Posts Tagged ‘awareness’

Accepting Compliments

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Posted 19 Oct 2009 — by Jennifer
Category Self Awareness

Nowadays we are all of us so hard up that the only pleasant things to pay are compliments. – Oscar Wilde

Our self awareness series discusses the entry by Sarah Ban Breathnach for October 19th, in her book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy quotes the above statement.

We all love to hear compliments. I once told my husband that I felt like I was his cancer. Not that he has cancer, just that I felt that I meant to him what cancer would feel like to him had he had cancer. Bold statement, I know!

I only felt this bad because he would focus on the negative. Some people just get things done that way. I tend to focus on positives. Hearing what you do wrong all day isn’t a walk in the park. I don’t want to hear negative if you have anything positive to say. If you provide both then we can talk.

With that said, is this his fault? Breathnach reminds us that we often let people know we don’t want compliments.

Husband: Your hair looks nice!
Wife: Not really, I spent 45 minutes on it…

Friend: You’re so sweet to me!
Self: Not really, I like doing stuff like this.

Just say thank you when a compliment is given to you. Goodness! When we don’t accept compliments from those that give them to us, people decide you don’t want the compliment. Then you’re sitting up somewhere in a bad mood wondering why people don’t acknowledge all that you do for them.

They love you and very thankful for you, I’m sure of it. Sometimes we just make it harder for others to show us. Accept compliments and give them often, daily even! You should see a difference in your attitude and others around you.

Who are you thankful for and why? Can you pay them a compliment today?!

Note:

  • If you enjoyed this post, you can find the rest of our Self Awareness series by clicking here.
  • This is a powerful series, I strongly encourage you to subscribe to our updates via email or feed reader by clicking here.
  • To purchase this book and follow along at a low price click here: Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort of Joy. (as low as $3 most the time)
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It’s Always Something

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Posted 11 Oct 2009 — by Jennifer
Category Self Awareness

11227682_0f70b4e1d9Isn’t it always something? Even on the best of days, there is that unpaid bill, lack of time, a headache! Whatever it is be thankful that it’s just an issue, and not a crisis. Even the most well put together people have an issue or two that they can talk about. What would be life without a tribulation now and again? Where would we get our lessons from if there wasn’t a mishap here and there?

Our self awareness series entry by Sarah Ban Breathnach for October 11th, in her book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy speaks of there always being something that we can complain of. She speaks on a greater note; however, being thankful your complaints are only issues and not a crisis. Too many people start living for their true passions once a crisis hits. The crisis can be a health issue, a death in the family, a complete turnover on financial status, homelessness, anything that is life changing.

I know this pretty well, I didn’t get back into writing until recently. I had to be home from work with health issues to start writing again. I used to write poetry when Renae was small, about twelve years ago. Why did I stop? Where did I lose my authentic self?

This book was given to me by my sister in law about 5-6 years ago. The excerpt reads, “Jen, You are sunshine – do what you are meant to do! -shine- :) , D’Jne” She seen it, I had lost something. She told me one day, when I walked through the room I had a glow about me, this glow made the room brighter which made others happy. She told me I was lacking that! My husband said the same thing in other words about a year ago.

These are questions we must ask! I ask all of you to please not forget who you are! Look in the mirror and bring your authentic self back. What pleases you? What makes you the person that defines wholeness? What are you missing?

It may always be something, but it could be worse so please find who you lost, or if you haven’t lost yourself keep you alive. SHINE!

  • You can find the rest of our Self Awareness series by clicking here.
  • I know this is going to be a powerful series, I strongly encourage you to subscribe to our updates via email or feed reader by clicking here.
  • To purchase this book at a low price: Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort of Joy.

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    “A Passion For Beauty”

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    Posted 08 Oct 2009 — by Jennifer
    Category Self Awareness
    Roses my husband gave to me

    Beauty: Roses my husband gave to me

      Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger – W. Somerset Maugham

    Our self awareness series entry by Sarah Ban Breathnach for October 8th, in her book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy quotes the above statement.

    Breathnach speaks about her venture with realizing the true beauty around her. She spots this book full of beautiful things. She wants this book badly, but it’s not affordable at the $45 price tag it came with. She felt down, not because the book wasn’t in her budget, but because she forgot about the simple beauties that are around us each day. She reminds us how beautiful free and inexpensive things can be.

    This experience holds true, last week my sister in-law dragged me out of the house to buy some used books. I bought this book, God’s Little Devotional Book for Moms, only because the sheer beauty of the cover and pages. The cover is full of roses, and the pages are all pink. The words in the book jump out to you in a bold black with a cream backdrop. Opening the book makes me feel like I’m in a rose garden. I haven’t even read the book yet, but its pretty to say the least.

    I remember when I was a young adult I took a small end table near my bed, placed cut outs of beautiful things on top of the table. On top of these pretty things I placed a piece of fitted glass so that my things stayed in place. On top of the glass were little knick knacks that I took pride in, a book of quotes and poems that I wrote along with a vase filled with wild flowers. I would peer over at this table when I needed a pick me up.

    I’m hoping each of you will find beauty around you, it’s the simple things that really matter! Where do you find beauty? And what does beauty mean to you?

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    “Mediation as Meditation”

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    Posted 05 Oct 2009 — by Jennifer
    Category Reed Educates, Self Awareness

    Most important for us is a good spiritual relationship between employees and management. – Tatsuhiko Andoh

    Our self awareness series entry by Sarah Ban Breathnach for October 5th, in her book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy quotes the above statement.

    Breathnach speaks of mediation as meditation, this is so important. We spend most of our waking hours working! We should feel very comfortable in a place that we spend much of our time at. While we are working in our homes, in the office, at a construction site, or where ever we call work, we should make sure our day is a little more pleasant then the day before.

    What causes you to not want to get up and get started for the day? Is it that your duties are boring you and have become repetitive? Could it be you don’t like what you do or what your company stands for? Maybe you want more responsibility by taking on a new task? It could be that you do entirely too much and you need a break?

    When in you’re in a rut, make a change! It’s easier to make a change when working for yourself, but you can still work on change working with management on the job. If possible, you can make a life change, and do something entirely different. Not all of us can have it like that; all things don’t always change for us in one day. What Breathnach tells us to do, mediate to get the comfort we desire?

    If your daily tasks have become repetitive, ask your employer to accommodate you! Can you rearrange your tasks’ order? Can you change positions within your company? Maybe you need a new responsibility? Let your manager know you want more!

    If you dont like what you do or what your company stands for, look for another job that has a goal you share passion for. Sometimes changing jobs isnt necessary, make an action plan for your current company to commit to change. Share this plan with management, maybe your company will change for you.

    If you are doing entirely too much and feel worn down at work, delegate task to others who may be in a rut because they want a new task themselves. Talk to management and ask which task they dont mind you sending out for others to do. Delegating is a strong leadership skill, this could be rewarding for you if you want a leadership position down the road.

    What it all boils down to mediating with management to allow you to be more comfortable where you spend a huge chunk of your day at. If your management, then make a difference in your day that works for you and for your business.

    Have you reached out to your employer in such a way? Have you been able to make drastic or simple changes that bring you comfort in the work place? Please share by commenting below. Your response may help another. Thank you!

    Note:

  • To purchase this book at a low price: Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort of Joy
  • To view the beginning of our series, Simple Abundance; Starting the Journey Today, click here.
  • You can find the rest of out Self Awareness series by clicking here
  • I know this is going to be a powerful series, I strongly encourage you to subscribe to our updates via email or feed reader by clicking here.

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    “Little Miss Perfect”

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    Posted 03 Oct 2009 — by Jennifer
    Category Reed Educates, Self Awareness
    Perfect Princess

    Perfect Princess

    Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life. 

     - Anne Lamott

    Our self awareness series, day 6, entry by Sarah Ban Breathnach for October 3rd, in her book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy quotes the above statement.

    Okay, this gets a bit deep! Why do some of us have problems with perfection? Why can’t what we produce daily just be what it is? Does the things we do have to be of perfection?

    Breathnach speaks of perfection being “an addiction of low self-worth.” She states further that growing up, nothing was good enough… When we strived for excellence we received the praise we were looking for, therefore perfection is what we work towards.

    I can see where those statements can be true. I do have issues of wanting certain things perfect, yet let other things be what they are without wanting them better. Growing up I got praise for the great and the not so great things that I did. Maybe I don’t have the “little miss perfect” syndrome, but like some things just right. It seems my perfection issues are most seen in a dish I cook, or when I work on this lovely website. I cook great, why do I worry if it’s what the “tastee” is looking for (Is that a word, “tastee”? Sounds good doesn’t it). With the website, I want this centered, or that this color. I don’t like black website backgrounds. Ironic that I chose this background. I love the features of this theme more then I care that it is in black of color. I feel a family website should be colorful, or light in color.

    A quick note that Breathnach makes, upon completing the Universe, the Great Creator pronounces it “very good.” Not “perfect.”

    Ouch, I know! So, how do we deal with these perfectionism issues we may have? As for mine, cooking, if the “tastee” doesn’t like it, “Darn, too bad I cook for my husbands taste buds, sorry it wasn’t what you were looking for!” As for the website being as vibrant as I want, I’m buying a new theme. I have it picked out, I know there are free themes, but I know what I want for you all to see when you come to visit us. I’ll get it shortly, just as soon as I can finish talking myself into paying for a new theme. Okay, I talked myself into it; I’ll fit it in this month’s budget. Coming soon, Change!

    Enough of my rattling on and on and on… Where do you stand when you want something just right? When can you let it go and let it be what it is? Please share by commenting. I love to read your thoughts. Thank you!

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    Recognizing Burnout

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    Posted 01 Oct 2009 — by Jennifer
    Category Reed Educates, Self Awareness

    Burnout Tired FatigueOur self awareness series, day 4, entry by Sarah Ban Breathnach for October 1st, in her book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy quotes:

    “Recognizing Burnout Before You’re Charred”

    “My candle burns at both ends; It will not last the night   - Edna St. Vincent Millay                                  

    According to Breathnach, burnout comes from being unbalanced. What is burnout? Many responsibilities, not enough time, over long periods of time equals burnout! Running on fumes, superwoman mentality (or superman) can take you to burnout mode. It’s imperative to take care of yourself with rest, and by pacing yourself. Years of exhaustion can bring illness, or complete tiredness. You go to bed tired, and wake up tired, sleep no longer helping. Burnout means loss of will and passion to do daily things and making your dreams come true. Burnout builds a feeling of being unmoved!

     My Experience

    I’ve talked briefly about my burnout moment in “A Time for Everything”. I’m going to let you in on more. I was working full time as a technician for Verizon Wireless. I took care of troubleshooting data and voice issues. This position required more multi tasking then the usual. At the time I was also taking online courses acquiring a degree in business management, taking care of a new baby along with five other kids. On top of all that great responsibility I was trying to find a home business I could do on the side. I was moving fast, and wasn’t tired at all. My mind was always ticking. I never sat still. Even in relaxed mode watching TV, something was stirring in my head or I was busy tapping the keys of my mobile phone.

    I have some issues with my health, this hit me February 2008. They were worse when I had my “burnout” moment. I could hardly get things done without fail. At work I could barely walk without steadily watching my footwork as I sweep across the floor, everything was a blur, and my mind wasn’t on track. A normal five minute task took me 15 minutes to an hour. I took a week of vacation every month for the next few months. When that was gone, it was best I stayed home so I had to work that out with my employer. For months, I was home walking into things, burning things on the stove or forgetting to turn the stove on. It got to the point I could only focus on cooking one dish at a time. After rest, I got back up to speed, but I still have issues now and again today!

    To this day, this passage speaks to me. Even though Im home and well rested, I still do too much. I need to pace myself. I work very hard on this website. I put in full time work on this website, it’s my passion and I fear if I don’t make a business out of it Ill be forced to go to work again knowing seeing specialist or having my spells of dizziness I couldn’t be a great employee to any company. Being a writer or owning a blog means I could write like crazy and take a few days off if needed. I can’t hold a “real” job doing that! I’m only making pennies today, but I started only in May! I will make this work with time and patience.

    A commitment to myself: I will do my best to work smart so that I could work less.

    Question

    What can you do to avoid burnout or to deliver you from the burnout you are in? Please share by commenting. Thank you!

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    8 Essential Tips for Traveling on Business

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    Posted 30 Sep 2009 — by Jennifer
    Category Reed Educates, Self Awareness

    163212084_2566b732ceOur self awareness series, day 3, entry by Sarah Ban Breathnach for September 30th, in her book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy quotes:

    “Traveling on Business”

    “Is there anything as horrible as starting on a trip? Once you’re off that’s all right, but the last moments are earthquake and convulsion, and the feeling that you are a snail being pulled off your rock” -Anne Morrow Lindbergh

    For those that attend massive blogging conventions, business meetings, or have other business needs out of town, this is a read for you.

    Just a few tips for a pleasant and productive trip:

    • Pack light enough so that you can take your favorite pillow, comfort and a good nights sleep is key
    • Airplane carry on bag should include, one outfit consisting of business attire, cosmetics, toiletries, and vital business papers in a portfolio. If luggage is lost, you’re fine and set for your fist day of travel.
    • No matter where you go, pack a few warm clothing items, too many times weather likes to play a joke on us. Be prepared.
    • Pack a comfort bag, easily accessible, include suggested items such as an mp3 player, a book, snacks, some drink items, whatever suits you. Breathnach recommends a few single serving bottles of wine, maybe a few candles for your bath, your favorite tea maybe.
    • Use your hotel’s gym and pool if there is one available - exercise clears your mind, if you have a workout regime you stick to it while away.
    • All day conference while out of town and you can’t get back to your room – pack a snack, water, toothbrush, toothpaste or any other items you use to freshen up.
    • Make room for a few mini breaks if your day is packed – fresh air, coffee or tea.
    • Make some “me” time; stroll in a pretty park, go out to eat, do something to make that trip memorable.

    I hope some of these tips helped bring you some comfort and joy while you’re away from your loved ones! Have happy travels. Any tips you want to share with us, please share by commenting! 

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    “Self-Nurturing on the Job”; Day 2

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    Posted 29 Sep 2009 — by Jennifer
    Category Self Awareness
    Office Plant

    Office Plant

    Our self awareness series, day 2, entry by Sarah Ban Breathnach for September 29th, in her book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy quotes:

    “Self- Nurturing on the Job”

    “When we truly care for ourselves, it becomes possible to care far more profoundly about other people. The more alert and sensitive we are to our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others.                   – Eda LeShan

    How many of us want more in life then what we have today? More importantly, how many of us are aware there is more in store for us then what we have today? I’ve had times in my life where I started my day in trying to perform for others, either my boss, the kids, the husband, or my professor. Their standard of me and their wants were my reason to push for more. Not a bad thing, but when you lose sight of yourself while taking care of their desires then there is a problem. 

    Taking care of yourself, is the best way you can care for another. How do you suppose you can help others with their needs and desires if you’re in shambles physically, mentally, or emotionally? Taking care of you doesn’t mean only worry about yourself and what you have going on. It means just what I said; take care of yourself so you can be whole.

    The little things count, according to Breathnach we can do simple things to take care of ourselves on the job. We can take care of ourselves by taking time out for ourselves, and by making our workspace special. 

    Taking time out for you is key! I take time out for myself by taking a longer shower then I normally would. That is the only place I can go without the kids coming to me. When working, I would leave on my lunch hour to window shop, shop, or to sit on a bench to read a book for my “me” time. Even 20 minutes a day, breaking the time into pieces, is good for our souls according to Breathnach.

    Equally important, making your space special, in your home office, corporate office, work truck, gym locker, or where ever your work space may be… make your mark in that space. I do this well when I work in the corporate world.

    You can mark your space with inspirational quotes, candles, music, and a bible if you use one, flowers, a plant, a picture, art, and list of your goals, or whatever else that makes you happy at that moment. Have a few special items in that location, things that help you get through your day. Special items I kept at my desk were artwork from the kids, pictures of things I wanted, pictures of my family, a book of my favorite quotes, reading material, my bible, and plants. I had a special pen holder, and special little office supplies that I found sometimes on my “secret shopping” lunch hours. In my desk I had a few snacks, my favorite drinks, waters, and noodles or canned good for those days I forgot my lunch.

    So there you have it, take care of you, set time aside for “me” time, make your mark in your workspace, and have things surround you that make you feel special! Please share any ways that help you take care of yourself through the day by commenting, your tips may help others. Thank you!

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    “A Time for Everything”

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    Posted 28 Sep 2009 — by Jennifer
    Category Self Awareness

    2251675635_e916fe0800Our self awareness series starts today. Day 1, starting with the entry for September 28th, Simple Abundance quotes:

    “A Time for Everything”

    There is a time for everything. And a season for every activity under heaven. 

    -Ecclesiastes 3:1

    For starters, yes I’m Christian, and no, you dont have to be Christian to follow this series in self discovery, comfort, and joy. Daily quotes through this series are from Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. Sarah Ban Breathnach uses quotes and scripture from many sources, her book is the inspiration for this series.

    With that said, let’s get started.

    Keeping it simple, the author speaks of not always being able to do all things when wanted. You can set out to do all that your heart desires, you can truly make it possible, however, it may not happen all at once.

    We may have a family, be students, own a business, or may be employees trying to climb the corporate ladder. Whatever your circumstance is, time consumes us and constraints our deepest desires. We should continue to keep our dreams alive even if our dreams may not be an option for TODAY! Our desires may be more suitable for tomorrow, or next season, or next year. Even if it’s not the right time, our deepest desires can be. Keep your dream alive; just know there is a time for all things.

    An example, last year I was a full time employee trying to climb the corporate ladder, a full time student in Business Management taking online courses, and trying to brainstorm daily a new business venture I can take on myself, all the while trying to take care of my family. I was trying to take on everything all at once. This isn’t always the best way to do things, I burnt myself out quick!

    Being there is a season for every activity, I’m now unemployed, and taking a break from school. More importantly, I’m taking time to slow down for my truest desires, owning my own business, and taking care of my family.

    This season is the right time for my desires, next season that can change. Sounds backwards, don’t that? I say that it may change because I’m able to spend more time on my desires today, for my health caused me to be unemployed. Being unemployed gives me more time for my family and for running this website. I know I can make an income by branding our website, however, this is a new website and if finances don’t come in soon, I may have to go back to work if my family needs the added income.

    That is what this passage teaches us. You can’t do everything under the sun all at once. However, you can do all things! Keep your dreams alive, set your goals (short term and long term), and remember there is a time for your needs and a time for your dreams!

    Are you like me, with superwoman mentality? Can you slow down in some areas, and maybe speed up on others? What are your dreams? Don’t lost sight, chose the right time, keep your dreams, and make them come alive! Please share by commenting.

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    Simple Abundance; Starting the Journey Today

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    Posted 28 Sep 2009 — by Jennifer
    Category Self Awareness

    I’m reading Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. This book is very insightful, offering a daily quote and a daily lesson for personal growth.

    I’m beginning a series of post, starting today! I would like to share daily, and enlighten you with my journey in self improvement and awareness, as I read this beautifully planned daybook.

    If you have this book, I encourage you to start on today’s date with me and embark on this journey with me (even if you’ve read the book before today). If you dont have the book, click here to purchase this insightful book for a low price: Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort of Joy

    It’s never too late to start this journey. Just because I’m starting today doesn’t mean next month is too late for you to start! These post aren’t going anywhere, they will be here to motivate others and to inspire ourselves.

    Get ready for this amazing series, are you going to start this journey with me, or encourage me as I go? Please share through commenting!

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