Valeri Bocage CEO/President
www.pwiconnections.com
It is the time of year when we slow down to enjoy our lives and families. It’s a perfect time just to unplug and unwind. Take things slow. One our member, who always works to change lives, decided to take a day and a half to do nothing. She told me how she spent most of the day sleeping. She got up a few times during her day and a half of rest, ate, and then went back to sleep.
Mimi told me after she rested she felt so rejuvenated that she was able to do much more the next day. After she slept her thoughts were more vivid, and new ideas emerged.
I have noticed that the second week of November people will do as little as possible. It seems everyone gets into “Holiday Mode.” Doing things at a slower pace is OK. Take the time to enjoy yourself and your life. Then you will be ready to Power Up for the New Year with new ideas and thoughts.
Use the holiday time to relax.
Unplug to Power Up
by Shana McKinnon
If you read the blog regarding self-care for humanitarians that was written a few weeks ago, what resonated with you? We provided many tips, but little addressed removing the cause of self-depletion.
1. Ask yourself from your heart, why am I weary?
2. Is there too much on your plate?
3. What does your schedule require?
4. Who is your committed listener?
5. What boundaries do you need to (re)assert?
Then answer yourself honestly, and take the actions to turn things around.
Now imagine you could turn off your cell phone, shut down your computer, pause your calendar, and just unplug.
1. What would you have energy and time to do?
2. Could you take a walk out in nature, breathe deeply, or meditate?
3. You have but one life, and you deserve to live it to your fullest.
I would like to challenge you. Are you ready? Find a journal, one that feels like you, or has a great cover. Get a pencil or pen that feels perfect in your hand. Sit amongst a weeping willow tree, a pond, or take a rejuvenating hike.
Next, find a place to sit.
1. Take a breath, hold it in for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly. Allow your eyes to close, and breathe with the wind.
2. What thoughts can you silence?
3. Pick up your writing utensil and draw or write. Relinquish ideas of bills or things that make your heart race. How much calmer do you feel?
The next time you’re driving, don’t answer your cell phone. When it rings, allow it to go to voicemail. You do not need to be the person who answers every text, or who appears to be talking to yourself as you drive. Focus on one area at a time. Instead of writing a simple text, jot your thoughts down in a letter. Come back to yourself. Remind yourself who and what matters. Give those areas your time and attention. Bring your power back and merely Unplug.
Go the rest of the year slowly. That way you will be ready to Power Up for new goals and a new part of your life!
Remember to rest and enoy yourself.
Happy Holidays!
