Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Daniel HalvorsonThe old saying is true...you can't compare apples to oranges. Especially if the oranges hide under the cloaks of apples!
So, as we wrap up our first quarter of Audacious Self-Care, let's take a look at authenticity as our final topic about "The Possible You." Many folks think of showing authenticity as a very risky way to live [as do some oranges, apparently :-) ].
The perceived risk is usually a fear of not being accepted as we are...leaving us feeling vulnerable. But the bigger risk is continuing to hide behind a mask (or an apple skin!) This type of recluse is likely to feel scattered and lonely. After all, how can you develop meaningful relationships when it's difficult to know yourself, let alone letting others get to know you!
The solution sounds simple, but it may take some time change old habits. Here's what we need to do:
Personal Alignment
We are aligned when our thoughts, feelings, values, speech, and actions match.
I like to think that that's why the cookie man below is smiling!
Before we start our new Audacious Self-Care topic for April, May, and June, I want to share a quote to close out our topic about "The Possible You." It's from a book by David Heller called, "Children on Happiness."
"The secret of happiness is kindness...not just toward other people but being kind to yourself too." ~~Michael Y., at the age of 10
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2011: The Year Audacious Self-Care with Coach Susan
For April, May, and June, our topic is...
Take a Look Around: Your Personal Environment
It took me many years to see that decluttering and organizing in my home and office are actually a form of self-care! The condition of our personal environments affects us in ways that I knew nothing about 20 years ago.
The time and energy it takes to develop better habits in this area are welcome exchanges for the the time and energy it costs us to even be in a messy environment, let alone trying to function in one! The Feng Shui experts are really onto something. Your personal energy is affected by the energy of the space you're in.
Please comment on your experiences with various spaces and their quality, size, color, mood, level of organization, and other characteristics that affect you!
This is the interactive part of The Audacious Self-Care Community! :-)
Please respond now while you are here. Most folks have a lot on their plates and will forget to respond if they put it off.
And speaking of interactions, have you ever thought of the people around as part of your environment? Their moods and energy levels can affect you negatively or positively. Don't get caught up in the negativity that others may be bringing to the space. Be careful about who you spend time with.
If you can't escape an obnoxious co-worker, for example, do what you can to limit contact. You may also want to sit down and have a frank conversation with him or her. They may not realize how negatively they're coming across. Let them know in the most civilized way you can that you will no longer be one of their targets.
Also, do whatever you can to avoid picking up the negative energy of other people. My husband is rarely affected by negative energy. His secret? "I just put up my s*#t shield!" he says. It's a great bit of imagery...in part because of the lightness and humor it brings to your own energy! Humor solves many problems!
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Here's a quick review of what we'll be talking about over the course of The Year of Audacious Self-Care:
First Quarter: "The Possible You"
Second Quarter: "Take a Look Around: Your Personal Environment"
Third Quarter: "Boundaries and Bridges:Your Interactions with Others"
Fourth Quarter: "Audacious Self-Care through Contribution and Stewardship"
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As you can see already, each section builds upon the ones before it, and there will be some overlap. I love this picture below because it represents the interconnections of the topics...after all, we do live in a holistic world!
Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/Andrew Johnson
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Reminders from my last post....
Upcoming Spring Events, Both LOCAL and GLOBAL!
LOCAL EVENTS
The Healthy Lifestyles EXPO
Friday, April 15, 2011, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Montco West Campus in Pottstown, PA
This event is complimentary, thanks to several sponsors from the community!
'Hope to see you there...stop by my table to say "Hi"!
For more information, contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766.
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Stress-Less Evening Friday, April 29, 2011, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Douglassville, PA
This is one of my most popular events...at a recession-friendly fee of $25 per person, prepaid, for two hours of pure pampering!
Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766. I'll need your check by Wednesday, April 20, 2011.
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GLOBAL EVENTS
The fee will be waived on an exploratory coaching session for each of the first three people who contact me by Wednesday, May 13, 2011 to set up an appointment! The actual appointment day can be as late as Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766. You may be invited, but never pressured, to continue with more sessions at my regular, recession-friendly fees.
Photo (c) iStockphoto.com/WarchiGlobal Spring Cleaning Party Via TeleConference Line
May 3, 2011, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm Eastern
We'll be checking in at the top of each hour, 7, 8, and 9, for a few minutes to declare what we're working on how we did in the previous hour. And we celebrate all victories!
Expert Karen Kingston says that Americans are THE worst clutters in the world! She says we put it everywhere...in sheds, basements, attics, closets, garages, spare rooms, and on and on! So I hope that readers from all over world will call into our party and support us here in the US!
And for those of you who live in the southern hemisphere, there is never really a bad time to get rid of things that are clogging up the energy in our homes, studios, and offices. I hope you'll join us!
I'm not charging to host this event (after all it is a party!) Your only expense is whatever your long-distance carrier charges you to place the three short calls to the US. The teleconference service itself is complimentary. Here's the number to call: 712-432-3973, PIN Code 7280202.
No RSVP is required. If you have questions before the party , you can contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or 610-385-3766. (Hint: If I've totally confused you, look back on my post from March 8, where I've explained it a little differently.) I hope you can make it! This is the only kind of party where I can clean my home during the party instead of before it! :-)
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***All of Susan's creative4life posts are (c) Susan Cleaver.***
***Active member of the TriCounty Community Network in South Eastern PA,
4 comments:
I teach in an urban high school that over 60 years old. Five years ago I was assigned to a classroom that was totally bare and very worn looking. I decided that for my benefit, along with that of my students, that I would start decorating the room. I began with colorful (non-fading) backgrounds on the bulletin boards. I hung a few inspirational posters that first year and have added to them. I couldn't part with an adorable dog calendar, so I hung the dog pictures around the room. My desk and my locker have accumulated framed prom and graduation pictures. The room is now inviting and has some personality, unlike some of the other utilitarian spaces in the school. The pictures - even those from the dog calendar - spark conversations and I think that everyone feels more comfortable and welcomed in the room.
Carol,
Thanks for the great example of the importance of environments! I'm glad, too , that it's an example of creating the environment over a period of time. It's easy to get discouraged if we think we have to do it all right away.
I'm going to write a short post, directing folks to your comment. I don't want anyone to miss it.
Kudos on your accomplishment!
~Susan
I have learned a lot by watching Susan and her decluttering efforts around our home. I had a terrible time finding tools in my garage and workshop. The simple solution was to establish a place for the tools and return them to that place after the task is complete. It seems so simple and it saves lots of time and energy.
Stew,
Thanks for adding your experience. It hit very "close to home!" :-)
I've learned a lot from you over the last 37 years, so I'm glad I could return the favor.
I used to have the same problem with my crafting tools, as you know all too well!
Your quirky wife,
Susan
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