Posts tagged laughing
When Your Fresh Start Begins with One Small, Courageous Step

It takes courage to move forward when you’re overwhelmed, unsure of where you’re headed, or confused about what to do next. However, as you bravely take that one tiny action in the face of uncertainty, this will propel your fresh start.

The beginning feels murky at best when you’re stuck and not moving anywhere. With movement, what is unknown quickly becomes visible. Amazingly, one step encourages more because it builds momentum.

 

Getting Unstuck

I discovered this beautiful John Muir quote. He said, “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” This brings forth many ideas. Taking a walk “into the forest” or anywhere offers an opportunity. Walking is movement in action. The physicality of motion goes beyond the benefits your body experiences. As arms swing, feet advance, and the breath deepens, you are filled with aliveness and energy. This movement encourages possibilities and a “can do” attitude.

If your walk happens to be in nature, there are additional benefits that surrounding yourself in a green environment brings. It can

  • Reduce stress

  • Boost mood

  • Enhance creativity

  • Increase concentration

  • Improve sleep

Walking can get you unstuck. There is such significance in taking that first step and then another.

 

Letting Go

The next part of Muir’s phrase, “to lose my mind and find my soul,” illustrates other ideas. I connect losing “my mind” to letting go. Instead of focusing on negative, unhelpful thoughts or holding onto things and ideas that no longer serve you, release them. Be present.

Connect with something deeper within, your “soul.” Find the courage to let things unfold. See the wonder in what is here now.

I arranged a surprise birthday weekend for my husband a few weeks ago. What was the surprise? Our kiddos and their partners came home to celebrate and share several beautiful days together. One of the things we did was walk down our block, through the woods, and to the Croton River. I love walking, and doing this with my family made me happy!

Feeling supported in my hiking shoes, I noticed each step as my feet connected with the ground. Walking helped me release the to-dos and projects occupying real estate in my mind. I had several upcoming project deadlines that I was thinking about. I knew the work could wait. I was thrilled to have everyone home and have time with the crew. A thought adjustment was needed.

To do this, I focused on the sounds of my loved ones’ sweet voices. I watched them energetically walk as they meandered into different pairs and groupings. I felt their loving presence as we held hands and connected. Into the forest we went- walking, talking, laughing, listening, photographing, and watching.

 

It takes courage to move forward when you’re overwhelmed.
— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

Small Step

Choose your next tiny step to get you unstuck. Will you move your body to create momentum? Will you talk with a trusted friend or loved one to download your thoughts? Will you take one small step on your big project to bridge the gap between planning and action? What tiny, courageous step will you make to set your fresh start in motion?

If you feel stuck and overwhelmed or find it challenging to determine your next step, I’d love to help. Please email me at linda@ohsoorganized.com, call 914-271-5673, or click here to schedule a Discovery Call. Let’s work together so things can flow.

 
50 Ways to Prioritize Joy & Tip Your Life Balance in a Positive Direction

We’re in the last week of this year and in full holiday mode. You may feel stressed, calm, conflicted, anxious navigating holiday dynamics, sad, lonely, ready for company, happy this year is almost over, excited about your plans for next, grateful, ambivalent, uncertain, exhausted, or off-balance. No matter where you are or what you are feeling, increasing your joy awareness will have a positive outcome. In fact, experiencing more joy will bring a powerful counter-balance to life’s challenges.

One of the highlights of my week is a regular meeting I have with the Executive Mom Nest advisors and members. Marcy Stoudt, the Nest founder, developed a four-pillar concept, which she integrates into our gatherings and her coaching work.

The pillars are:

  • Vivid Vision

  • Aligned Action

  • Growth Mindset

  • Prioritizing Joy

During our last meeting, we focused on the pillar, Prioritizing Joy. She asked us to bring forward the “feeling of joy” by listing things that make you feel “comforted, present, inspired, and just plain good.” This was such a powerful thing to do. I encourage you to take a few minutes to create your own list.

 
Joy brings a powerful counter-balance to life’s challenges.
— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVPO™

Here are fifty ways joy finds me:

  1. Discovering bright spots of color in the bare winter landscape 

  2. Putting on my new cozy purple slippers

  3. Receiving an unexpected call or text from my kids

  4. Hugging my husband

  5. Having a deep conversation with a dear friend or loved one

  6. Creating a colorful meal

  7. Taking my first sip of morning coffee

  8. Seeing twinkling lights, sparkles, and glitter

  9. Clearing, cleaning, letting go, and organizing

  10. Touching velvet

  11. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables

  12. Spotting a sign of spring like the first purple crocus that appears outside of our dining room window

  13. Moisturizing, hydrating, and taking care of myself

  14. Writing

  15. Walking in the woods

  16. Tending to my mini herb garden and flower pots

  17. Watching the first big snow of the season

  18. Wigging my toes in the sandy beach while hearing and seeing the ocean waves flow

  19. Experiencing anything water-related – seeing, hearing, being, or playing in it

  20. Doing yoga

  21. Practicing mindfulness meditation

  22. Having virtual organizing sessions with clients

  23. Learning something new

  24. Baking

  25. Getting a massage

  26. Seeing the light and patterns dance along surfaces

  27. Swimming

  28. Changing into my PJs

  29. Taking photos and videos

  30. Smelling lemons

  31. Putting fresh flowers around my house

  32. Feeling the sun on my skin

  33. Watching, smelling, and listening to the crackling sounds of a fire

  34. Getting into our cozy bed at the end of the day

  35. Burning my favorite scented candles

  36. Reading a book curled up on the sofa wrapped in a soft blanket 

  37. Understanding something in a new way

  38. Sharing something I love with someone I love

  39. Humming

  40. Sipping a cold iced tea with lemon on a hot day

  41. Having a guilt-free “blob” day

  42. Spending time with our family and friends

  43. Setting a beautiful table

  44. Seeing something I never noticed before

  45. Traveling to somewhere new or familiar

  46. Holding hands with my husband

  47. Hearing birds chirping

  48. Seeing gorgeous colors

  49. Reading the hang tags on my Yogi Tea or the fortunes in my Fortune Cookies

  50. Laughing so hard that tears roll down my cheeks

When we prioritize joy, we increase our awareness of tiny moments, which will bring more balance, resilience, and happiness into our lives. These moments are there for you, waiting to be noticed and embraced. What are a few things on your “joy” list? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.