I decided to make today into a “down” day. After a long week of appointments and appearances, I’m shutting it all down for a little “me” time. Earlier this week I spoke to a group of women business owners about the importance of achieving work/life balance. One of the points I made is that we should guard our private time. Whether it is reading, watching a ball game, taking a walk, gardening, or just sitting or lying still, thinking about whatever comes to mind, spending time with yourself is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself achieve balance.
I am by no means a yard person, but earlier today I decided to do a little work outside, prior to my professional lawn service next week. I sprayed some weed killer in my flower beds and gathered a few sprigs from the last rain and wind gush. Nothing strenuous—just enough activity to relief my mind, body and spirit from the daily rigors of work.
We often feel there is not enough time in our lives to do the things we need to do, let alone to do the things we want to do! We can become overwhelmed by the day-to-day demands of our careers, families, technology, the economy and so forth. Before you know it we’re stressed out because our lives are out of balance. But when our lives are in balance we feel good about ourselves and our lives project a different energy.
If getting time alone is something you would like to make a priority, but you don’t have time, then something definitely needs to give. You might not be able to take a seven-day Caribbean cruise, or even an entire day, but you need to schedule time to take a break from the daily grind to relax and get reinvigorated. Most people only need an hour or two a day to do something they really enjoy.
Just like you schedule your doctor’s appointments and your parent-teacher conferences, you should put private time on your “to-do” list and stick to it. Carve out time in your day to contribute to yourself and the people closest to you. Don’t allow work and other distractions to intrude on your personal time.
The key to maintaining balance is to keep YOU at the top of your list of priorities. Because when you get YOU right, everything else will fall into place.
Rebecca
At a time when there’s so much bad news in the nation and the world, it’s a good idea to stop and count your blessings. We can always come up with things in our lives that we would like to change, but sometimes we need to take an inventory of the many things for which we can be grateful. I’m grateful that I live in America where I’m free to follow my dreams. I’m also grateful that I’m free to worship as I choose. I’m grateful for loving and supportive friends and family. Even in the wake of a recession, I’m grateful for a positive outlook for the future. In spite of bad news in the media and the unrest in the world, life is good.
Rather than getting caught up in the Chicken Little dialogue that “the sky is falling”, take some time to reflect upon the many blessings that you have. Whining and complaining about what you don’t have will only sink you into fear and despair. On the other hand, speaking words of affirmation and gratification have creative power that will manifest in positive ways. God Bless.Rebecca
Remember when you were a child how excited you were about Christmas day? You could hardly contain yourself. You made out a long list in hopes that you’d get everything on it. You anticipated the big day, expecting a few pleasure surprises to boot!
Well, that’s the excitement I feel as I anticipate great things in 2009. I’ve written out a clear vision and set goals to create the outcome I desire. I’m not focusing on the recession but on the possibilities. I’m making a declaration that my best days are ahead!
Decide that you’re going to thrive in spite of the recession. I don’t mean that you should walk around in denial that a recession exists, but that you come up with an action plan to buffet its impact. Think about the worse case scenario and decide on what your strategy will be should it occur. Be proactive rather than reactive. Then, after you’ve covered your bases, get excited about making a great life, will you? Anticipate 2009 being your best year ever!
Happy New Year!
Rebecca
Here we are at the close of another year. My, how time flies! This year has been a year of newness in my life. I embarked upon a new beginning in 2008, interspersed with new challenges and I’m ending with a renewed sense of excitement.
This was the year that I quit my corporate job to launch out as a solo entrepreneur. Throughout 2007, I severed some relational ties and dropped old baggage, but this year brought on new connections and opportunities. The challenges (or dare I say opportunities) were typical for a new endeavor—getting business exposure and name recognition, building my client base, etc. Throughout it all, I’ve been able to maintain a positive outlook for the future. My challenges have given me a new resolve of “stick-to-it-ness.”
Take some time and reflect upon this year. What victories did you celebrate? What were your challenges and how did you feel about them at the time. Obviously, you made it in spite of them. What did you learn about yourself in the process? What new perspectives do you now hold as a result of what you experienced, that you believe will enhance your life in 2009? Live in the possibilities and know that you are more than a conqueror.
Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! God bless.
Rebecca
On Tuesday, November 4, 2008, Barack Obama made history as the first African American to be elected President of the United States of America. What a sight to behold as hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Grant Park in Chicago, and around the world, to celebrate that historical moment in time. I have listened to President-elect Obama’s victory speech several times. What I found to be one of his most memorable lines was at the beginning of his speech:
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”
This election signified the dawning of a new day—a new era of possibilities. One thing I know for sure is this: If an unknown senator from the State of Illinois can rise to national prominence in 2004, and four years later emerge out of a pack of seasoned, formidable contenders to become the 44th President of the United States of America, millions of people now believe that anything is possible in their own lives. I hope you’re one of them. It has made even more of a believer out of me!
Rebecca
In my upcoming newsletter I’m going to share some tips on how to to survive today’s financial challenges. As a lead in the article, I want to begin by stating that, like most Americans I was personally impacted by the downturn in the economy. After watching my retirement savings drop by 15% I took decisive measures to stop the bleeding before the market took its sharpest downward spirals.
It is a fact that you really learn who you are during a crisis. What I learned (or was reminded of) about myself that there is a vast difference between me and my savings account. Who I am is not defined by the assets that I possess. I must admit that it wasn’t a good feeling to witness the value of my retirement decrease; nevertheless, my faith wasn’t shaken by it. I was reminded of the Scripture in Psalm 20:7 that says, “Some trust in chariots, some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
I just want to remind you that life is a process of ups and downs. In order to keep your wits about you when others are losing theirs, it’s good to take action, but more importantly, keep a positive attitude and know that this too will pass! God bless.
Rebecca
This past month I allowed myself to become distracted from what I know I’ve been called to do. I was lured into another endeavor by a friend. Out of respect for her, I was momentarily enticed off my main course. After more than three weeks of juggling between my primary focus and this side venture, I came to myself! It occurred to me that I was drifting away from what mattered to me the most. I shifted my focus away from the diversion and I’m now back on track.
Can you relate to being pulled in opposing directions? It can happen so unintentionally. Everything’s going along smoothly until something else gets your attention. It can seem so appealing initially, but you soon (or later) discover that there’s more to it than meets the eye. It requires more of your time and resources than you had anticipated, it wasn’t as convenient and didn’t serve your divine purpose.
When we find ourselves in situations where intuitively we know that it doesn’t serve our best interest, it’s important that we listen to our lives. Often we continue going with the flow in hopes that either we will adjust to the situation or the situation will change. In many cases, we become entangled in a long-term commitment that leaves us financially or emotionally drained.
That’s why it’s important that we live with intention. When we know our purpose we’re not easily swayed by every new thing that comes our way. We might allow ourselves to become temporarily diverted, but the road map (our goals) we keep before us will always steer us back on course.
I hope you will embrace your purpose and live each day with intention. Rebecca
Once again the Olympic Games are upon us. I’m not the die hard spectator that I was in the not-so-distant past, but as always I was front and center watching the opening ceremonies on TV. I’ve been following the headlines of the day through the online media outlets. Phelps’ record-setting performance in the swim competition is amazing. The headline today (so far) has been about the Chinese gymnasts being found to be under age. Oh well… on to tomorrow.
What I am really enjoying is that the Olympic Games have given me a break from the constant election campaign coverage. I was on politics overload! Don’t get me wrong, I am very engaged in this historical election, but sometimes I wish I had never begun watching it so closely. It can get pretty nasty out there! But I just remain prayerful that, in the end, the will of God (and the voice of the people) will prevail.
By the way, I mentioned last month that I was going to see The Color Purple. Well, it was great. I found it interesting that the lesbian role between Celie and Sug was not as subtle in the play as it was in the film version. But, of course, the film was produced in 1985. It probably wouldn’t be an issue today, even on prime time TV. After all, we’ve come a long way baby! (For better or for worst).
Rebecca
Last month ended with my niece, Michelle, who is 31 years old, getting married to Cedric, on June 28, 2008. She was such a beautiful bride. Check out the pictures below of her and my brother walking down the aisle, the bride and groom, and my niece (Michelle’s sister) Vanessa.
This past Saturday afternoon I presented a seminar for the networking group, “Dinner With Friends.” It was also a barbeque social. Unfortunately, it was too hot outside to sit under the gazebo. We had so much fun mixing, mingling and playing games. The door prizes were off the chain! As the guest speaker I got some extra nice stuff :-). Google “Dinner With Friends” and check out their website.
I have to tell you that I’m going to miss my family reunion because I’m going to the theater to see the stage production of ”The Color Purple” later this month. I’ve heard that it’s just awesome. I was hoping that Fantasia would be touring with the company, but she’s not. I don’t have any immediate vacation plans, but who knows what might come up by the end of the year. I could use a break …
Rebecca
This month is the final installment of my posts chronicling my transition from employee to entrepreneur. Well, I did it, it feels wonderful. In fact, it actually seems a bit surreal. The full impact has not set in yet. This past week has been productive as I focused on taking my business to the next level.
Even after only a week, I’m learning to slow down. It’s amazing how the fast pace of getting up early, trying to beat the morning rush hour traffic, then racing home to beat the evening rush, had psychologically affected my life in general. I was always in a hurry. Not anymore–I’m driving in the center lane now! Yesterday, after taking my mother to run her errands, I didn’t rush back home. I spent time just relaxing with her, allowing myself to unwind. Although I changed some of my daily routines, such as exercising in the morning rather than in the evenings and taking Fridays off, I still maintain a daily working agenda, albeit more flexible.
I was saddened to learn on yesterday about the death of Tim Russert. He was one of my favorite TV journalists. I would Tivo Meet The Press every Sunday morning and watch it after returning home from church. After every election primary, I would always tune in to hear what Tim had to say. If Tim said it, I tended to believe it. For me, he was the standard. I will miss him greatly as I’m sure others will.
I pray that we will all slow down and enjoy life. God bless.
Rebecca