Give Yourself A Gift That Lasts A Lifetime

 

How do you take time each day for you? What habits do you have to tend to your inner garden? Choose 3 ways to give back to yourself each day and notice what changes occur in your life.

Intellectually we know how the benefits of making time to take care of ourselves. It makes us happier, more creative, fun to be with, healthier, peaceful and more productive in our business.

What stops us and how do we get in our own way?

We forget to just be; to take time to enjoy the quality of our lives and give back. A to do checklist does not fill our souls. I was reminded of this lesson yesterday in my son’s first grade classroom. Every child sat in a circle and told the other children one creative thing that they liked about the other person. It was simple yet magical!

Here are 7 fun creative ideas to take time out and be good to yourself:

1. Read poetry or an inspiring new book and feel uplifted by the message.

2. Exercise for 30 minutes and feel refreshed.

3. Attend a yoga class and reconnect with your body. Greater posture and health are the direct result.

4. Meditate and quiet your mind. It allows you to focus on your intuition.

5. Spend time in nature and dream.

6. Start a gratitude journal and notice not only what you are grateful for in your life but the little miracles that begin to occur.

7. Participate in a spiritual practice regularly. It is an anchor for the life shifts that happen.

Developing habits and times in your day to tend your inner garden is not a luxury. It is an absolute necessity to live in the moment, develop your intuition and pay attention to the synchronicities that occur in your life. Giving to yourself creates joy and a feeling of contentment.

Here is a excerpt from a poem by Doris K. Reed.

“Tending My Garden”

Daily I will tend my garden.

I will nuture it with patience,

constantly guard against uncertainty,

doubt, and disbelief,

and water with affirmations from the

well of divine right action.

May you form daily habits that fill your soul,

Lydia

What Defines Success For You?

A few minutes ago I was reading comments on a discussion group blog. The question was:

“What defines success to you? Do you experience any physical ’symptoms’ of success?”  I thought you might like to read my thoughts.

“Nina, thanks so much for starting this discussion. For me, success is the privilege of being allowed to live through my deepest held values. To live with integrity, service, courage, truth, love and also excellence is what success is all about for me.

More I work on “taming” my ego…

…letting go of outcome for the sake of doing the right thing, more I feel successful. Not for myself but for the betterment of the planet. I am because we are!

As I work with purpose-driven women entrepreneurs…

…all over the world who too want to stay true to their values but feel frightened by the economic hardships of this “crisis of trust”, I find my fulfillment and holding a strong arm out for them. Making products and services available at costs THEY can afford even if that means a bit less for me and my partner.

May you and all the readers find their definition of success and in my heart I hope that it will include the good of world.”

So, I have  a little bit more space here to expand.

It was such an interesting question because I had been pondering it for some time now myself.

How can I combine success for myself…

…with my deep wish for the well-being of others on this planet?  Can I or do I have to sacrifice my well-being for the well-being of others?

In the end, I believe it’s about our intentions more than anything.  I am still blogging on my business blog, I am still attending network meetings, I am still charging for my services…but I do it with all my intent on service, checking in with myself over and over to make sure that I have the best of YOU on my mind.

Only then can I be authentic and true to my values.

Leaving fear about my personal profit behind, having faith that when done right I will have built relationships for life.  Believing from the bottom of my heart that my “security” doesn’t sit in a bank account (as proven very clearly lately) but with those who I love, cherish and care for.

This is a hard concept for such a recovering “individualist” and yet brings warmth and peace to my heart,

Love to all of you
Christiane