you chose to enjoy the very thing you dread most today?
Wouldn’t the entire day be lifted?
What if…
lisa congdon
Productivity Tip
Since I’ve turned off all my notifications on my cell phone, I’ve become a lot more productive and less reactive:
- I read emails when I am prepared to, not because my phone blings;
- I focus on writing quality blog posts and creating art, and refrain from checking stats; and
- I’m far less distracted in general and my productivity has increased by at least 40%.
What Happened?
Recently, I (wo)manned a booth at our school’s International Festival. We were making maracas using empty toilet paper rolls, duct tape and (uncooked) beans and rice. Kids of all ages and sizes came to make their maracas.
After just one hour, I realized something: six and seven-year-old girls came up confidently and chose their colors without hesitation. “I want blue! And red! And green!” They taped their rolls, scooped up rice, taped again and smiled radiantly.
Teenage girls, however, hemmed and hawed, wracked with indecision. “Ummmmm. I dunno. I dunno what to choose! Ummmm…” It took them far longer to decide and even after they decided, they second-guessed their decisions and did not seem entirely happy with their results.
What happens to girls?
True Freedom
We believe the “right” amount of money will afford us freedom.
We believe that being 100% safe will make us free.
But what will really give you freedom is complete acceptance of reality and even looking forward to your “fears” coming true.
When you practice dread, you practice imprisonment.
When you welcome everything, you liberate yourself.
*creativebug.com (Lisa Congdon)
Hollyhocks Are Diverse
The difference between a weed and a flower is judgment.
Unknown
…Yoda Would Not Approve
Too often, we confuse “anger” with power. Anger is fear-based. It is never necessary.
Intelligent, creative action can only arise from calmness.
Whenever I give a knee-jerk reaction, I almost always regret it. Yet I’ve never regretted deleting the impassioned email or biting my tongue until I can address the issue calmly.
Try this: Next time you are offended (which is just your perception of offensive behavior, by the way), do not react. Think about the action or words. Decide if they are true or not. And react calmly (e.g., “Interesting. No, I do not agree.” Or, “I think you might be right!“)
Rx for Joy
Current symptoms: listlessness, insomnia, constant hood of worry, anxiety, pessimism, road rage
Prescription: (To do at least once a day until symptoms disappear)
Go to a mall or your sister’s house or other place where toddlers are eating or playing (a children’s playground at the park or school is not advised for you might be reported for peculiar behavior – not your fault)
Observe toddler’s feet dangling from the chair; his cherubic cheeks and glistening eyes focused on what’s in front of him;
Note the fat hands hungrily – joyfully – grabbing the sandwich/spoon/bowl;
Listen, really listen, to his easy laughter and his babble.
If you could ask him, he’d tell you:
He’s not worried about tomorrow or fretting about the past;
He’s here, with you, and nothing else matters.
When toddler begins to cry or have a temper tantrum, cease the observation and seek a quiet place immediately.
The Lion’s Tooth
The dandelion* is a wondrous flower. Many claim it has medicinal and nutritional value. I don’t know about that. Maybe it’s true. I just find them wildly beautiful. Please watch this time lapse video of a dandelion over one month (Neil Bromhall):
*dandelion literally means “tooth of a lion” in French
Maternal Meditation
Motherhood To Dos:
change their diapers
anticipate their needs
hug and kiss through tears
teach them to be strong
allow them to feel pain
buy them clothes
(and school supplies and prom tickets and flowers for their first crush)
listen as they complain about school, frenemies and hormones
bite your tongue when they complain about you
And that’s why there’s an “Om” in “Mom”
Endless Supply
The most important resource is resourcefulness.
Tony Robbins
Kismet 