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Release Perception Now

Today I invite you to release perception now as part of your end of year review.

A little Story

I love to learn new things and what better way to take classes than in the beautiful backdrop of Bok Tower Gardens. On an early Saturday afternoon, I was enjoying a class on making a succulent wreath. The instructor, Jill, was efficient, prepared, and gave us both hands-on instruction and a booklet to take home, that included the care of our succulent wreath.

The Class Was Great

The 26 or so women in the class were all excited as they created their own wreath versions. I was feeling a little rushed and didn’t quite finish before it was time for me to leave. Jill was cleaning up the tables and rather than speak up, I just watched as she scooped up the plants I hadn’t used, returning them to the selection tables.

I thought, “I’m fine. I don’t need them. My wreath is beautifully full.”

Realization of a Hole Unfilled

Coming home, I was showing off my creation, when I realized I had a hole ready for a succulent. I let Bok Tower know, and Jill sent me a quick, short reply in an email. I perceived annoyance in the email, even though she offered any succulents I felt I needed to complete my wreath.

When I stopped by to select a plant, Jill was busy talking to customers. She efficiently responded to my presence and instantly realized what I needed when I told her my name. As I followed her to the tables of succulent plants, I apologized for aggravating her.

“I’m not aggravated,” she replied.

At that moment, I realized my perception was totally wrong. Jill was merely efficient, and didn’t mince words in her email or in person.

I released a breath with an audible, “Ah”.

Lesson Learned

I hope in reading this story, you will choose to release perception now, and in preparation for 2020. After all, when you release perception, you are less stressed and happier. And let’s face it, the only person you can really affect is yourself.

May you have a safe and happy new year!

My Unusual Holiday Tradition

This is a secret, but I’m going to reveal my unusual holiday tradition to you, my friends. I start a diet regimen. Yes. I know it’s crazy, but I’ve done this at least two years running.

This time it’s different

I see you naysayers shake your heads.

“But it is something you do every November or December. Obviously, you haven’t been successful in changing your eating habits,” you say.

And you are right! This time is truly different. I started a plan called Noom. This is week 4 and I’ve lost 3 pounds.

“That’s lousy. By now, you should have lost at least 5 pounds.”

That’s why I believe I’ll be successful this time. All the other times I’ve ‘started a diet’, the initial results were phenomenal; 5, even 10 pounds in the first week or two. And then by the end of a month, I’m going crazy for carbs or sweets or whatever it is I was forced to give up.

How is this different?

Noom is psychology driven. They use multiple legitimate research studies to educate and help participants change their habits. It’s that simple. And they are funny. I like funny. How about you?

How do I start?

For me, I saw a TV commercial air during Jeopardy. Yes, I watch Jeopardy. And I’m amazed how much I don’t know both on Jeopardy and about my eating habits.

Noom has helped me get healthier, I think it could help you too! Use my special link for 20% off when you sign up here. And add my unusual holiday tradition to your December for the last time!

truly changing my health is simple

I’m committed to a dual pronged attack. If you’ve been reading my blog, you might have noticed quite a few references to my workout schedule. I started with a trainer in August. My trainer started off slowly and now I’m boxing on Wednesday, doing abdominal work on Friday, and training for a 5K on Sunday afternoons.  And now I’ve added a food change to the mix, daily logging food and interacting with my fellow Noomers because I believe consistency is the key to success!

When Life Throws You a Curve Ball

Eleven days ago I found out what it’s like when life throws you a curve ball.

Sometimes planning doesn’t pan out

I was poised to leave for a 7 day trip to Australia. Months earlier I had registered for a Women’s Retreat hosted by my Reiki Teacher, Bronwen, in the Blue Mountains north of Sidney. This was my second trip to the same location and I was planning smarter this time. I bought noise reduction headphones to better enjoy the 16 hour trip from San Francisco to Sidney.

I had acquired an international driving license to try my hand at English style driving. All my clothes were gathered together in my closet, carefully planned to deal with the Spring Down Under.

Then the email notification pops up

Less than 24 hours before my drive to the airport, I received an email that the Women’s Retreat had been cancelled.

“Oh no!” I gasped.

The email also offered personal instruction if I still wanted to travel across the globe. My first reaction was absolutely, I’m still going. The next morning when I awoke with a start at 3 am, I realized it was foolish to stay the course. At precisely 3:33 am, I sent an email to Bronwen that I wasn’t coming after all.

What now?

An entire week lay before me with no appointments, no obligations, totally available for spontaneity. What did I do?

Everyday I spent time in solitude and meditation. I also called my trainer to include healthy exercise. I walked at Bok Tower Gardens every other day. The result was a realization how much I’d been neglecting my own needs.

Lessons Learned

Next time when life throws you a curve ball, embrace the possibilities that have just opened up for you. Go with the flow. Practice gratitude every morning and every evening. And always buy travel insurance.