It's Spring!
The winter is long here in upstate New York. The plants have been domant, and so have we. We may have lost focus, gotten off track, or we may feel spiritless and tired. But spring is a time of renewal. In my garden there is still snow on the ground, but yesterday I noticed the daffodils beginning to peek out.
There is an excitement and expectancy that accompanies the beginning of spring, and as nature renews itself, we can follow suit.
Personal Renewal
Before you begin your path toward personal renewal, you have to give yourself permission. Recognize how important it is to take good care of yourself; you deserve it and not only that, you need it in order to effectively meet the rest of the demands of your life. Don't wait for others to give you permission, especially those that depend on you. Remind yourself that you're not doing anyone a favor by being stressed out, run down, or burnt out. Remember that if you carve out little bits of time for yourself you'll feel better, enjoy yourself more, have more energy for what's important, you'll just function better overall.This month I'm offering ten simple ways to bring renewal into your life.
Ten Tips for Personal Renewal
Reconnect with yourselfSchedule some time, just for you. It doesn't have to be a lot of time. The object is not to overwhelm you or add to your to do list. Just think about a few things that you really enjoy doing, and schedule a little time each week to fit them in. How about 30 minutes in the evening for pleasure reading, browsing the aisles at your favorite bargain store, or going into a spare room, closing the door, putting on some music, and dancing. You can schedule an indulgence; a spa service, ball game or show. The point is, this is your time, how you spend it is your choice.Reconnect with others Is there an old friend or a family member that you've lost touch with lately? Or just someone you feel like reaching out to. Pick up the phone and give them a call. Take a mindful walk Leave your troubles and preoccupations at home (I promise, they're not going anywhere) and experience nature. As you walk, pay attention to the colors, the smells, the feelings, and the sounds of the outdoors. Take some deep breaths and enjoy the fresh air. Savor the experience. If you're inclined, bring your camera. When you return, you may find yourself enjoying renewed energy and a better outlook. Rent or go to a really good movie Choose an old classic or catch one of this year's Oscar winners that you missed. Take a trip down memory lane Do you have photos that need to be organized or old photo albums gathering dust? Pull them out and enjoy an evening of nostalgia. Allow yourself to reconnect with those moments. Check out your local adult education offerings Take a one day class or workshop and learn something new. Many cities have seminar centers such as The Knowledge Network or The Learning Annex. Local school districts and librarys also offer workshops and seminars. If you can't find the time to go to a class, check out distance learning options on the internet or www.teleclass.com . Get away from it all Plan a weekend getaway with or without the family. Get a hobby Would you like to learn a new sport, like rollerblading? How about getting better at playing pool? Jewelry making? Watercoloring? Karate or yoga? Rare coin collecting? It's energizing and invigorating to be involved in a new challenge. Choose something you'd enjoy, set a goal, and get to it. Schedule a catch up day Is there an item that has been hanging around your to do list, or hanging over your head? We all have them at times. Find a friend who also has one of these and commit to a time when you will both take care of it. Call each other before you begin, set a deadline, and check in again afterward. This supplies you with motivation, support and accountability. It feels good to know that you're not in it alone, and most of all, imagine how much better you'll feel when you can check that item off as completed. Drink more water Stay hydrated for your adventure in personal renewal.And here's a bonus: Buy yourself a present.This may not be the most elegant of tips, but it's one of my favorites. I call it Retail therapy!
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Quotes of the Month
"An optimist is the human personification of spring." Susan J Bissonette
"Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it."Ralph Waldo Emerson"Don't ask what the world needs, ask what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Howard Thurman
An Exciting Month
It sure has been an exciting month.
I spent much of the month developing my new website. I know that may not sound very exciting to you, but that kind of stuff uses my strengths and makes me come alive, so I do it. The site serves as a gateway for you to explore the different services I offer, all of which help you enjoy a wonderful life by using your strengths and doing what makes you come alive. I'd love you to check it out. Click here to visit www.michellemarks.comAs I mentioned last time, the strengths classification manual was published this month. This is a landmark event for specialists in personal and professional development. We are now even better equipped to help you flourish and evolve by connecting you with what's right with you rather than by struggling against what's wrong with you. Written by top researchers Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman, Character Strengths and Virtues is available for purchase through my website.
Click here to visit my bookstore.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes we feel too busy for simple pleasures, for personal renewal, or for taking quality time for ourselves. If you need help giving yourself permission to take better care of yourself, or with carving out time for your personal renewal, give me a call at 518-478-0093 or email me at Michelle@PositivePlan.com. Your initial consultation is free.
Feel free to forward this to anyone who might be interested. If you would like to subscribe, please email me or visit my website.
Now, go out and have some fun!
Michelle
The Positive Plan
Michelle Marks, PhD
5 William Paca Court
Glenmont, NY 12077
Phone: 518-478-0093
Fax: 518-478-9038
email: Michelle@PositivePlan.com
www.michellemarks.com
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