Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
As a woman it’s sometimes difficult to devote time and evergy to self-improvement, let alone spare any to have fun. I’m sure some of you can relate to this self-denial, as kids, spouse, job(s), the house, school, and simply keeping up with life often take most of our energy. Does it really have to be this way? Are we choosing to deny ourselves the basic pleasures of life just so we can “keep up with the Jones’s”?
I certainly hope not…
I’m reading a book right now called The 9 Intense Experiences: An Action Plan to Change Your Life Forever
I’m not going to do a full review of the book in this short article, but I do want to point out how important I believe his concepts are. The first Intense Experience is what he calls “Returning to Neverland”, a place we all frequented as children and maybe even into our young adult lives. The problem is that as we age, we tend to focus the majority of our time and energy on work, money, and getting ahead in life, not on meaningful, fun experiences. At best, we might take a vacation once a year or hope for a long weekend that isn’t calling us to house or yard work.
One of the suggestions he makes is to actively return to our own version of “Neverland”, however and whenever we can. Per his instructions for the first exercise, I proceeded to “dance” and be as silly as I could in front of the mirror. And though it was neither an audition for So You Think You Can Dance nor did anyone else see me (this time), the experience did the trick at bringing just a bit more joy into my day. Then I decided to take his advice and read one of my two-year-old’s books…without her.
My selection was Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 (Chicka Chicka Boom Boom)
Now, keep in mind I’ve read this popular children’s book at least a dozen times and have honestly never thought much about it, other than the fact that I love the vibrant illustrations. This time I decided to slow down and really take in the story.
This is what I saw…
Chicka Chicka 1,2,3 is an extremely motivating tale of overcoming self-doubt and fear of rejection. And, on top of that, I received a message that spoke straight to my heart about timing and patience, realizing that sometimes “waiting” is the best thing for me. The little zero (main character) ended up with the best spot in the tree and being the hero to all the numbers simply because, even though overwhelmed with anxiousness for success, he waited.
The point being: I’m really stoked to read the rest of Brian’s book! I mean if I got that motivated by doing just a couple little exercises…WOW! I’m happier, and I got a sweet, little life lesson in 5 minutes while I was on the toilet…efficient.
