Balance

The word balance can mean different things to different people.  Whereas balance to one person may mean not working too much, balance to another person may mean not playing too much.  But balance is not always something we can quantify in terms of hours worked or played.  It may simply mean integrating some "me" time into our days, exploring our spirituality, or sitting down with our children for dinner.  The first step toward creating more balance in our lives is to examine our internal values and determine what is out of align externally with those values.  Then, through a process of non-judgmental experimentation, we can find a mix of what's important to us versus what may be required of us at the time.  Since the process for achieving balance may change daily, we can approach it with much less weight and with a fresh mind each day.  How are you going to achieve balance today?

Worry

When we worry, we fantasize about what may or may not happen in the future.  Our minds make up involved stories with bad outcomes.  (Worrying always involves bad outcomes, otherwise we would be daydreaming.)  Worrying can cause great anxiety, stress, and can prevent us from enjoying the present moment and fully engaging with our life.  For example, if we get on a plane and worry about it crashing, what does that thought process limit us from experiencing in the now?  We may miss the beautiful laughter of a child three rows back, or not engage with the stranger sitting next to us, who might be a possible new friend, business contact, or relationship.  We may be so wrapped up in our thoughts that we don't notice the spectacular sunset or the full moon.  Worrying about the future not only takes time from the present, it projects negative energy into the Universe which attracts negative energy back to us.  So in a way, we may actually manifest that about which we worry. 

Confidence

True confidence comes from a space within.  It doesn't come from external forces such as our jobs, compliments from our friends, or how much education we have.  True confidence comes from the knowledge that we are all worthy human beings, regardless of our past, our present or what that little voice in our heads may tell us.  As individuals, our true voices are valuable, our true actions are royal, and our true feelings are just.  When we come from a space of true confidence, we exude a quality that attracts like-minded people and welcomes opportunity. 

Centering

Taking the time to center yourself--whether it's before a job interview, a big presentation, in heavy traffic or just to relieve some stress of everyday life--is an effective way to shift energy and to visualize what your preferred outcome of the situation may be.  When finding yourself with frazzled nerves or impending stress, sit calmly and take measured, slow breaths.  Close your eyes (unless you are driving) and visualize the preferred outcome of the situation.  For example, if you are about to give a presentation, take a couple of minutes while sitting in your office and center yourself.  Visualize doing well and successfully presenting your ideas.  Imagine that everyone will be impressed with you and your ideas will be received well.  Do this for a couple of minutes until you find yourself smiling, and then go give that presentation! 

Be present

Be present.  Not just in terms of showing up physically, but in showing up mentally.  So often we are in different places when our bodies may be sitting in a meeting, waiting in line at the bank, or even having a conversation with our partners.  We may be thinking of what our response may be, or what happened yesterday.  The past is a memory, and the future is a fantasy.  What happens now is all that counts.  When you live presently, and participate in every moment, you are giving whatever you are doing your full attention, and making every moment count.  Have fun!  Be present.  Enjoy.