Life comes at you fast...

This phrase was made famous by Nationwide Insurance. Doesn't it feel that way sometimes? Our world has become a 24/7 instant acccess, always-on society. There are so many things that compete for our time and energy. Have you ever ended a day literally out of breath? It's almost as if you end up holding your breath or something.

In this hectic pace, what do you do to slow it down a bit? Here are a few tips:

1. Breathe. Literally. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths - deep into your lungs. Oxygen is a life force and vital to our health and vitality. Deep breathing can detoxify your body, relieve tension, strengthens your heart and improves your immune system, among other benefits. Read more here:
http://www.onepowerfulword.com/2010/10/18-benefits-of-deep-breathing-and-how.html

2. Build some "me time" into your schedule. What? You say you have no time for that? I say, YOU CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO. It is vital to spend some time taking care of yourself - even if it's 30 minutes here or there. Sometimes something as simple as a walk in the park (without your iPod), a talk with an old friend, or a bubble bath can do wonders to restore your equilibrium.

3. Spend time with people you love. It can be easy to yield to the demands of our lives... such as work and other commitments. Sometimes the people we are closest to pay the price for our overloaded schedules. We can look up and our relationships have suffered - when really they are what should matter the most.

I know it sometimes can feel that you don't have options, that you are constantly in "I have to" mode. But YOU are in control of your life. Sometimes we have less flexibility than others, but there are always options. You CAN afford to make yourself a priority in the midst of it all. Try it. You will not regret it.

Peace and blessings, Trina

Owning the Cape

"Even when I'm a mess, I put on a vest with an S on my chest..." Alicia Keys

This line is from Alicia Keys's song "Superwoman". It's one of the many anthems to womanhood that have been penned over the years. Today I'm writing about my own battle with this label. I am a self-confessed "A type". I do a lot and have a lot of roles. As a working mother of two, and now also working on my coaching business, my life is very full. Some days a but TOO FULL lol. But I enjoy it. I know that I'm in the right space in time for me right now, so even though my pace is a bit manic at times, it's extremely fulfilling.



I have not always been at peace with this. I've had the title "superwoman" for most of my adult life. But I didn't OWN it. As a matter of fact, you could even say I resented it. I once journaled, "Superwoman is dead. She was crushed by the weight of the world on her shoulders." Wow, right? That's a very strong statement, but that was the space I was in at the time. Totally a victim - "poor me, I've got too much to do". But it is very real when you are in that space - in overwhelm and not able to find a good way to balance it out.



Now, before I go any further, I am NOT claiming to have figured this all out and have the magic formula. But over the years, and with God's grace and the help of some wonderful teachers, I have begun to challenge my perception of things. The truth of the matter is, I LIKE to be busy. And part of my busyness is because of the various relationships I have - family and friends, and taking tie to focus on things that matter to me. So now I embrace the fullness of my life - it gives me focus and adds richness to my life. Recently I've been struggling to balance things out, so I thought writing this would help refocus an reenergize. Hope you enjoy it, too.



OWNING THE CAPE
... so how do you shift into wearing the cape proudly? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Feed your spiritual life. Having a relationship with God helps us tap into a higher power and not feel so helpless when things are out of our control. We all experience bumps along the way, (sometimes valleys and derailments!) but knowing that God is with you throughout makes a huge difference. One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."(KJV). This verse has gotten me through many rough spots, and in retrospect, I find it to be true! Some of my greatest blessings have come after a period of loss or trial. God knows what he is doing, and part of the trick in owning the cape is knowing when to let go and let Him have control.
2. Acceptance. If you are a superwoman (or superman) wear the cape proudly! Clearly there is something about you that resonates strength, leadership and/or perseverance. All wonderful traits to embrace!
3. Cultivate a positive attitude. Do you routinely see the glass as "half full" or "half empty"? We've all heard "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade", and similar adages. How you view things makes a huge difference. So rather than seeing your talents as a burden (like I used to), wear that cape proudly. Cultivate a swagger and own the power that God has endowed you with!
4. Take care of yourself. I'm sure this seems very basic, but when we are juggling a lot, sometimes we slip to the bottom (or off) of the priority list. This can lead to burnout, resentment and worse. Yes, it's easier said than done, but it is absolutely essential. When I wrote that "superwoman is dead" bit I was not even on the radar screen. Always allow some time for yourself - to enjoy things you like to do, spending time with people you love, or just DOING NOTHING.

Have a wonderful week, and *raising cup of coffee*... here's to the journey!

Peace & blessings
TRamsey © 9/2010



This post is dedicated in memory of Robin Lynn, a true superwoman who touched many lives during her time on earth. Thank you Robin. I am eternally grateful to you for being a change agent in my and so many others lives! Rest in Peace