"We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing." -unknown
Spontaneous Play
The phone company has been working in our neighborhood installing new cables. Two weeks ago, during part of an early morning installation, they hit a major power line and cut power and phone service to 600 homes. The repair crew estimated that it would take two days to restore the power and phone service. I was in the middle of several large business projects. Since I office at home, my first thought when this happened was, "what can I do without access to my computer and emails?" I caught myself before I went too far down this path and shifted my focus to "what was the opportunity in this situation?"
Often what we label as problems are really opportunities. In the Chinese language the same character is used for both a crisis or problem and an opportunity. Another way of looking at this is different sides of the same coin. So when I "flipped" to the other side of the coin, I immediately saw this situation as an opportunity to play! It reminded me of the "snow days" we used to have in school; when we had an excuse not to go to school and instead we could play in the snow.
I really needed a break from the projects and with this spontaneous gift; I decided to fully enjoy myself. Instead of worrying about all the things I "should" be doing, I decided to listen to my heart. I took a long walk and then sat outside and finished a novel. I met a friend for a leisurely lunch and browsed stores that I had been wanting to explore. I purchased spontaneous gifts to surprise loved ones. By early evening the power was restored but not before I had experienced a wonderful, energizing day!
I learned two things from this day. The first was to quickly shift to see the opportunity in an apparent problem. The second was the benefit of spontaneous play. After the much needed break, I returned more creative and revitalized for my projects.
Where do you need a break in your life right now? Are there some opportunities disguised as problems? Look at something you are labeling as a problem right now. If you 'flipped the coin', what is the opportunity in the situation? Watch for the signs that your need a break: frustration, short-tempered, low energy, no motivation. What would happen to your outlook, creativity and energy if you had a day or hour to follow your heart? Think of something fun you would love to do if you had an unexpected break and then create one!
Vicki Miller Copyright July 2005
As a Life Transition Coach I work with clients to identify what's most important to them and prioritize around these values. I help my clients identify and remove obstacles in the way and bring clarity and focus to their dreams. What is your dream? Are you undergoing a major transition and not clear where to turn? Call (972-306-4489) or email me, (coach.v.miller@verizon.net), to set up a complimentary, no obligation 30 minute coaching session. Download my FREE e-Book, 12 Fun Ways to Change Your Life, or sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter at http://www.thrivingthroughchange.com
taxi o'hare Wisconsin Dells ..Looking for all of the answers in how to manage... Read More
Everyone knows that stress isn't good - that it can... Read More
"Let your mind be quiet, realizing the beauty of the... Read More
The future is nothing but a fantasy or a daydream,... Read More
Let's take a look at some of the more serious... Read More
I am worried. I have been biting my nails for... Read More
As Montaigne said, "he who fears he will suffer, already... Read More
1. The Law of StagnationThis is also known as first... Read More
Have you ever noticed how we keep falling into the... Read More
Many of my readers write to me about the tensions... Read More
Anyone who has ever worked knows that stress is part... Read More
Why is it that some people become totally stressed when... Read More
"One day I'm a mother, One day I'm a lover,... Read More
I was a psychotherapist for... Read More
In order to understand stress better, it is a good... Read More
"I've got too much to do, I've just got too... Read More
There are times in every person's life when things do... Read More
Among the hardest parts of living in the modern world... Read More
But how can this happen to someone?Let's concentrate on how... Read More
Do you often overreact to situations? Are you a constant... Read More
Have you ever said the words, "This job/my life is... Read More
Stress is often seen as being unhealthy, but for some... Read More
Is your stress level higher than it should be? Are... Read More
You probably think I'm wacko, but it's true - stress... Read More
Insomnia is usually the result of the modern way of... Read More
bmw rental chicago Ackley ..Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour... Read More
You can learn a lot by watching children playing. There... Read More
If you're like most people, you have your bouts of... Read More
Stress, America's #1 health problem, is a leading cause of... Read More
When I pay attention, I clearly see the arresting ways... Read More
What would you say if I told you I know... Read More
Q:We recently had someone come to our company to talk... Read More
Modern stress is habitual, and is something that the vast... Read More
Ask a hundred different people how to deal with stress... Read More
Stress ReliefStress is a big business in Western society. We... Read More
If you are an anxiety and panic sufferer, then you've... Read More
Q. I have just recently come to recognize that I... Read More
1) Create the life you desireTwo of our most underdeveloped... Read More
"We do not stop playing because we grow old. We... Read More
Imagine driving down the road. You are driving with a... Read More
Stress is the nastiest 4 letter word you ever met.... Read More
This heading may seem like a contradiction in terms. How... Read More
Stress, America's #1 health problem, is a leading cause of... Read More
When a great Zen Master returned to his country after... Read More
Traffic jams. Toddler tantrums. Deadlines at work. Money troubles. Too... Read More
In a hectic world, it's all too easy to reach... Read More
Stress affects different people in different ways, but affect them... Read More
Voice: Bill!Bill: I thought I heard a voice.Voice: Bill! This... Read More
Imagine going through your whole life in the constant fear... Read More
Stress seems to have become a constant factor in today's... Read More
Stress Management |