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de-stress

A Change of Pace: A More Inward Rhythm

by Taru Fisher on September 5, 2010

I have been struggling with the current transition appearing in my life; the one that feels scary and not socially acceptable. The one that says, “slow down”. The one that whispers be more silent and feel the center within yourself. The one that doesn’t really want to go out much at night, but prefers to read or do a jigsaw puzzle with my husband — anything but be on that damned computer one more minute. The one that occasionally feels like becoming a nun so she can have some peace and quiet, and contemplation, and no technology. The one that still wants to contribute to others, but somehow differently, less frantic, less interested in being perfect, and more interested in being present. That one is me.

I am beginning to understand that this transition is actually more transformational than transitional. It’s something that happens to all of us as we get older, and it is not to be feared; it is to be welcomed. Once I got this, I began to relax into this “slow down” feeling and watched as my stress level went down, my joy increased, my creativity started to blossom, and my friendships started becoming deeper and richer. Even though I’m not running from one place to another all the time, I am now somehow more a part of life rather than a spectator . Now, when I’m somewhere, that’s where I am; I’m not thinking about the next networking event, what’s for dinner, or how I haven’t done all those important things on my “to do” list.

I’ve noticed I’m attracting new coaching clients that are looking for a much more focused, less frantic pace in their lives. While they are all younger than I, they still want to be successful in their business, and are looking for a way to manage their busy lives to both be successful and have a life of joy and balance. Perhaps my ongoing transformation is what attracts them to me and me to them. Perhaps they, too, want to be present and have more space for noticing their inward rhythms — and honoring them.

I’d love to know about your experience. What have you noticed about the pace of your life? Is it too fast, too slow, or just right?

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Is Email making me sick?

by Taru Fisher on May 5, 2010

I recently noticed that whenever I look at my email, the sheer volume of it is making me nauseated — I dread reading it and having to respond. It feels like a never-ending cascade of words, entreaties to buy some service or product, or things I previously subscribed to which no longer seem relevant. Yet, open it I must for who knows what gems it may contain. Perhaps an old friend might actually write to me, and I don’t want to miss that. That’s if I can actually find it amidst the deluge. And somehow I seem addicted to checking all three (yes — three!) of my email addresses several times a day. And the work that would propel me in the direction I want to go, just doesn’t get done.

I need a new strategy for email! Anyone out there have some suggestions?

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Powerful Aging Tip #5

by Taru Fisher on July 22, 2009

Stress – some is necessary; too much is harmful.

One of the first things I recommend is de-stressing. There’s just so much going on in our lives, it’s become easier and easier to feel overwhelmed, burnt out and SERIOUS. Sometimes it’s stress related to health issues; sometimes to relationships; sometimes finances, you get the point.

Here are some tips to de-stress:

  • Immediately focus on the present by feeling the physical sensations in your body. Become aware of your breathing and slow it down. Six breaths in, a slight pause and 4 breaths out works well for me.
  • Notice the way your body feels, hear what you hear, see what you’re seeing. If it’s pain you’re dealing with, focus on the parts of your body that feel good rather than the painful area. Being present to what is stops the mind’s negative chatter.
  • Stop worrying. Say to your self “ I don’t need to worry now, I can worry all I want in 5 minutes”. When the 5 minutes is up, give yourself another 5. The worry cycle is usually broken after the first 5 minutes!
  • If your mind decides to focus on the problem situation anyway, see the situation resolved in the best possible way. To engage all your senses, first see what you’ll see when it is resolved, then hear what you’ll hear, and then feel how you will feel when the problem is solved.

For example, if it’s related to weight loss see yourself in a mirror looking like you want to look, hear what others will be telling you about how great you look, and feel the emotions you’ll have when you look and feel lighter!

All these steps will create a space between the “problem” and how you think about it. You’ll get new insights about how to handle it, and discover new, more effective strategies to create what you want in your life.

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10 Things I’ve Learned from the Recession

by Taru Fisher on February 20, 2009

I hope this inspires you to find your own blessings in these challenging economic times.

1- Spending time with family and friends is more important than anything I could ever buy.

2- I was wasteful with money and didn’t even know it.

3- People are there to help you when times get tough; you just have to ask. And, if you ask and it isn’t forthcoming, remember that they have their own problems to deal with and the timing just wasn’t right — no blame, no resentment.

4- Helping others stay positive during this economy is one of the most rewarding things I can do to help others get through it.

5- Eating home cooked meals we prepare together is not only fun, it’s healthier, and I can lose weight!

6- I find gratitude in knowing I have a roof over my head, a warm bed, and wonderful food. It could be much, much worse.

7- Lying awake at night imagining the worst isn’t helpful; getting 8 hours of sleep IS.

8- Simple pleasures like reading, playing games, sharing with friends, hanging out with my sweetie and our dog, and being available to help others brings more joy than any TV show.

9- Giggling with my husband every night before we go to sleep makes everything seem OK.

10- Perfection is — what is.

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