Alone Time

I am continually amazed by the power of alone time.  We all have busy lives filled with partners, children, friends, co-workers.  Few of us really have alone time.  Not just time without someone else there but actual alone time--no TV, no computer, no i-pod, no distractions.  I live alone--well me and my cat who unfortunately isn't much of a conversationalist--but I usually have the TV on, or my computer or my i-pod playing.  I try to take time regularly to just sit with my thoughts and relax.  Although I will admit I frequently try to come up with excuses why not to take self time. But today I took time to truly be alone--I had a free afternoon and after my workout I came home, ate lunch, and just sat on the couch and breathed.  I had been feeling 'off' most of the day and I realized after only 5 minutes of sitting on the couch and just breathing I felt better.  I felt more relaxed, more centered, less anxious and ready to face the rest of my day.

It has always been fascinating to me that the things that make our lives easier and help us are often the hardest to implement into our lives e.g. exercise, healthy diet, alone time.  But I know for me when I do take time to move my body, eat my fruits and veggies and just be (even for 5 minutes!) I feel better.  Try it!!  Today take 5 minutes and just be, breathe in and out, notice your thoughts and relax--I promise it will make a difference!!!

Resolutions: Helpful or Hurtful??

Welcome to 2009!  I always approach a new year with mixed emotions.  On one hand  it is exciting to have a fresh new year and the chance to make fresh changes/resolutions.   Yet, I have had enough 'new years' to know that frequently the resolutions I have made and the changes I want to implement become lost in the shuffle and busyness of life.  Thus, resolutions frequently become a handy way for me to beat up on myself and criticize myself for not measuring up to the person I want to become.  

Bottom line is  I think resolutions are important. It is positive to look at your life--do a gut check in and ask yourself some hard questions.  Such as: Is this the life I want to be living?  Am I taking good care of myself?  Am I living by my values and expressing what is important to me?  Am I taking care of others who are important to me?  Am I expressing my needs and sharing my genuine self?   Based on the answers to those questions I think it is important to pick one (maybe two) small areas that you can change--maybe it is as simple as I will eat 4 fruits/veggies a day, I will express genuine care towards my spouse/partner every day, I will physically move my body on a daily basis or I will engage in an act of self care each week (e.g. hot bath, reading a good book, taking a walk).  As a mentor of mine says "all change is incremental"--Change takes time and when we swoop in to our resolutions thinking we are going to lose 50 pounds in 3 months by dramatically changing our diet and our exercise plan,  that we will quit a 20 year smoking habit cold turkey, or that we can eliminate all guilt or negative thinking because it is January 1st is unreasonable and causes more stress on ourselves. 

In my opinion (and as always in keeping with the theme of intentional living) resolutions are about self reflection and self love. Resolutions are about noticing in our lives ways we can become healthier and happier and finding small, meaningful ways of implementing those changes.  Resolutions are a way for us to live intentionally every day.  Change is a slow process but the key to change is having an intention around it--looking at our lives and figuring out what do I want to change and what is a meaningful practical way I can change it.  I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful, joyous 2009!  Happy New Year!