yes, I PAUSEd: took the pause I desperately needed from the cell phone, computer, and children; accepted what was in my control and the role I was playing to create the current reality; understood the lesson – the pattern of behavior that has plagued me at this time of year; saw what was now possible with a fresh perspective and generated alternative solutions; and then, returned home to embrace my potential.
When I walked through the door to my home, the Universe tested me again… “Are you sure you have what it takes? Your house is a mess! Your office is a mess!” Blah Blah Blah. I WAS sure. After I served dinner, I enlisted the help of my children and we rearranged furniture to create the space that I need to embrace my potential. I feel so much better now!
In the past, my initial step in taking on any new project was to “get organized”. For me that meant cleaning up my work space, creating new files, sharpening pencils, buying a new notebook, etc. The physical cues for change have always provided comfort when journeying into the unknown and they still do. Just like rearranging the furniture. Where my growth has come, is that now, I acknowledge the connection between my state of being and my productivity and ensure that my first step is to PAUSE. I must nurture my soul, be true to myself, be the person I want to be, and THEN move. Lesson Learned.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sensational September
Ahh... September. My favorite month of the year! To me, the clean slate that comes with the onset of a new school year has always gotten me just a little EXCITED! Even after I finally finished with my formal schooling, the energy of the back-to-school hustle and bustle always gave me the sense that a fresh start was the order of business. Even if it just meant rearranging the furniture or buying new shoes!
Who would like to order up a New Beginning? I thought of this early today as I rose and felt, for the first time in a while, that I will get back on track with the things most important to me. The past two weeks have been FULL of living… I have enjoyed them immensely. My days have been filled with much activity, lots of laughter, and some tears, too. I have been asked why my blog stopped... some were actually worried about me – thank you, by the way. August has been the busiest month of the year for me with my job for the past 12 years. Add to that, the drama of my son’s birthday (see Aug 4th post), a missed business trip (Aug 10th), my former anniversary (Aug 13th) and a whole lot of personal stress related to my boyfriend’s brain tumour (http://kpomroy.blogspot.com) and it doesn’t leave a whole lot of time for writing. Well, that’s not really true. In fact, I have been writing – just not on the computer.
I had gotten into a routine where I would either write each morning or in the afternoon at the beach. It was a process I was enjoying very much and had committed myself to the discipline. It was energizing and I really felt like it was an excellent way to express myself. Over the past few weeks, however, I allowed other demands in my life to take over that space I had created for writing. I still enjoyed quiet time each day, but it was often late in the evening when I was too tired to sit any longer at the computer. I took to carrying my notebook with me so when I did have fleeting moments (or hours, when delayed in the Halifax airport), I could write about my current inspiration. It has really been interesting to observe how the break from the blog has affected my state of being and how I felt about myself.
With the coming of my favorite month, I have gained the clarity I needed to start afresh this month and to continue with the discipline of writing. I have also committed to myself to resume the commitment to my health that had taken a back seat for the last part of August as well. I am focused on new goals in my work and business. And I am savoring the last week before my children return to school. For me, freedom is found in the discipline of my day as I live in possibility at home, at work, at play and at peace. When I am not centered, when I am not balanced, I feel it in every part of my mind, body and soul. The truth is that it affects my self-esteem because I don’t feel particularly smart, pretty or connected when I am not living my best life. It is also extremely important for me to “walk the walk” and present myself authentically every day. This is why I speak the truth and will ‘confess’ when I’ve made choices that don’t serve my higher purpose.
I am glad to have made a return to the blog and thank you all for your support. I will continue to write about those things that inspire me each day… the ordinary life of a single, working mom who lives to embrace her potential. This is who I am… I am grateful for all the blessings in my life and the opportunity to share my Lessons Learned.
www.embracingpotential.com
Who would like to order up a New Beginning? I thought of this early today as I rose and felt, for the first time in a while, that I will get back on track with the things most important to me. The past two weeks have been FULL of living… I have enjoyed them immensely. My days have been filled with much activity, lots of laughter, and some tears, too. I have been asked why my blog stopped... some were actually worried about me – thank you, by the way. August has been the busiest month of the year for me with my job for the past 12 years. Add to that, the drama of my son’s birthday (see Aug 4th post), a missed business trip (Aug 10th), my former anniversary (Aug 13th) and a whole lot of personal stress related to my boyfriend’s brain tumour (http://kpomroy.blogspot.com) and it doesn’t leave a whole lot of time for writing. Well, that’s not really true. In fact, I have been writing – just not on the computer.
I had gotten into a routine where I would either write each morning or in the afternoon at the beach. It was a process I was enjoying very much and had committed myself to the discipline. It was energizing and I really felt like it was an excellent way to express myself. Over the past few weeks, however, I allowed other demands in my life to take over that space I had created for writing. I still enjoyed quiet time each day, but it was often late in the evening when I was too tired to sit any longer at the computer. I took to carrying my notebook with me so when I did have fleeting moments (or hours, when delayed in the Halifax airport), I could write about my current inspiration. It has really been interesting to observe how the break from the blog has affected my state of being and how I felt about myself.
With the coming of my favorite month, I have gained the clarity I needed to start afresh this month and to continue with the discipline of writing. I have also committed to myself to resume the commitment to my health that had taken a back seat for the last part of August as well. I am focused on new goals in my work and business. And I am savoring the last week before my children return to school. For me, freedom is found in the discipline of my day as I live in possibility at home, at work, at play and at peace. When I am not centered, when I am not balanced, I feel it in every part of my mind, body and soul. The truth is that it affects my self-esteem because I don’t feel particularly smart, pretty or connected when I am not living my best life. It is also extremely important for me to “walk the walk” and present myself authentically every day. This is why I speak the truth and will ‘confess’ when I’ve made choices that don’t serve my higher purpose.
I am glad to have made a return to the blog and thank you all for your support. I will continue to write about those things that inspire me each day… the ordinary life of a single, working mom who lives to embrace her potential. This is who I am… I am grateful for all the blessings in my life and the opportunity to share my Lessons Learned.
www.embracingpotential.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)