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February
2008
Creating
Life Strategies
Have you ever had life present
you with something you didn't want? Perhaps a health issue, a money
challenge or an annoying person?
Metaphysically speaking we attract
what we need, so want it or not, you have it for a good reason. But
let's go beyond "what is my lesson in this?"
This article is about creating
strategies to deal with your experience. When confronted with a serious
illness such as cancer, the patient and the doctor put their heads together
to create strategies to heal the body. Those strategies can include
radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, mind-body techniques, exercise, change
of diet or a multitude of other ideas and approaches to healing.
A strategy is simply a plan to
achieve a desired goal. The goal can be large or small. Life threatening
or life-annoying. When faced with life-threatening or dire situations,
the majority of people fight for their survival. They
become willing to change their behaviors and habits in order to improve
their lives.
Every day irritants, however,
are a different ball game. Not only can negative behaviors and habits
escalate in a matter of seconds, when they do we often justify them.
Rain and mud just covered your
newly washed car. Dinner just exploded in the microwave. An out-of-the
blue excruciating toothache causes you to cancel your plans. You're
sleep deprived; yet the baby won't stop crying. An unexpected expense
stares you in the face.
The age-old joke, "Want to make
God laugh - tell him your plans" hits home. How
do you react when life happens to you? Once in a while with
impatience, irritability, fear, anger or any other toxic emotion? Then
read on.
Everyday annoyances are an opportunity
to change your life for the better. Take advantage of the opportunity
and begin to consciously choose a constructive response.
Below are three simple techniques that when applied in the present moment
lead to positive living.
Acceptance: "S _ _ _ Happens" Yes it does and fighting it only creates more of it.
What you focus on magnifies, so calmly accept the situation in front
of you. Right then and there you will begin to neutralize the energy
behind the experience. The metaphor "go with the flow" has stayed popular
for good reason.
Flexibility:
Most of us have habitual responses to life, which are ingrained down
to the cellular level. When a cell divides it produces a new cell -
with the old pattern. In order to create a new pattern you must decide
how you want to respond then change or modify your behavior long enough
for it to become permanent at the cellular level. This requires the
willingness to change at a conscious level and the flexibility to carry
it out.
Creativity:
Now it's time for not only new thinking but also new tactics. You're
a creative person so use it on your behalf. You've approached the situation
with a calm attitude and have the willingness to respond reasonably.
Now develop a positive strategy to apply to the situation.
A muddy car? When the sun comes
out rewash the car - it's good exercise. A ruined dinner? Laugh at the
exploded baked potato and treat yourself to take-out. A toothache? -Finally
you're seeing the dentist and your overall health will benefit. Sleep
deprived? Ask grandma to keep the baby overnight. An unexpected expense?
-Check your bank balance, pinpoint where you can cut back and think
prosperous thoughts.
Sometimes a silent strategy is
what's needed. A change of thoughts and/or words directed at annoying
people in your life. Letting go an old belief that no longer serves
a good purpose or the willingness to stop judging others.
These may seem trite or obvious
but do you practice them daily? When you are
willing to apply positive strategies to everyday issues you will improve
every area of your life. They may even help you to prevent
larger catastrophes from happening. At least, if they do, you will not
be as overwhelmed by them.
Remember, "strategy" is simply
another word for solution. And, after all, solutions are all you need.
© Copyright
2008 Susan Ann Darley
COACHING - Take conscious control of your life and live
creatively in the solution.
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here to
learn more.
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