 By Michelle Porchia
Now that the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, visiting, stressing, over-eating is over --what do you do with yourself? Are you a person who makes New Year’s resolutions or sets goals that are rarely fulfilled? Do you have high hopes for a better 2014? Let’s look at some overall skills that can help you with entering 2014 in a good space. First, INHALE/EXHALE. Secondly, be still. Third, reflect. It is important that you breathe. Inhale peace and exhale stress. We tend to breathe shallow and breathing is life to our body. So take time to breathe fully and completely We are told to “be still.” You’ve heard me say this before. We’ve become human doers and we were created as human beings. We need to learn to simply BE. Yet we feel living is about being in constant motion. Not so. Try this exercise: turn out the lights, light a candle or use a battery-operated candle and just be still. Focus on the flame. Listen to your inner voice. Try this for at least 5 minutes. Reflect. Try journaling your thoughts. How was 2013 for you? What went well and would you have liked to have done differently? Did you spend time with the people who are important to you – including YOU? Did you spend your time when and where you wanted? This is also where you can address the questions above. Don’t beat up on yourself. Simply listen as you reflect and then decide “now what”? My suggestions for 2014: · Set SMART goals. (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic and Timed). Goals are usually personal, professional, spiritual, etc. Whatever is important to you and usually not all in one area. Write them down. Break the goals down into small pieces and then make them part of your daily action list. Example: Rather than saying, “I want to lose weight”. A more realistic goal is I want to live healthy. I will: work out 3-5 days a week. I will drink at least 6 glasses of water a day, eat 2-3 vegetables a day (corn is not a vegetable), and eat 1-2 fruits a day. I will go to bed at a reasonable time (set the time and your alarm – yes to go to bed). I will spend at least 15 minutes a day being still. Clear out clutter. Mental clutter. Physical clutter. Emotional clutter. Get help. It’s hard to receive if you are full. The season may be up for some relationships, for some of our “stuff”. During these times, people could use that coat, suit, coffee maker that you haven’t used in years. Donate them to the church store or other organizations. Do a swap. Here’s to a happy, healthy, peaceful and prosperous 2014. Your Comments Are Welcome
0 Comments
 By Nancy J. Lewis, MS, PHR, RCC
Christmas is a time of love, joy, peace, and happiness. It brings to mind memories of family and friends from past days where we have shared time over eggnog, cookies, and holiday treats. This year I challenge you to give the gift of yourself in creative ways. It is important not to stress out because you can’t give the gifts you desire to give. Give the gift of yourself because that’s the gift that means the most. Enjoy the eggnog, cookies, family gatherings, and the love that you feel from loved ones and friends, but don’t get consumed with feeling you have to buy something to make Christmas meaningful. The following tips are things you can do this Christmas season to bring a smile to the faces of family and friends.
These are just a few of the ideas you can use. The key factor to remember is give of yourself and when you do watching the smiles, hearing the laughter, and feeling the love that runs from heart to heart is priceless. Have a wonderful Christmas and a New Year filled with peace beyond measure, joy unspeakable, and love that fills your heart. ========== Nancy J. Lewis is the president of Progressive Techniques, Inc. based in Fayetteville, Georgia where the theme of her organization is "Developing a Better You!" Nancy is one of the founders of The Ebony Speakers and co-author of the book, Real Women, Real Issues - Positive Collaborations For Business Success. Nancy can be reached at: (404) 559-7614, email: [email protected] and website: www.progressivetechniquesinc.com. Your Comments Are Welcome. By Nancy J. Lewis, MS, PHR, RCC 
As we begin to plan and prepare for the upcoming holidays, we often forget to count our blessings and be thankful for the simple things of life. We forget to enjoy the fragrance of a rose and we forget to tell special people in our life how much they mean to us. We get so busy with the activities the holidays bring we forget to spend time with the young and the old. The time is now to stop, reflect, and give thanks for all the things you have. Life is fleeting; we must learn to make the most of each day.
While preparing the holiday turkey, cornbread dressing, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and home made rolls and desserts, take stock of all that you have to be grateful for. This year prepare a little extra food and take it to someone less fortunate. Be determined to make a difference in the lives you touch with a smile or kind deed. Remember the acronym THANKS as you enjoy this festive time of year. T-take time to be thoughtful with others and attentive to their needs. When you do this, it shows your concern for the well being of others. Be willing to extend yourself and be a blessing to someone else. H-help others by sharing laughter and joy with them. Maintain your sense of humor. I once read laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects. We must find ways to bring happiness and laughter back into our lives and the lives we touch. Remember laughter works like medicine so try a dose so you can feel better. Create a laughter journal and remind yourself of some of the things you did that brought a smile to your face. A-adopt an amiable disposition. Be cordial and friendly with people you meet and greet. Let the sunshine of your personality radiate rays of light to others. Be a light in the midst of darkness as you smile and treat each day as a gift from God. N-nurture and cultivate relationships in your life and watch them develop and grow. This is a perfect time to send a note to someone you have been thinking about and thank them for touching your life in a special way. Seek to spend time with people that are positive forward thinking people and will challenge you to grow and become better. K-kindness is a language everyone understands. Make a point to do random acts of kindness this holiday season without expecting anything in return. This will touch the hearts of people in a special way and you will feel better for doing them. S-seize the moment. There is never a better time than now to stop and make that call, hug that family member or friend, text a family member and tell them you love them, or treat yourself to a day at the spa. The important thing is you do it NOW, don’t wait. Commit to seizing the moment each and every day of your life. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ========== Nancy J. Lewis is the president of Progressive Techniques, Inc. based in Fayetteville, Georgia where the theme of her organization is "Developing a Better You!" Nancy is one of the founders of The Ebony Speakers and co-author of the book, Real Women, Real Issues - Positive Collaborations For Business Success. Nancy can be reached at: (404) 559-7614, email: [email protected] and website: www.progressivetechniquesinc.com. |
Book Debra, Michelle, Nancy or Carole for your next speaking engagement or training event.
|
RSS Feed