Make Every Moment Count

ay, you clicked on this email, and you opened it up…. and now I have a question for you—

What are you thinking right now?

Are you here and present with me?

Or is your mind somewhere else?

Maybe you’re thinking about your holiday to-do list or your action list of what needs to be done before the New Year.

It is so easy to get sucked into the “busyness of life.” Especially during the holidays when emotions and stress are high, and family is involved.

So how can this holiday be different?

For me, it’s working hard on not getting sucked into being attached to the outcome. It’s also about staying flexible in the moment and going with the flow. And making every moment count, especially the little moments.

Sure, I have a plan and an idea of how I want the holiday to be and who I want to be surrounded by.

And the funny thing about the holidays is when I look back at what I remember, it’s not the grand holiday dinners at 5-star restaurants when I lived near NYC. Sure, they were fun to dress up and go out.

It’s the other sweet being-in-the-moment times. I remember when my Dad loved to take us all to midnight mass. We all squeezed into the overcrowded pews to listen to the amazing choir, and the smell of candles, pine cones, and Fraser firs filled the church.

Then there’s the time the whole family got caught in a huge sleet storm while walking back to the hotel in NYC, and we all huddled around 2 umbrellas laughing and ended up taking a photo of our escapades.

How are you approaching this time of year?

Are you focusing on your worries, fears, and endless to-do lists?

Or are you able to be present in the moment and enjoy those sweet in-between times like when my sister and I were shopping a sale on jeans and the two of us were laughing our heads off in the changing room because the jeans we were trying on were definitely not made for women in their 50+ age range.

So, how do you make that shift and make every moment count?

It’s about being present and not letting your thoughts run away from you. It’s about letting things happen enjoying the unfolding of each moment, and not thinking about the next moment.

How many times have you been in the middle of doing something, maybe washing the dishes, walking the dog, or catching up on email, and your mind just wanders off and you’re not present?

It happens to me more often than I’m even aware of scarily.

Meditation truly helps me notice my thoughts. And the more I pay attention to my thoughts in the present moment, the more I’m aware of it.

Something else that works is giving yourself loving kindness, grace, encouragement, and empathy.

I worked with a client last week who kept talking down to herself. And I interrupted her and helped her rephrase her self-talk to be loving and kind.

You are what you think and what you keep telling yourself every day.

Take note of what you’re thinking about all day. What does your mind want to keep harping on?

How can you rephrase it? Change it? Or think about something else? (Become the observer, the part of yourself that notices those thoughts and decides to change them.)

Years ago, a spiritual advisor gave me this insight when she said, “You are not your thoughts!”

Wait, whaaattt?

Yep, it’s true.

And a belief is basically just a thought you keep thinking. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to what you’re thinking and realize you can change that at any time.

This is one of the reasons that I added a section in this eNewsletter for “Affirmations.” If your mind won’t stay quiet, grab an affirmation below and just start saying that over and over again in your head. And keep breathing. :-)The entrepreneurial journey is not always an easy one. Having ways to help self-soothe and being mindful and present is critical.

Some Inspiration:

• List at least 5 things you’re grateful for every day.
• Practicing awareness and being in the moment. (meditation and mindfulness work)
• Work on choosing your thoughts; don’t let your mind try to take you down a road you don’t want to go.

This time of the year can often be challenging to keep your sanity and stay healthy in your mind and body. Remember, we’re in this together.

It is also about feeling joy, love, and having fun.

Speaking of that—I’m wishing you a fantastic holiday, whatever you celebrate. And I hope you have a spectacular New Year, the best one yet!

And as I do every holiday, I won’t be in your inbox again until January 4.

Know that you are unique, courageous, filled with loving kindness, and are always worthy just by being you!

Hands are always at your back.

I am incredibly grateful for you.

So much more good stuff coming your way in 2024!

Xox

Quotes I’m Pondering:

“We must all have a Watchman at the Gate of our thoughts. The Watchman at the gate is the super-conscious mind. We have the power to choose our thoughts. We take an affirmation and repeat it continually while our thoughts are on the rampage.” ~ Florence Scovel Shinn

“We can learn to control our thoughts in the same way, by gentle determination, not force. your success and happiness in life depend upon the Watchmen at the gate of your thoughts, for your thoughts, sooner or later, crystallize on the external..” ~ Florence Scovel Shinn

Powerful Affirmations to Inspire:

• “My supply comes from The Universe, and big happy financial surprises now come to me under grace, in perfect ways.” ~ Florence Scovel Shinn
• “My word is my wand.” ~ Florence Scovel Shinn
• “May I be peaceful and at ease and filled with loving kindness. ~ Adapted from the Buddhist Metta (loving-kindness meditation)

Weekly Photos:

This holiday, it’s all about Emma and her nap time. As the days get shorter and we go out on more brisk walks, she’s napping a lot more.

Then we go out on our hiking adventures at least 2 – 3 times a week when it’s not raining. You can kind of see her in my trail sunrise photo. And the one with me where she’s always sniffing 🙂

Her new favorite spot is when we arrange the furniture for the holidays. Don’t all dogs use pillows as headrests?!

Our new impromptu family portrait from Thanksgiving. We wish you a wonderful holiday season, whatever you celebrate, and a spectacular New Year!