My last two weeks have been full of decisions, and full of change. Some of the decisions were relatively easy to make, some came only after lots of thought. I look at them all like investments in my future, no matter how insignificant they may actually be.
One of the most exciting changes effects how I interface with my health coaching clients. A few months ago, I signed up with a company that offered a better way of connecting with clients and sharing information back and forth.
This company utilizes a secure web based program that allows me to communicate more easily with my clients via video conferencing on both a computer and mobile devices. I considered that a major upgrade to the way that I do business. However, just a few weeks ago, I heard about another company that offered similar services, but it is much more user friendly both for me and for my clients.
It was clear that this new company would save me time, and keep me better connected to my clients. The phone app helps keep my clients motivated and on-track. Everything is HIPPA compliant (meaning privacy is guaranteed), and this new program allows me to communicate directly with my clients’ doctors.
I have also been investing in myself lately. In my last post, I told you that I was reviving the fish pond in my courtyard area. I like to hear the water running over the waterfall and watch the colorful fish swimming around. Sometimes they have babies, and I get to watch them grow up.
After a year of not having that small bit of tranquil environment to enjoy, I decided it was time to get it going again. I cleaned the fish pond, ordered new plants, filled the pond with water, cleaned the pump filter, and potted the plants that had come in. Unfortunately, the pond no longer holds water.
After the expense of ordering new plants, potting medium, and new pots I was not happy to find out that the pond liner would not hold water. I should not have let the pond stay empty for a year. Since I cannot find the leak, I really had no choice but to order a new liner; the cost of the project just doubled, and I haven’t even bought any fish yet.
It’s a good thing that I didn’t wait any longer to make the decision to get a new liner. My next water bill is going to be outrageous because after I filled it up initially (650 gallons), I had to add water to it daily to keep it full. I hoped that it was the wind that was causing it to lose so much water, but once the wind stopped blowing so hard, I realized that I must have a leak. I hope the new liner comes in before the rest of the plants.
As an upgrade to my personal self, this past Tuesday I spent the day in Dallas at an all-day seminar aimed at helping one to be a better public speaker. I was thrilled that the seminar was free, but then I realized that my business attire was a little out of date, so there was another upgrade in the making.
I took advantage of the sale going on at Kohls and bought a few blouses that I can pair with the slacks and skirts I already have. The decision to buy clothes that I will use on special occasions was a little harder to make than the first three upgrades I told you about.
This week, the final, and the most important upgrade that I am making is a very personal one. With so much going on all the time, life can really get overwhelming. For everyone, stress is a daily occurrence, myself included. Time and money always seem to be in short supply. Even in all of my attempts to streamline processes, get better organized, and set aside time to spend with my family, I always seem to be behind.
I had been letting the stress overshadow all the blessings that I have in my life; it was to the point that it was affecting my sleep and my overall sense of wellbeing. This is something that I warn my clients against, but I let the daily stresses of life swirl around me until it began to have a whirlpool effect on me and started pulling me down.
Recently, I was reminded that there is a daily battle going on for your mind. It is one in which negativity can take root and grow, blotting out the pure joy of life itself. It separates us from those around us by causing us to focus our attention inward instead of on our friends, family, and even coworkers.
Even though we think of our troubles as our own, focusing too much inwardly effects those around us. We love to share joy with each other, but sorrow, anger and angst causes others to pull away. So, no matter what I have going on, I am committed to finding a reason to smile and share my joy with others; they have enough problems of their own without my negative attitude bringing them down.
Psalms 63:7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
