Slowing it down

Had a brief, albeit profound conversation last night with Eve and Little Chris. The discussion reminded me how far my own advices I have travelled over the last six years. I am writing this morning in hopes of reminding myself and others about how to de-stress and stay energized in the toughest of situations.

The first thing I forgot is that I am connected to everything on this planet. I am the energy of God and He has determined the best course of action for me. I have to be self-aware and open to opportunity no matter how strange the opportunity appears to be. "All things work for the good of those who love the Lord"...key word being ALL. Even when something is uncomfortable - it is a chance to grow, learn, improve, and at some point I will be able to look back and see its positive effect on my life.

The next thing I forgot is that it is my responsibility to de-stress every day. I used to spend a few minutes before going to sleep imagining my mind as an attic. I would visually walk through it and put things in order...spruce up any messes...categorize the unknown into small, manageable files and finally, open at least one new "door" each night. It's amazing how cathartic that process is. I haven't done it in years, and I believe that's why things seems so big now. My attic is just full of junk I have tossed up there - all willy nilly - over the last six years.

Finally, I was reminded that I have absolutely no control over anything or anyone except me and my reactions to those things or people. I can choose to lose sight of the big plan or move forward as a positive influence in the grand scheme of things. My job is to love God, myself, and others. Aside from that, I am not the savior or the scapegoat.

So...here's my checklist for successfull, stress reduced, life:

1. Wake each morning with thanksgiving for another opportunity to be a better person.
2. Do at least one thing for someone else today.
3. Remember to treat myself kindly.
4. Be honest, hopeful, helpful, and hard-working.
5. Laugh at something.
6 Hum or sing a tune.
7. Listen to the sounds of life and enjoy the melody whether it's birds chirping, cars passing, fans blowing....
8. Chew my food, taste the spices, appreciate the meal.
9. Walk, run, move!
10. Visit the attic every single night. Make repairs, put things away, and dust off the shelves. Sleep
Tomorrow - repeat!