Life gets crazy. Sometimes the weeks feel so out of my control that I find myself just wanting to climb into bed and pull the covers over my head. Having goals, to do lists, kids, and bill paying are enough, but when I add my own “stinking thinking” into the mix, I concoct one heck of a scenario for myself! Words like SHOULD, ALWAYS/NEVER, BUT, THEY DO IT BETTER, NOT ENOUGH flood my head like a river after a rainstorm.

So, now when red flags occur, I reach for that big, red shiny button that says RESET!

 I go into the nurturing space of my home, alone.

 I start small….with just me. I choose to do something sensory-driven to re-center from the battle wounds I have inflicted on myself. I paint, putter, read, walk, chop vegetables, drink coffee on the patio as a fire in the chimnea blazes, repot a plant, nap, wash the kitchen floor by hand, drink lots of lemon water, clean a toilet, juice some carrots, journal…but most of all, breathe.

 Then, I find myself calming down and letting go of the world around me. Time becomes more like “flow.” The raging currents of the river in my head slows to a trickling stream. I am able to think…to discern and reconsider decisions I have made during the prior weeks:

• Obligations that need a NO.
  
• Time commitments rescheduled to align with my greatest values of spiritual connection/family/passion-driven work.
• Refueling self-care routines that have been neglected (like the beautiful blouse that needs ironing, vegetables to wash and chop for delicious salads, fingernails screaming for lotion and an emery board, the purse that now looks like part file cabinet/trash can/ kid tote).

 Once my brain becomes like a trickling brook, something magical happens. I get inspired!

• I create something that, in the past, has perplexed me.
• I complete a writing deadline with ease.
• I decide to connect with someone that proves to be mutually nourishing, and often propels me to participate in an opportunity I didn’t know even existed.
  
• I find that “solution” that has eluded me.

Working with the energy that comes from inspiration vs. the negative energy of obligation then becomes more and more a part of my life.

 I am “KIM” again! 🙂

 Tips for hitting YOUR reset button:

1. Avoid COMPARISON with others about how you need to devise your time in order to get “centered.” Comparison is like poison to your self-esteem and soul. 

2. Say NO if you are NOT ABSOLUTELY WANTING to do something. Time is a resource that, if misused, you can only blame yourself. (And, blame is not a good place to go with yourself!) 

3. Create a list of ways you really enjoy refueling. We often forget that true self care is not about indulgence, but fueling our tanks in order to be the person we want to be in this world.

4. Carve out a HUGE chunk of time to RESET. Be daring. Take a day, weekend or an entire WEEK off from work. The crazier you feel your life is, the more time you need. Make it significant and make it count!

5. Write an “I AM” statement.  Click here for instructions. When you are NOT being the person you want to be, your “I AM” statement is a compass….. and helps you see RED FLAGS of when you are getting off track, before life really gets out of hand.

6. Complete the following statement: “When my life is ideal, I AM…..” Describe what you would be doing (not what others would be doing). List at least 10 descriptors. Then highlight your top 5. How is your life currently aligned with those actions? What could you do to further align to those actions?

7. Etch out an ABSOLUTE YES LIST. From your top 5 highlighted statements, create what you most value. Begin to separate from activities, obligations, commitments that do not align with your Absolute YES list.

8. Choose COURAGE when making decisions about how you want to align and “show up” in this life each day. “Stinking Thinking” and limiting beliefs as described here, can trick us into not having the courage to live the amazing life we were DIVINELY given.

9. Practice GRACE with yourself and others. No one is perfect, nor should they be. See the GIFT despite your imperfections. See the GIFT within your imperfections.

10. Reach out and get perspective from someone who has your best interest at heart. This is not always family or the closest people to you…not because they don’t love and care for you, but because your changes could directly impact their lives. Choose someone who really SEES your true essence, but is somewhat detached from your choices for your life, such as a mentor, coach, trusted spiritual advisor, or someone you deeply admire.

As you commit to a life driven by your ABSOLUTE YES LIST, you will let go of the negative energy of obligation and work from a powerful energy source of inspiration, passion and purpose.

“Creating a meaningful life is boldly taking a stand against evil.“

 –Kim Kompel

Much joy and peace,

Kim