Breaking Patterns

Think about your daily routine, outlook on life and response to situations.  Then ask someone who knows you better than you know yourself, maybe a best friend or spouse, what quality they would change about you.  When practicing this exercise with my husband, I was offended when he pointed out more than one of my "flaws".  While he recited my list, I tensed up and interrupted him mid sentence.  I was defensive and pointed out his own issues.  He just sat there listening.  When I was done venting, he agreed with my perception of him.

The conversation could've turned ugly.  Instead, I found it empowering.  We are all flawed.  It's not easy, but the first step to breaking patterns in our personality is identifying qualities to work on.  Today I challenge you to identify your own flaws and patterns.  Meditate on making a shift and break the cycle.  

Free Housekeeping for Cancer Patients

I have a tough time keeping my house clean, especially with two little kids.  Imagine going through chemo, trying to keep it together for your family and cleaning your house.  That's where Cleaning for a Reason Foundation comes in.  The organization offers free housecleaning services for women undergoing cancer treatment.

Positive Affirmations

I found an article online called the "Top 10 Positive Affirmations to Success in Life".  It talks about the importance of incorporating affirmations in your daily routine.  A few years ago my best friend gave me 365 daily affirmation cards she bought at Agape Spiritual Center in Los Angeles.  Some examples are Power Thought Cards, Wisdom Cards and Inner Peace Cards.  Today, I find myself reciting these affirmations throughout the day when I'm feeling tired or need more confidence before a meeting.  

When reciting your own personal affirmations, keep it positive.  Don't incorporate negative words, even if the context is positive.  The universe hears the word, not necessarily the entire sentence.  Let's say you're fearful of a new career change.  Rather than saying, I'm not fearful and I will succeed in my new endeavor, eliminate the word fear.  Instead say, I'm brave and my strength will help me succeed in my new job.  You might be surprised at the transformations that will take place once you look at things in a positive light and recite these affirmations.

Check out Daily Affirmations for some additional guidance on affirmations.  Meditate about your own life tonight and write down five positive affirmations.  Then tomorrow morning when you wake up, recite your affirmations out loud and notice the shift in thinking.

Image from Real Simple Magazine ad for Springmaid comforter ad.

The Gift of a Personal Journal

Growing up my father always gave me beautiful leather bound journals.  In each one there's a date and a thoughtful note.  My adolescence was documented in these journals.  From summer romances to penning my wildest dreams, I filled every single page.  At a time when there was no one I could share these secrets with, my journal was and still is my greatest escape.  If you have a friend or even an acquaintance who looks like she's feeling defeated or depressed, the greatest gift you can give her is that of her own voice. 

Reconnect with an Old Friend

This week's exercise is simple...  Call an old friend.  In the chaos of the holidays, it's easy to get caught up shopping, cooking, eating, drinking and dealing with all kinds of personalities.  It's exhausting.  There's nothing more nourishing than the the comfort of sharing stories with an old friend.  Last week one of my college roommates flew in from New York and spent the night before heading down south for Thanksgiving.  We lounged on the couch and talked about everything.  From family and our careers to her dating life and my married life, we had the best time just hanging out.

Cheers to old friends!