By: L. Shay Bradham
Ushering in a New Life – By Design
Winter can be a time of reflection. Spring, summer, and fall are times where we are outside: at the beach, at the pool, picking apples, or having picnics — we are out and about, enjoying the weather. With winter we are indoors, often spending our time with quieter activities: reading, writing, or crafts.
With the New Year we think about New Year’s Resolutions. (You know, those things that last for about 2 weeks.) You sign up for the gym or take up knitting — things that don’t last for long.
Changing your life isn’t about a laundry list of haphazard goals. It’s a process.
Stop
- Your first step is to stop. Set aside some time for you.
- You should be alone.
- Have some white noise going on in the background if it helps you to focus.
- Turn off your phone and put it somewhere far enough away that you can’t hear it buzz.
- Don’t sit at your laptop or in front of a TV – just sit at a desk or table with nothing but a notebook and a pen.
- Dim the lights, if that helps you to focus.
Breathe
- Close your eyes.
- Breath in deeply. Hold it. Slowly exhale.
- Repeat this 5 times. You’re giving yourself permission to let go of everything and to focus.
- When you are relaxed and focused, open your eyes.
Reflect
- Think about your life: Body, Spirit, Mindset, Relationships, Finances.
- What are you doing well?
- What needs to change?
- Make lists for both.
Redirect
- For your list of what you’d like to change, develop a plan to make those changes.
- Create a plan for making them.
- Set goals and target dates for achieving them.
This isn’t a once-and-done process. Use it to keep yourself on track so you can design the life you deserve. Shed old habits that are harmful and bring in new habits that will enhance your life.
Lady bits is provided by L. Shay Bradham, a freelance writer, published author, coffee addict, and a Trekkie. She plays an impressive game of Klingon Monopoly. You can contact Shay at: LShayBradham@gmail.com