It's another Monday morning. The weather is a little chilly and the seasons are changing. How are you feeling today? Are you full of the joys of Autumn? Are you embracing your day with passion and joy? It is easy to settle into routine and easy to grumble about the never ending chores, but it doesn't seem so easy to brim with excitement and happiness. I wonder why that is. Do you feel better when you are glum, or when you are happy? I certainly enjoy life more when I am happy, but what is it that puts us into a good mood or bad? Do you know what makes you happy? Do you know what can derail that sense of joy into grumpiness and irritation? I challenge you to write down right now 5 things that make you happy and 5 things you would rather not encounter. Now how many of those 5 good things can you fit in to your day today? Make room for at least one of them, and look forward to it. Then plan for when you can do those things remaining on your list. As for the things that make you grumpy - if you can't avoid them, then how can you change your perspective on them? What are the good things about each one - don't say none, because there is probably something, it is all a question of perspective and attitude. For example, teatime at our house is a bit of a battle at the moment, son no 1 won't sit still, middle daughter likes to "feel like I want to be naughty". Teatime feels like a battleground that raises stress levels, and leaves everyone disgruntled. So where can I see the positives - OK well, teatime is happening as a family - that is a positive and should contribute to the children learning to be socially well mannered and versed in conversation, and all my children and husband are able to have dinner together so that is something to be celebrated in principle. In practise...how can I adjust my attitude to enjoy it a bit more? Plan and have a strategy. My mission is to remain calm, and have everyone happy as early in the meal as possible....I will feel good if I achieve that. If I achieve that....I mean WHEN I achieve that. I challenge you all now to write those lists and follow through....make your day better. Go on, I dare you.
Sara, Professional Certified Coach at Aspire www.aspirecoaching.org
