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Living on
the Lighter Side
When I think of living on the lighter side, "The
Sunny Side of the Street," comes to mind. Yes, it is an old jazz
standard...even older than I am. Have you heard it? It's been kept
alive and full of energy by numerous great musicians over the years
and by the wonderful upbeat music and lyrics. "Just direct your
feet to the sunny side of the street." Another line says,
"Life can be so sweet on the sunny side of the street."
These lyrics suggest that we always can choose to enjoy the
lighter side, the sunny side.
If you're ready to sing a happy song and enjoy life
more, here are four ways to help you shift into cruise control.
Ease up on yourself. Release the need to
be perfect. Doing your best is usually more than satisfactory if
you're a match for the task at hand. If you're not, find someone to
teach you more, delegate the work or ask another person to double
check what you've done. Prioritize what really needs to be done now,
what can be done later and what can be left undone. As a recovering
perfectionist, I have learned to be easier on myself, kinder and more
forgiving. I can smile at an error or slow progress and say,
"It's okay. I'm okay," and calmly continue working or take
a break.
Let go of the need to be supermom, superdaughter,
superdad or superwoman. You may feel you need to fulfill this role,
but it's a myth you've bought into. If you persist in believing this
is possible, necessary, healthy or satisfying, you are deluding
yourself. Share the load with a partner, other family member, neighbor,
carpooler or friend. You can trade services, choose what needs to be
done most, pay for extra help or ask for help (church group, support
group, volunteer groups).
If perfectionism doesn't resonate with you, consider how
you talk to yourself. If you engage in negative self-talk, it's time
to find a happier, more positive song that inspires, encourages and
lifts your energetic vibration. You actually can repeat lyrics from
an upbeat song as a substitute for any uncomplimentary comments you
may have made about yourself.
Add more fun and peace to your days. Yes, you can do it
even if you are working. You may just need to be a little more
creative. How about setting up a contest to guess how many chocolate
pieces are in a jar. The winner gets the chocolate and any prize of
your choice - funny, fun or nice. Listen to music or the game (at
home) with a portable player and headset as you do chores or errands.
Run around your building (outside) or up and down the stairs inside
during a break. Record your results and see if you or others can top
your time. You'll get a little fitter and more energized.
Laugh about something; laugh at nothing. Dance through
the hallways. Get outdoors as much as possible to enjoy cleaner air
and the sensational sights and sounds of nature. Close your eyes and
breathe deeply to relax and quiet your mind. Take time for yourself
when you're not at work. Do something fun, creative and relaxing that
is just for you.
Follow your passion. When you're doing
what you love, everything will seem easier and lighter. You may even
work harder, put in more hours and still feel you wouldn't want to be
doing anything else. That's when you know you've found your passion.
And, if doing what you love to do, means working less and having more
fun, you may like that even better. Ask for help finding a way to
make your dream a reality.
Think happy thoughts. If you're like most
people, what you really want is to be happy. Focus
yourattention on being happy now, not tomorrow, next month or when a
special event occurs.You'll find your perceptions, words and
experiences will easily reflect what you're thinking. Quietly
contemplate what feels good and what doesn't. Opt for feeling good.
If you can't quite get there some days, at least choose a
happier thought. Be persistent, positive and playful. You can do it.
Believe it is so, and so it is.
So where are you going to begin? Just pick one, any one,
and do it. You may be amazed at how quickly you'll start feeling
lighter, happier and more peaceful.
Think
happy thoughts and speak kind words!
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