Mindfulness | Wishful Thinking Works: Create the life you really want

30 Days New – Day 12 & Day 13

July 9, 2018 — Patrice

“30 Days New” – Day 12

Easy peasy, second day of new qigong practice! I am counting it as a “New” because it is the first habit I have chosen to create as a result of “30 Days New” practice. That’s a first, which is just as good as a “New” to me.

Day 12 Results – Sense of peace and calm while doing the practice, and curiosity as to what it will add to my life.

“30 Days New” – Day 13

Day thirteen turned out to be very lucky for me. Today I meditated for an hour. It seemed like about 3 hours, but no matter, I did it!

I have been wanting to try meditate on my own for an hour for more than a decade. (Who knows why it took me so long, but seriously not important at the moment.) I use a variety of 25-30 minute guided meditations, including Yoga Nidra and self-hypnosis, both are very satisfying and I will continue to use them, but excited that today I took the leap to 60 minutes on my own.

I can’t honestly say I loved meditating for an hour and it was not an earth shattering experience, but it took commitment and a great deal of patience. I like that. I also like that since I have meditated for an hour, 30 minutes on my own is much less daunting. I know I can do it regularly and that makes me very happy.

Day 13 Results – Sense of accomplishment, mixed with pride and the overwhelming urge to give myself a sticker of some kind! Woo-hoo, I gave it a try and I did it!

To read more about why I am developing my “30 Days New” habit, click here.

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Posted in 30 Days New, Awareness, Change, Confidence, Congruency, Courage, Creating the life you really want, Dreams, Encouragement, Gratitude, Happiness, Happy, Interesting stuff, Mindfulness. Tags: guided meditations, qigong, try something new. Leave a Comment »

30 Days New – Day 7

July 4, 2018 — Patrice

“30 Days New” – Day 7

Yesterday’s “New” happened without me realizing it until late in the day.

: Endeavour on PBS

I love PBS, but do not watch their programs as often I would like. I have the time and the access, but for some reason I simply do not do it. Earlier in the week I DVR’d a number of episodes of one of their mystery programs. Yesterday I binged on two of the series’ two hour episodes.

I loved the show, but that was just the icing on the cake. What excited me was I was enjoying something new, without even consciously planning it to be a “New”. Seems “News” may be becoming a normal part of my life after only a week!

Writing about my Day 7’s activity reminded me of my 20+ year habit for ordering a new magazine almost every year that showcase topics I know little or nothing about. Popular Science, Wyoming Magazine, and Architectural Digest have all crossed my threshold at one time or another along with many other unrelated titles. Sometimes, I enjoy a magazine and reorder it; other times I read an issue or two and donate the rest to a local library. I believe the money is well spent under any circumstances because reading the magazines exposes me to new ideas and information, and perhaps even sparks a new interest, which is most often the case.

Do you have a regular “New” that relates to exposing yourself to new ideas or concepts, or even new forms of entertainment? If so, share what you have discovered along the way.

Day 7 Result – Surprise, enjoyment and a continued sense of excitement for “News” big or small.

To read more about why I am developing my “30 Days New” habit, click here.

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Posted in 30 Days New, Awareness, Change, Confidence, Courage, Creating the life you really want, Dreams, Wishes, Encouragement, Happiness, Happy, Mindfulness, Perspective. Tags: PBS. Leave a Comment »

“30 Days New” – Day 3

June 29, 2018 — Patrice

Day 3 of my “30 Day New”

Wednesday, June 25 was Day 1 of my “30 Days New” – for 30 days I am doing something new or something I used to do, but haven’t done in ages. You can read why I got started here.

Today I painted in the backyard. I love painting, but I always feel that whatever I do isn’t good enough. I try now and then, but after a day or so I drop it. Pretty silly, I know, but the truth is, when it comes to art, I hold myself to some very silly standards!

Today I reminded myself, once again that it is about the process not the outcome.

A critical voice in my sweet little head tried to lead me astray a number of times, but I simply took a deep breath or two and assured myself and the nagging voice that everything was going to be just fine, and continued painting. (We all need a bit of reassurance at times, don’t be afraid to face your fears and respond to those negative voices in your head in a kind and gentle manner. No need to beat up on yourself up, for beating up on yourself!)

Besides, I was having too much fun siting in the sun, straw hat tilted on my head, pretending to be a Monet protégé to let a few negative thoughts keep me from my goal.

Day 3 Results: An hour of fun in the fresh air, with a sassy side of artistic day dreams, topped off with a hatful of confidence and courage knowing I was enjoying the life I really wanted – – less judgement and more creativity and fun!

I encourage you to start something new or return to something old; to gently calm any critical voices that may arise and to enjoy an hour or two, or even just a few minute, of courage and creativity.

PS I am excited about tomorrow, and I don’t even have a clue what will be new!

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Posted in Awareness, Change, Confidence, Congruency, Courage, Creating the life you really want, Dreams, Wishes, Encouragement, Flow, Fun, Happiness, Happy, Interesting stuff, Joy, Mindfulness. Tags: 30 days, Life Coaching, try something new. Leave a Comment »

30 Days New

June 27, 2018 — Patrice

“30 Days New”

Starting today, I am doing something new or something I used to do but haven’t done in ages every day for 30 days. I have been thinking about doing this for awhile, ever since I read about the UK’s nature program, “30 Days Wild”, which is pretty cool. I plan to photo document my progress here to keep me on track. (Please feel free to hold me accountable!)

Please note: I am allowing myself to double up on some days – counting my progress as two days when I do two new things on one day and perhaps none the next, but only on consecutive days. (I am a Gemini and a flexible gal, so this approach suits me, and after all, I am making up the rules!)

My goal is to gently nudge myself into an array of new experiences, to explore what changes, if any, they lead to and to have fun posting about it all.

Even more importantly, as a life coach and positive psychology public speaker I am always encouraging folks to try something new or to consider new ways of approaching their lives, and I never want to forget what change that feels like. So, I am taking my own advice. I need to keep on top of my game and being open to change and new experiences is a part of that. I never want my clients or my presentation participants to feel they are alone when trying something new.

Why start today, on a Wednesday at the end of June?

Well, I am putting myself out a bit extra today by taking a risk in the direction of my dreams, which I will tell you about more tomorrow, so today seemed like a good starting point.

I have also been dying to make homemade pasta, and today I did! (More photos tomorrow.)

Mixing

After kneading

Rolled before cutting

Wish me luck, and please follow along with me or start your own “30 Days New”. If you do, I wish you luck and fun along the way. (Remember, there are no actual rules, so if you want to do something new once a week or everyday for two weeks or a year, go for it!)

Are you ready to create the life your really want?

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Posted in Awareness, Change, Confidence, Courage, Creating the life you really want, Dreams, Wishes, Encouragement, Happiness, Happy, Interesting stuff, Mindfulness. Tags: 30 days, Life Coaching, photo document. Leave a Comment »

Reflect, Rewind, Renew

January 26, 2018 — Patrice

This weekend is our Wishful Thinking Works Women’s retreat at one of my favorite places – a Benedictine Monastery in west central Florida. The Retreat isn’t religious – our focus is on reflection, rewinding and renewing our lives – but the quiet atmosphere and peaceful surroundings of the Monastery provide an oasis for contemplation.

Wish you were joining us, but more importantly I hope you find a way in your own life to take the time to retreat. I truly believe retreating is the fist step to finding more meaning in your life.

Whether you choose to meditate daily, color quietly in a corner of your home, travel halfway around the world or up the road to explore your options and to listen to your hearts desires, taking time for reflection is a wonderful way to get in touch with what really matters to you and to find new ways to take steps in the direction your dreams.

Find some time this weekend to sit and ponder what possibilities lie ahead for you. I guarantee it will be time well spent.

Warm regards,

Patrice

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Posted in Awareness, Change, Confidence, Creating the life you really want, Dreams, Wishes, Encouragement, Events, Mindfulness. Tags: mental sludge, reflect, Retreat, rewind. Leave a Comment »

15 minutes of quiet can give you peace

November 27, 2017 — Patrice

University of Rochester researcher Thuy-vy T. Nguyen, M.A. recently completed 4 studies related to solitude. Here’s one of the major findings her work revealed summed-up nicely by Bella DePaulo Ph.D. in a recent Psychology Today article:

“In short, the people who sat alone by themselves for 15 minutes with no electronic devices, and who got to choose what to think about, or who thought about positive things (by choice or by assignment) had very positive experiences of solitude. They felt calmer and less angry or anxious, without also feeling any sadder or lonelier, and without losing any of their feelings of excitement or enthusiasm.”

15 minutes of quiet – no phones, laptops, Echo or Alexa – can increase positive feelings and reduce stress. How wonderful is that?

Here’s how to unwrap this personalized, peaceful present that will keep on giving to you throughout the year!

Sit quietly for 15 minutes.
Think about any positive thoughts you like.
- Relive your happiest or simply fond memories or anything else that brings you pleasure.
And, then enjoy the benefits of feeling more peaceful!

Give yourself this free and easy, sure-fire gift to make your life feel more relaxing and fulfilled this holiday season.

You deserve it! Unwrap your 15-minutes-a-day for the next 21 days, and see how your happiness grows.

“Tis the Season to be . . .

Enjoy!

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