Deliberate Success

Be deliberate

As I wrote about my 2018 goals in my last post, I have chosen to be more Deliberate this year — more conscious and intentional with my decisions and my life. I believe this behavior will lead to greater success in all I set out to achieve this year. So to start things on a positive note, I would like to share a quick post with a few words of inspiration for this first week of the new year.

It’s a time for reflecting on last year – what worked and didn’t:

“Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the story you’re willing to create.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

And a time for making our plans for this new year to be better than the last:

“You are never too old to set another goal, or dream a new dream.” ~ C. S. Lewis

And finally, for me, it’s a time to embrace my word and focus on what that means for me in building a purposeful path to a successful and happy year:

“The way into the hall of success always passes through the chamber of decision. Decide to be a success; success is deliberate.” ~ Israelmore Ayivor

deliberate

I hope you are having the best week! Have you set any goals for 2018 or embraced a word for the year? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers!

Cynthia

Conversation = Food for the Soul

via Daily Prompt: Conversation

There’s a coffee shop in my little town called “Conversations Coffee” that is a friendly little place to get something to drink and catch up with friends. In this modern age of electronic communications, I sometimes think the art of conversation is dying. So on this first day of the new year, I think we should all resolve to…

Converse more.
Openly and frequently, with friends and family,
Near and far.
Grab a cup of coffee with a friend,
Just to catch up.

Call a family member you haven’t talked to in awhile.

“Conversation is food for the soul.” ~ Proverbs
Conversation fuels the brain and feeds the soul.
It keeps us connected and grounded.

It helps us learn and grow.

So say hello. Reminisce.
Share a cry. Tell a joke.
Exchange ideas. Give feedback.
Express gratitude.
Demonstrate love.
Converse.
Listen.
Talk.

Be.

And now if you’ll excuse me, I am going to make a phone call….and enjoy the conversation.

Cheers!

 

Cynthia

Building a Purposeful Path

As you start with the big picture, ask yourself: What do I have time, energy, and resources to accomplish? What makes me happy and brings me joy. The answers will then help you make your list of goals.

I started reading the Goal Setting Series by Lara Casey this morning (Part 1 here) and wanted to share some quick insights. While 2017 wasn’t my most productive year, I am trying to look past my shortcomings, extend myself some grace, and be happy with what I did accomplish.

lara-casey-goal-setting-comparisson

I wrote about some self-care goals for 2017, and at last check I had given myself a solid B-. I would say that was where I ended the year. I am sleeping more and working out regularly. I still need to get away from my desk more at lunch AND not work so many hours – I am going to work on those items more in 2018, as I am building my purposeful path. Continue reading “Building a Purposeful Path”

Jolly

Sometimes it is hard to feel Jolly at this time of year, with so many things cluttering your to-do list and social calendar! The holiday baking, shopping, gift-giving, and socializing can be overwhelming at times for anyone. That sense can be compounded for someone dealing with chronic pain or conditions like fibromyalgia (read 4 Tips for Avoiding a Holiday Flare).

So I have to admit I am struggling this year. Work and volunteer commitments are monopolizing my time to the point I can’t find time or energy to shop for presents or wrap the ones I do have. Each year seems harder – I struggle each year with what to buy, who to buy for because the burden to shop for everyone (except me) falls on me. Oh, and Christmas cards? Last year was the first year I have never sent them. This year isn’t looking so good either.

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Ziplining with Santa down Fremont Street, Las Vegas, 2011

So Jolly is a state of mind for me. I try to find joy and humor in even the simplest of things, like this memory of ziplining with Santa. The real Santa. *<|:-{)} Ho, ho, ho!

The holidays should be a time for enjoying family and friends and celebrating, not stressing out. So I make my to do lists, and check them twice. And if I don’t get everything checked off, so be it. Maybe I don’t bake as much or buy as much or send those card. Lately I have given myself permission to let things go, such as writing blog posts. My goal was to write a weekly post, and then that became a monthly post. Now it is whenever the mood strikes. Like today. So today, I can be jolly. 🙂

Cheers!

Cynthia