You have heard, I am sure, that how we wake up sets the tone for the day. That goes for both how well we sleep, and also for what feeling or attitude we have when we open our pretty little eyes.

We may be tired, or crabby or dread what we have to do in the day ahead. Our forehead is wrinkled, our mouth downturned, grumbling – who wants to get out of bed feeling like that? And who wants to be with a person like that? No, thanks.

But we get to make a better choice: to be intentional about how we decide to feel for the rest of our day. Ask “Is this how I really want to spend this day – miserable, unhappy, feeling like a slug?” If you are dreading what you need to do, here is another option. Rather than think about what we have to do, reframe that to what we get to do. That puts us right into gratitude – for our breaths, our vision, our heartbeat, or brain waves – all those things we totally take for granted but that give us life. With being grateful we can tell ourselves “I decide to have fun today no matter what, to be kind today no matter if someone is unkind to me, to send love to someone we may not like but who really needs a hug. “Be aware of how you feel when you make that switch – you automatically smile, breathe lighter, look cuter! People then want to be with you rather than with a dreadful grump.

And here is a little tip – when you wake up first thing, before you comb your hair or brush your teeth, with your tussled mop, mushy face and bleary eyes, and look full force into the mirror and say out loud: “You are lookin’ good!” You cannot help but to laugh!

Your Action: choose your best word for your intention for the day, make a little sticky note and put it where you will see it often. Live this day with intention – you get to choose.

(Mine is Lighten Up and it makes me smile. Would love to hear yours!)

Happy, happy 2023! You have heard a lot, and know, that we all have a new chance to be our best selves and create the best of what we want, and need. Part of that is being open to doing, and feeling, something different or opposite of what we usually, do or what most of the world is doing.

Yesterday I was again grateful for my coaching clients and how much I receive from coaching them. This particular person is truly delightful to work with (as I can honestly say all of my coaching clients are). She is so interested in being her best and learning and doing new things.

On our call I received a big lesson from her. She talked about how much she loves the month of January! She began to explain that January, besides being a new start, gives her a feeling of light- it looks like all white and new to her in her mind. And this feeling energizes her. She also happens to live in one of the northern countries in the world where they don’t get much sunlight this time of year. We explored this Lightness a bit because it is totally opposite of what a lot of people feel about January (a dreary dark month, feeling low coming off the holidays, etc.). She has chosen to be in the place she which knows will give her the best start for her new year.

This is a great example of how we create our own reality – what pictures or movies we play in our heads.  That was a new take on January for me and a great example of a Reframe – which is seeing or feeling something in a brand new way.  You take what you usually see or feel or tell yourself and change it to something different and better. It just takes a small change.

Test this out. Right now just choose one thing you want to reframe for yourself – something that would be opposite of how you normally feel about that thing – something you want to feel better about.  For example -if you usually don’t’ like to meet new people, it feels very heavy when you think about it and you just want to crawl into a corner, reframe that into a feeling of curiosity and make yourself lighter. So instead of running away from it, you lighten it up and anticipate that you are going to meet just one very nice new person! Aha – you now have a brand-new way of behaving and feeling! At least you try something different. And you never know what great results you may get.

Sometimes opposites are just what you need – and you get to choose. Have fun with this and let me know how this works for you.

 

 

 

Tips 9 – 12

Create Options

Rather than be on autopilot all the time, step back and ask yourself- how else can I do this? What else can I do? Can I allow myself to not do this?

Respond, not React

There is a big difference between these two words. React is about being on autopilot (see #9). Respond is to be in thoughtful control of our feelings and actions.

Why Not?

Give yourself permission to live a little lighter, happier, crazier. It’s a time for cheer – just ask why not?

Just Be

Ahhh – the feeling of just being. Being You. Being happy. Being quiet. Being loving. Or just Be.

 

Wishing you joy throughout the season.

Tips 5 – 8

Spending Money

The most thoughtful gifts don’t need to be extravagant. Be creative, do some research, plan an experience, some time with you, rather than an expensive purchase.

Time for Laughter

Above all else, look for the laughter, the happiness around you. Laugh at yourself, find pleasure in simple things. Dance! Sing! Watch Elf.

Create a Legacy

Create a new holiday tradition – or honor an old one –giving memories for now and the future.

What Fills You Up?

Here is a great exercise – make three columns on a piece of paper. At the top of each, draw a Smiley Face, a Neutral Face, and a Frowning Face. List the things that give you joy, that are okay, and those that feelings that are draining/negative. Then decide where you want to put your energy.

Keep connecting for the rest of the tips and please comment on how you find more joy throughout the season.