tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84529898187859936602024-03-14T02:44:44.490-05:0021 Days to Better BalanceFind More Balance in a Busy WorldAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-15718079541202943852015-06-07T11:12:00.000-05:002015-06-07T13:05:35.034-05:00A New Blog Site!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz6Uc3-Ieyw/VXSH19iZtqI/AAAAAAAAVEs/1iGvYzqlYKE/s1600/NewBlogShot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz6Uc3-Ieyw/VXSH19iZtqI/AAAAAAAAVEs/1iGvYzqlYKE/s400/NewBlogShot.png" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As of June 1, 2015, my blog has moved to: <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/blog/">http://michaelsunnarborg.com/blog/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please join me there and continue following the stories, insights, and coaching tips for finding better balance and happiness in your work, relationships, and life.</span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To Our Better Balance!</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-91625031644510318752015-05-19T09:35:00.001-05:002015-05-19T09:35:52.265-05:00The Empty Inbox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pS2JwQfQRoc/VVqrCkCVlPI/AAAAAAAAVCw/PWHFU9I_0qw/s1600/Empty%2BInbox.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pS2JwQfQRoc/VVqrCkCVlPI/AAAAAAAAVCw/PWHFU9I_0qw/s400/Empty%2BInbox.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After being laid off from
my full-time job two weeks ago and reluctantly enrolled in what I term <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2015/05/the-white-box-club.html" target="_blank">The White Box Club</a>, I found myself wading through waves of phone calls, text messages, and emails from friends and family expressing their words of wisdom, love, and support. People I didn't even know were sending messages of hope and encouragement through social media. The outpouring of support was amazing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then this past Friday—exactly
two weeks after that shocking and unexpected event—my inbox was empty. Hardly an email, phone call, or text
message. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It suddenly felt like the whole event had never occurred. Until I remembered that it had.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>So w</i></span></span><i>hat just happened?</i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The moment <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2015/01/mom-was-right.html" target="_blank">I told my Mom</a> about this unexpected condition, she recalled the time when our home was lost to a fire back
in 2002. "There was such an outpouring of support for quite a while. But
then there was a day when it all came to a screeching halt. Another note for
the time frame, but also another twinge of the heart."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was reminded that every life event has a process—a beginning and an end—and so do the people touched by it. When others near to us are swept into the emotional waves of a personal life event, they, too, become a part of it... for a short time. But then they return to their own lives. They come, they love, they leave.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>So if other people can move on so quickly, why can’t I? How come I can’t just process the sadness
and disappointment and get over it?</i> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because it happened to
me.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Other people process faster because <b>empathy can only take you so far</b>. Even when we extend support to others, we will naturally have an inherent need to nurture ourselves. And when the event happens to us, our own process will always be different from
anyone else—</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">especially since we're the ones who are most affected. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And that’s okay.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As a life coach, I encourage my clients to receive—and not be afraid to ask for—support from their friends and family when facing tough times. I also teach them to <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2015/01/a-new-year-really.html" target="_blank">rely on themselves</a> for encouragement. Learning to becoming your <i>own coach</i> can serve you for the rest of your life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Starting to reflect upon the lessons I'm learning during this layoff process is, yet again, another opportunity to me to learn how to coach myself—another chance to "drink another cup of my own coffee." Whereas the encouragement came from others during the past two weeks, it now needs to come from
me. My friends and family reminded me how important my gifts are to the world, and now
I need to remind myself.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If I believe that every life event has a process, then this, too, shall pass. Sometimes in the most difficult times, the glimmer of hope becomes the light at the end of the tunnel.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My challenges this week?</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To allow myself to keep processing, and be very kind to myself as I do</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Keep bringing clarity to
these moments</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Acknowledge all of my <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2015/03/our-chronic-thoughts.html" target="_blank">thoughts</a>, <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/09/swallowing-feelings-you-might-get-fat.html" target="_blank">feelings</a>, and intuitive "<a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2015/03/the-nudge.html" target="_blank">nudges</a>"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Continue to <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/11/are-we-there-yet.html" target="_blank">practice patience</a> and trust the process </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Keep focusing on
internal and external <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/12/moving-into-alignment.html" target="_blank">alignment</a></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Throughout this process of grieving: anger, confusion, sadness, and acceptance, I will stay true to myself and my integrity. And while my hands are staying busy doing logical things (arranging finances, networking, searching for new opportunities), my heart will continue healing and my next opportunity will, indeed, come into alignment with me.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To <b>Our</b> Better Balance,</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/" target="_blank">michaelsunnarborg.com</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Need some inspiration? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21complete.com/" target="_blank">21 Days, Steps & Keys</a>,
or one of the other books in the balance series, and start off 2015 by
finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Liked this post? Then please comment or share it with others!</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of me :o)</span><br />
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</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-90399024044106459252015-05-04T07:04:00.000-05:002015-05-19T11:18:20.356-05:00The White Box Club<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KjRs7NHPBk/VUatuC0txqI/AAAAAAAAVA4/rVcptTtHa24/s1600/MyWhiteBox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KjRs7NHPBk/VUatuC0txqI/AAAAAAAAVA4/rVcptTtHa24/s1600/MyWhiteBox.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I've called you together this morning to make an important announcement. We're taking a new direction with the company and all of you in this room are not included. You are being let go immediately. You will be given a severance package—including any unused vacation—and HR will be contacting you to follow-up. There are boxes out front for you to take back to your desks, pack up your things, and leave the premises within the hour. We are sorry to do this, but it was a necessary step."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That was my Friday morning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Midway through the announcement I thought to myself. <i>Wait a minute. This can't include me. This is about the other employees. I must have been invited to this meeting to help facilitate the process. Seriously, I just got a raise last month; I'm developing a whole new program for a new product; and I've been told how fantastic my work is, so this is obviously some sort of mix-up. Right...?</i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nope. I was included. In less than a minute it was all over. We slowly rose from our chairs and quietly left the room. Nobody spoke. Only awkward silence. I was numb.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>What just happened?</i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the next 15 minutes I walked around in a daze. I picked up my white box and brought it to my desk. I looked around my office at everything I'd created over the last two and a half years, and suddenly realized it was no longer mine</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span>Some people came over to give me a hug. I felt like I was in a dream. The whole situation was surreal.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I finished packing my box with the few personal items</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> that belonged to me, grabbed my coat, and headed out the front door. And just like that, my career with the company was over. I put the box in the trunk of my car, got in, and sat there attempting to process what had just happened. My brain was quickly trying to come up with a plan, but to no avail. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><i>Now what?</i> Just drive home.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I got home, I placed my white box on the kitchen counter, went into the living room and sat on the couch. I stared blankly at the wall in silence. It was 10:00AM on a Friday morning, but if you had asked me what day or what time it was I couldn't tell you. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was in shock. </span></span> Finally, I called my parents and sent out a few text messages, letting my inner circle of friends and family know what had just happened. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now every morning</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">—</span></span>and several times throughout the day</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">—</span></span>my mind replays the scene. I see us all sitting in the conference room, the door closes, the announcement is made, and I start to slowly realize what's happening. And then the unanswered questions resume their relentless cries: <i>Why me? What did I do wrong? This wasn't supposed to happen to me. I coach people about how to deal with losing their job. I'm not supposed to be going through it myself! </i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then reality returns. <i>It did happen. It was you. You did nothing wrong. And now it's time for you to coach yourself through the process. You've got this.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So here's how my inner coach has been guiding me the past few days:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>First, get organized.</i></b> I got online and did a quick evaluation of my finances (automatic payments, bills, expenses) and adjusted them as needed.<i> </i></span><span style="font-size: small;">Even
with severance, I'm still going to need to reorganize, consolidate, and redirect my cash flow. I'll take care of the most critical things now and leave
the rest for later.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Experience it fully.</b> </i>As one of my close friends told me, "Sit in the swamp for a while." It won't be comfortable, but things like this are never easy. I will allow myself to ride the emotional waves that come and go with major change. </span><span style="font-size: small;">If I ignore the disappointment, anger, confusion, and sadness, they will only manifest as sickness and depression. Grief comes in waves, but so does clarity and acceptance.<i><b> </b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Practice compassion</b>.</i> Even though I'm sad and confused, I'm trying to understand this from the company's perspective. I can't imagine how difficult it was to make the decision let alone deliver the message. There's never a good way to deliver bad news.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My biggest feeling right now is profound sadness. I had to leave a job that I really loved, and the people—both coworkers and customers—that came along with it. I didn't get to prepare. I didn't get to say goodbye to more than a few people. I didn't get any closure. And now I'm left to sort it out for myself. This is what hurts the most.<i> </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>So now what? Now wait.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't need to figure out what's going to happen next for me <i>right away</i>. Yes, in due time I will find new direction, but for now I'm going to take time to </span><span style="font-size: small;">step back, process, reflect, and accept. Tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to create myself again. In the meantime, I just need to breathe. And today this is all I can do.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-mce-style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;">Like so many others, I am now a member of The White Box Club.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>To Your Better Balance,</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/" target="_blank">michaelsunnarborg.com</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Need some inspiration? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21complete.com/" target="_blank">21 Days, Steps & Keys</a>,
or one of the other books in the balance series, and start off 2015 by
finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Liked this post? Then please comment or share it with others!</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of me :o)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-8007236767884627812015-04-20T08:48:00.003-05:002015-04-20T08:48:39.102-05:00It's Spring. Go Green!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdM234Y4Uys/VTFysmoRdFI/AAAAAAAAU_c/R5GozEJQPsQ/s1600/earth-in-grass_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdM234Y4Uys/VTFysmoRdFI/AAAAAAAAU_c/R5GozEJQPsQ/s1600/earth-in-grass_1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="quoteperson" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
If you stop and think about how much waste is created on a
daily basis, you will notice how fast it adds up: more garbage + more pollution =
higher expenses = less money, not to mention our abuse of the planet. It's not a pretty picture. </span></div>
<div class="quoteperson" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps
you've heard my favorite muppet <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kermit_the_Frog" target="_blank">Kermit the Frog</a> crooning in his song, <i>
"It's not easy being green.</i>.." I've been thinking about the green
movement lately, and even though it may be challenging for Kermit, being <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>green</b></span> is rather easy for us once we raise our awareness and start <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/11/welcome-to-awareness.html" target="_blank"><i>paying attention</i></a> to our choices and actions. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
There are more than enough resources available about <b style="color: #38761d;">greening</b>
your life. Allow me to highlight some simple habits you can quickly
adopt to respect our planet, keep our lakes and air cleaner, and benefit your own balance (and budget!) as well.</span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Simple Tips for <span style="color: #38761d;">Green</span>ing it Up:</b></span></div>
<ul style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">First and foremost, <u>start paying attention to what you use, keep, and throw
away</u>. Keep in mind the 3
R's of the 21st century: <i style="color: #38761d;"><b>Reduce, Reuse, Recycle</b></i>. Everything you discard has one of two fates: garbage can or recycle bin.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">If you like paper towels, buy the <u>"select-a-size"</u>, which uses half the amount of a regular towel each
time you tear one off (also makes great napkins!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Reuse gently used paper towels or
napkins</u> as handy wipes for wiping food from dirty dishes, greasy pans, or for quick clean-ups. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Use the backs of previously printed papers</u> in your
printer. Most of what we print at home isn't that important, so save the new paper for special things. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">You know those handy little Ziploc bags? Unless
you're filling them with pudding or peanut butter they can usually be
<u>reused</u> once or twice. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Ask for a <u>ceramic mug</u> (instead of paper cup) at your local
coffee shop and take a moment to stop, relax,
and enjoy your java or tea. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Consider replacing your coffee with <u>green tea</u> (blended with jasmine or lemongrass rocks). It's <b style="color: #38761d;">green</b> and full of antioxidants. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Buy electronics with <u>rechargeable or solar-powered batteries</u> instead of disposable ones.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Reuse hotel sheets and towels</u>. Do you change your sheets and towels every day at home? Then don't do it when you're on <a href="http://michaelmove.blogspot.com/2010/02/michaels-travel-tips.html" target="_blank">vacation</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Use reusable shopping bags</u>. Save a plastic tree!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Reconsider bottled water</u>. Consider purchasing an
aluminum bottle or go back to the tap. Seriously. The bottled water craze is more hype than hip. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Consider non-chemical cleaning supplies and health supplements</u>. Natural and essential plant oils replace any synthetic cleaners and healing supplements. <a href="http://youngliving.us/" target="_blank">Young Living</a>
is one fantastic organization I've used for years. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tko2DnL32_Y/S2d46MgbnAI/AAAAAAAAQ7c/Rpw3rRWGNYM/s1600-h/Kermit.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tko2DnL32_Y/S2d46MgbnAI/AAAAAAAAQ7c/Rpw3rRWGNYM/s200/Kermit.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>This week, I encourage you to think about where you can <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Go</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">Green</span></b>
by reducing, reusing, and recycling more in your life. You'll feel good
about the planet and your pocketbook. And by showing Kermit that you
understand what being <b style="color: #38761d;">green</b> is truly about, you'll make him a happy frog.<br />
<br />
<i>To Your Better Balance!</i><br />
<br />
Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/" target="_blank">michaelsunnarborg.com</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Need some inspiration? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21complete.com/" target="_blank">21 Days, Steps & Keys</a>,
or one of the other books in the balance series, and start off 2015 by
finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Liked this post? Then please comment or share it with others!</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="_r3"><a class="_ZR irc_hol" data-ved="0CAYQjB0" href="http://insideclimatenews.org/news/20090719/life-expectancy-carbon-footprints-and-happy-planet"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr">insideclimatenews.org</span></a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-85570197260431775642015-04-07T00:16:00.000-05:002015-04-07T00:39:42.297-05:00The Universal Mirror<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_zjn8NMHsA/VP5SJQ1p9jI/AAAAAAAAU84/ERO3fz-DurY/s1600/rear-view-mirror-repair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_zjn8NMHsA/VP5SJQ1p9jI/AAAAAAAAU84/ERO3fz-DurY/s1600/rear-view-mirror-repair.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="dbox-pg"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">Mirror </span></span><span class="dbox-pg"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available"><span class="pron spellpron" style="display: inline;">[<span class="dbox-bold">mir</span>-er] </span>Noun.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="oneClick-link"> A</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">reflecting</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">surface,</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">originally</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">polished</span> <span class="oneClick-link">metal</span> <span class="oneClick-link">but</span> <span class="oneClick-link">now</span> <span class="oneClick-link">usually</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link">glass</span> <span class="oneClick-link">with</span> <span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link">silvery,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">metallic,</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">amalgam</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">backing (<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mirror?s=t" target="_blank">dictionary.com</a>)</span></span></span> <br />
<br />
<div class="def-set">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mirrors are a part of our daily lives. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mirrors reflect visual data back to us, giving us more information. </span></span>A plane </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> (flat) </span></span>mirror not only allows us to view what is behind us, but provides a virtual <i>opposite</i> of what we are perceiving before us. We have learned to accept the information from mirrors as valid and trustworthy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Likewise, our lives are also mirrors. The energy we are putting out into the world is being reflected back to us much like a mirror. And it all starts with our thoughts.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/02/declutter-your-mind.html" target="_blank">Thoughts contain energy</a>. We are all energetic beings <span style="font-size: small;">emitting an energetic frequency—or a vibration—just like a radio station broadcasting music. Whatever "music" we are playing, people "hear". Meaning<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">, whatever vibe we are emitting creates our emotional state of being. Have you ever noticed when someone is having a <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/11/losing-it-get-it-back.html" target="_blank">good day or a bad day</a>? You might pick it up through their attitudes, actions, or words. You can feel it in their "vibe".</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The response to the energy we're putting out is reflected back to us in all areas of our lives through circumstances, events, and occurrences. That is the way our energetic Universe works.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Why is this important? Because once you understand this principle, you realize that you are the <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/09/your-mind-teacher-creature-or-companion.html" target="_blank">creator of your experience</a>. When you focus on things you don't want or like, you will experience more of them in response to the vibration you are offering. Conversely, if you focus on things that you <i>do</i> want or like, you will experience more of those things.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what if you are experiencing an abundance of things you do <i>not</i> want in your life, how do you change your broadcast? According to Alfred Einstein, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” We simply cannot continue in the same <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2015/03/our-chronic-thoughts.html" target="_blank">chronic pattern of thought</a> and create different results. The powerful Universe is responding to whatever we are thinking and focusing on <i>regardless of what it is</i>. THAT is the creative process.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To change your broadcast you need to change your mind. Every event is an opportunity—a point in time for us to make a choice. We choose how we feel about something in every moment, and we have the choice about <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2015/03/losing-your-religion.html" target="_blank">what to believe</a>. When we start acting in mindful, thoughtful ways, we can respond to anything with informed, intelligent, and response-able actions.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What are you creating? How are you responding to what is happening around you? Are you paying attention to what is being reflected back to you?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This week, pay attention to what you are broadcasting and what information you are receiving in response. Then try "changing your tune" and see what is reflected back to you. The mirror never lies!</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To Your Better Balance,</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/" target="_blank">michaelsunnarborg.com</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Need some inspiration? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21complete.com/" target="_blank">21 Days, Steps & Keys</a>,
or one of the other books in the balance series, and start off 2015 by
finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Liked this post? Then please comment or share it with others!</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy of <span class="_r3"><span class="irc_ho" dir="ltr">www.glassworksaiken.com</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-75728870078966249362015-03-30T11:04:00.001-05:002015-03-30T12:36:56.143-05:00Losing Your Religion?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atenkGmHHF4/SIv-3yhJOPI/AAAAAAAAF4o/Sb0I3XSVuiQ/s1600/Skyburst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atenkGmHHF4/SIv-3yhJOPI/AAAAAAAAF4o/Sb0I3XSVuiQ/s1600/Skyburst.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Religion. Spirituality. God. The Universe. Source Energy. Life. Death.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What does it all mean? Nobody knows. Let me repeat that. <i>NOBODY KNOWS.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Not a single person on this planet knows what any of those things really mean. Oh, we certainly have an abundance of <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/09/your-mind-teacher-creature-or-companion.html" target="_blank">theories, ideas, and beliefs</a>, but ultimately, none of us really knows the meaning behind it all.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But we spend a lifetime trying to figure it out.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Isn't that what our lives are all about: Questioning? Answering? Creating? Believing? And why is everyone so upset about our differences? Don't we all look, speak, and act differently? Isn't that the whole point of humanity? And shouldn't we believe different things? It seems that would only makes sense.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Religious and spiritual beliefs have been a topic of conflict since the beginning of time. The differences over this one topic have caused more turmoil, pain, arguments, and wars in our world than any other. In its simplest form, what we are seeing in our world is the opposite of what it is truly about: <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2012/07/enact-love.html" target="_blank">Love</a>. What we are experiencing so often is Fear—the opposite of Love.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However, if we stop and <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2015/03/our-chronic-thoughts.html" target="_blank">think about it</a> from a scientific perspective, not understanding something [because it's different from what we believe] causes a natural resistance. It is new information, and we are naturally wired to question something that is new.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fear is a natural reaction in it's most primal form—a response by the human brain to what it cannot understand. And while feelings of Fear are automatic and natural, the response to Fear is not. Responding to Fear with anger, violence, abuse, resentment, or hatred is a chosen response—a choice—and that is what sets apart the natural from the unnatural. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Reacting is natural; responding is thoughtful. We are human; therefore, we are response-<i>able</i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/05/power-of-choice.html" target="_blank">We always have choices</a>. We choose how to respond to every situation, thought, and feeling in every moment. We can choose to respond to Fear negatively, or we can choose contemplation, compassion, and curiosity. Our choices create our reality. If you think your attitudes, actions, and words don't matter, think again. It ALL matters. We ALL matter. Everything we think, feel, say, and do matters—whether we realize it or not.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What are you choosing today, and how is that causing a ripple effect in the world around you? </span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Which words are you using? How are you supporting what you love instead of pushing against what you don't? When we start remembering that we are all creating the world we currently live in by each word and deed, we might start taking ourselves—and our actions—more seriously.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Choose for <i>yourself </i>and allow others to do the same. And above all else, "Live and Let Live", for that is what we came here to do.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Namaste</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/" target="_blank">michaelsunnarborg.com</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Need some inspiration? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21complete.com/" target="_blank">21 Days, Steps & Keys</a>,
or one of the other books in the balance series, and start off 2015 by
finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Liked this post? Then please comment or share it with others!</span></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-37736553068641905732015-03-24T09:13:00.000-05:002015-03-24T09:16:47.242-05:00The Nudge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCxAHAq-fEA/Uti0t-zxpGI/AAAAAAAAUlI/BasPz6DqD68/s1600/Body+Outline+with+MBS.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCxAHAq-fEA/Uti0t-zxpGI/AAAAAAAAUlI/BasPz6DqD68/s1600/Body+Outline+with+MBS.png" height="296" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i> We are not human beings on a spiritual journey.<br />We are spiritual beings on a human journey.</i><br />Stephen R. Covey</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ever get a "nudge" to do or say something? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Something
I learned early-on in my writing and coaching work was to give my thoughts,
feelings, and intuition a voice—a way to better understand the language of my
mind, body, and spirit. We all perceive information
through our senses and this information is being filtered and translated into our thoughts, feelings, and intuition. We can use
our words to describe how we're thinking or feeling, but how do those internal voices work?<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Usually
the loudest voice—<a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/02/declutter-your-mind.html" target="_blank">our Mind</a>—is busy analyzing information and making
conclusions. Simultaneously, <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/02/reboot-your-body.html" target="_blank">our Body</a> is translating all the visual,
audio, and tactile stimuli of our busy world and giving us feedback
through the voice our feelings. Logic and emotion—the constant balance
between head and heart. But while our minds and bodies are "doing", <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/03/nourish-your-spirit.html" target="_blank">our Spirits</a> are just "being". In fact, our Spiritual energy is working with the power
of our intentions—consciously and subconsciously—and the voice of Spirit
is always coming from a place that knows what we <i>really </i>want, versus what our minds and bodies <i>think</i> we want. I equate intuition as a "gut feeling", or sensation in the pit of my stomach.<br /><br />Since Spirit is the eternal part of our tri-part being, the <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2011/11/value-of-silence.html" target="_blank">quiet voice</a>
of our Spirit gives us little nudges and hints throughout the day. This nudge may come to us as,
“I should hold this door open for that person,” or “I can spare
some change for the woman ahead of me in line.” Sometimes it's even just a smile to a passing stranger. Spirit
never asks from us more than we can give at a given moment. Spirit knows
us and our boundaries. In fact, our Spirit lets us exercise our healthy boundaries
and create new ones, while our Mind may have us thinking in old
patterns or behavior and repeating the same mistakes. Been there, done
that!<br /><br />By paying attention to those little nudges throughout the day, you can get
closer to hearing your natural intuition. In fact, if you get quiet and
really listen, you will start to hear the calm rhythm within. And once
you start accessing the energy of your Spirit, you can bring your thoughts and
feelings into better alignment with intuition, and activate that
knowledge to create better balance in your life—<a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/11/welcome-to-awareness.html" target="_blank">awareness</a>, <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/12/moving-into-alignment.html" target="_blank">alignment</a>, <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/01/the-key-is-activation.html" target="_blank">activation</a>: the balance formula is complete.<br /><br />How can you be quiet and listen to the intuitive voice within<i> <u>you</u></i> this week? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>To Your Better Balance!</i><br /><br />Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Need some inspiration? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21complete.com/" target="_blank">21 Days, Steps & Keys</a>,
or one of the other books in the balance series, and start off 2015 by
finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life. You can
also tune into Michael's recent radio interview with Sharvette Mitchell
at: </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://bit.ly/15H2MRK" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/Ap0nV3YthZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/15H2MRK"><span class="js-display-url">bit.ly/15H2MRK </span></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> (Michael starts after 31:00).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/" target="_blank">michaelsunnarborg.com</a></span> </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Liked this post? Then please comment or share it with others!</span></i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-50983900676031532232015-03-10T11:54:00.000-05:002015-05-19T11:29:32.030-05:00Our Chronic Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGAzRocyzfU/VP5mySw65EI/AAAAAAAAU9U/XXy92Z3Wxsk/s1600/Wireless-brain-computer-interface-will-allow-us-to-move-objects-with-the-power-of-thought-618x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGAzRocyzfU/VP5mySw65EI/AAAAAAAAU9U/XXy92Z3Wxsk/s1600/Wireless-brain-computer-interface-will-allow-us-to-move-objects-with-the-power-of-thought-618x350.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thoughts are extremely powerful. In fact, our thoughts <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2011/07/creating-your-reality.html" target="_blank">create our reality</a> as we experience it. Much like a captain navigating the sea, our thoughts command the wheel of our ship and point us toward a destination. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I asked one of my coaching clients last week about a potential employment opportunity to which he replied, “I can't do that. I've never done that before." As we continued, I could see a pattern unfolding. His perspectives about everything in his life—his career, relationships, choices and experiences—were coming from a place of lack. He felt that his life was filled with so many things he didn't want. It was just never enough.<br /><br />My next question was, “So what <u><i>do</i></u> you want?” To which he had a difficult time responding. Since he’d been so focused on what <i><b>he didn’t want for so long</b></i>, he couldn’t clarify what he wanted. He’d <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/03/the-power-of-focus.html" target="_blank">lost his focus</a>. Everything he was experiencing in his life was a direct result of his <i>chronic thought patterns</i>.<br /><br />Each of us have an <i><b>emotional default setting</b></i> that was formed at an early age—usually during our impressionable childhood years—by the environment and the people around us. In turn, this default became the foundation for a set of matching beliefs and the <u>chronic patterns of thought</u> associated with those beliefs. This is helpful if our patterns of thought are positive; but can be very challenging if they're negative. Negative belief systems create what are called <b>limiting beliefs</b>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Limiting beliefs can be recognized by statements such as:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I have no choice."</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Life is a struggle."</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I made my decision and now I need to stick with it."</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Things never go my way."</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I always seem to mess things up—that’s just my nature."</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Other people always seem so much happier than me."</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"This is just the cruel hand life’s dealt to me."</span></span> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">They may also take the form of questions:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"How come I never get what I really want?"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Why is life so difficult?" </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"What is wrong with me?" </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Why do bad things always happen to me?</span></span>"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"How come everyone else is succeeding while I’m failing?"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"How can I possibly be a good friend/mother/brother/coworker when I can’t even be good to myself?" </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Each of those statements and questions come from limiting beliefs. What they don't consider is often they've been created by simple observations (i.e., one experience or one observation), or have been passed down to us by others and we've chosen to believe them with limited firsthand experience.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />There is another perspective that brings hope, clarity, and relief: it’s called <i>reframing.</i><br /><br />Reframing is the practice of recognizing that <b>how we respond</b><i> </i>to something is just as important (and sometimes <i>more </i>important) than the actual event. We can choose our attitude just as easily as we choose our clothing!<br /><br />Reframing includes developing a higher tolerance for ambiguity and being willing to take a new perspective without have the proof to back it up. Reframing requires trust and <b>facilitates hope</b>. Reframing always gives us options, especially regarding limiting beliefs:</span></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"I have no choice,"</span> becomes,</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I always have choices, even if it's only my attitude."</span></span></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"Life is a struggle,"</span> becomes, </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Life can be challenging, but it's helping me grow."</span></span></i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"I made my decision and now I have to stick with it,"</span> becomes,</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"I realize that things change, and I can always choose again."</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Can you see how this works?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This week, make the conscious choice to become aware of your limiting beliefs (catch yourself when you think or say them!) and practice <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2011/09/benefits-of-reframing.html" target="_blank">reframing your perspective</a>. You may quickly notice your energy shifting and your mood improving. Eventually, your limiting beliefs can become <i>unlimited beliefs</i> and you'll start navigating your ship towards new destinations. Think: The Bahamas instead of the cold Atlantic!</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To Your Better Balance</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Need some inspiration? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21complete.com/" target="_blank">21 Days, Steps & Keys</a>,
or one of the other books in the balance series, and start off 2015 by
finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life. You can
also tune into Michael's recent radio interview with Sharvette Mitchell
at: </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://bit.ly/15H2MRK" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/Ap0nV3YthZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/15H2MRK"><span class="js-display-url">bit.ly/15H2MRK </span></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> (Michael starts after 31:00).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/" target="_blank">michaelsunnarborg.com</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image courtesy of discovery-zone.com</span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Liked this post? Then please comment or share it with others!</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-539544163308092272015-02-23T20:46:00.003-06:002015-02-24T06:48:46.636-06:00Favorite Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0xQrAjFVbA/VOuD8poKhJI/AAAAAAAAU7M/jgIeAIuk26I/s1600/TheSoundOfMusic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0xQrAjFVbA/VOuD8poKhJI/AAAAAAAAU7M/jgIeAIuk26I/s1600/TheSoundOfMusic.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last evening during the 2015 Oscars celebration, Lady Gaga sang a 50th anniversary tribute to the movie <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sound_of_Music_%28film%29" target="_blank"><i>The Sound of Music</i></a>, a 1965 American musical film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thinking back to the first time I saw the stage version of that musical (which I'd actually auditioned for and didn't get... *sigh), I remember one song that always made me smile: <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Favorite_Things_%28song%29" target="_blank">My Favorite Things</a>. </i>I liked the song because it was about remembering those things which bring us happiness. Sometimes, just thinking about our favorite things can help put us into a spirit of <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2011/11/spirit-of-gratitude.html" target="_blank">appreciation</a>, which reminds us to be thankful for what we have and love.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So on a semi-regular basis (especially on those "<a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/06/ups-downs-are-natural.html" target="_blank">down days</a>"), I will start a list of my Favorite Things, and soon I will start to feel lighter... or, as Julie Andrews' character puts it—"...then I don't feel <i>so bad</i>."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Although my most recent list doesn't contain Raindrops on Roses or Whiskers on Kittens (listen to the song), it does contain many things that give me a <i>lift</i> whenever I think of them. So here's a recent list of my <b>50 Favorite Things</b>. How many of these things can you relate to? </span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sitting around a campfire</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A fresh cup of coffee</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Warm fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The feeling right after good exercise: <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/02/reboot-your-body.html" target="_blank">body buzzing with life and energy</a>!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Staying up late with friends talking, telling stories, and laughing until my face aches</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Going for a walk through freshly fallen snow while it’s still soft and sparkly</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The anticipation at the beginning of any game, show, or concert</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/12/healthy-holidays.html" target="_blank">The holidays</a> and that renewed feeling of appreciation</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Comfortable shoes</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Music that makes my body want to move</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Moments of peace and quiet</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Moments of loud crazy fun</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Prolific pontification stimulating engagement in <a href="http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Apophenia" target="_blank">apophenia</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cool stuff that lights up</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One of those excellent books you can’t wait to keep reading</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/10/a-new-ocd.html" target="_blank">A personal epiphany</a>—or "light bulb moment"</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bacon</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A new haircut</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The fact that I don’t know how to file my tax return, I don’t want to know how to file my tax return, and I am happy to pay someone to do it each year</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That my family are best friends and my best friends are family</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Trees</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being by water, over water, under water, on the water, in the water... etc.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Traveling. Anywhere. <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.blogspot.com/2008/04/view-from-top.html" target="_blank">Especially places with mountains</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That feeling right after watching a really good film where you were transported to another world and having to adjust back to “reality” (whatever that is...)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Things I don’t understand or never seen/heard/thought of before </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Muse driving, muse walking, muse traveling, muse (anything): just following my nose</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The unexpected</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The expected</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Making lists of favorite things</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Meeting people who change my life</span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2012/10/commencement-keynote-power-of-choice.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Freedom of choice</span></span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Starting with an idea, expanding the idea, trying different approaches, revising the idea, adding more to the idea, refining the idea, review, rewrite, spell check, run past a friend for feedback, revise, edit, and then realize your final product has changed drastically and looks only remotely like your original idea, but the process was well worth it and now your idea is absolutely awesome!! (still with me...?)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Playing cards and board games with my parents</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A blank piece of paper</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A new baseball cap </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Heights</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Walking through busy airports while Lisa Gerrard serenades me from my iPod</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lying on my bed staring at the ceiling while Lisa Gerrard serenades me from my iPod</span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.lisagerrard.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lisa Gerrard</span></span></a></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Remembering that we are all a version of source (God) energy in human form, and that we are creating our experience with every <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/02/declutter-your-mind.html" target="_blank">thought, word, and deed</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Making someone’s day by not doing anything but spending time with them</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Someone making my day by not doing anything but spending time with me</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Puppies</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I get a check in the mail and don’t know how much it’s for</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When I get a check in the mail and know how much it’s for</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Trying something new that excites and scares me at the same time</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The feeling of starting a new project</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The feeling of completing a project</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sitting and talking</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sitting and listening</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How about you? What are some of your Favorite Things? Try making a list and see how you feel after you read it. Perhaps you, too, will experience the feeling of <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/12/moving-into-alignment.html" target="_blank">alignment</a> and happiness that comes with appreciation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To Your Better Balance!</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Need some inspiration? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21complete.com/" target="_blank">21 Days, Steps & Keys</a>,
or one of the other books in the balance series, and start off 2015 by
finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life. You can
also tune into Michael's recent radio interview with Sharvette Mitchell
at: </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://bit.ly/15H2MRK" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/Ap0nV3YthZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/15H2MRK"><span class="js-display-url">bit.ly/15H2MRK </span></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> (Michael starts after 31:00).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/" target="_blank">michaelsunnarborg.com</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Image compliments of post-movie.net</span></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-14348304582851957042015-02-09T08:34:00.000-06:002015-02-10T07:43:01.681-06:00Simplify Your Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOvyRddB-xw/VNg3_Ujf4AI/AAAAAAAAU6w/f3HjVcledHo/s1600/Simple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOvyRddB-xw/VNg3_Ujf4AI/AAAAAAAAU6w/f3HjVcledHo/s1600/Simple.jpg" height="288" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many people are looking for better balance and happiness in life. Through my writing and coaching, I help guide people towards those goals by providing them with options. One of my favorite lines of questioning includes challenging the complexity of people's lives.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some questions include: What things are you currently experiencing in your life that you no longer want? How are complex or difficult relationships helping or hurting you? In what ways can you simplify areas of your life to bring you more peace and happiness? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here are tips in three areas of your life to help get you started down the road to simplicity:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Simply Your Choices</span></b></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Just because you can doesn't mean you should.</b></span> To optimize your <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/05/power-of-choice.html" target="_blank">power of choice</a>, pay careful attention to the results of your choices. Make your choices and notice the consequences. Be willing to try something new. And remember you can always choose again. Sounds simple, but not always easy.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Like a good parent or teacher, give yourself options.</b></span> For example, I choose from three different health-related activities each day: <span style="color: blue;"><b>swim, gym </b><span style="color: black;">or</span><b> nap</b></span>. I need to choose one activity each day, but I don't have rules about which activity or how often I can choose it. I give myself the choice and allow myself to go with whatever I'm feeling that day—no judgments.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Help out your health.</b></span> Keep a supply of <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/02/reboot-your-body.html" target="_blank">healthy food choices</a> stocked in your cupboard, refrigerator, and desk drawer at work. Avoid running low on healthy snacks or you might be tempted to binge on something you don't really need. Save the treats for special occasions!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Simplify Your Relationships</span></span></b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Take inventory of your current relationships.</span></b> Which people are adding to your life? Which people are taking too much of your time and energy? Who is really supporting you, or who is waiting for you to do something for them? Think carefully. Choose which <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/05/5-relationship-myths.html" target="_blank">relationships to nurture accordingly</a>.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Invest more in the most important people.</b></span> I know this sounds obvious, but there is a tremendous power in incremental investments. Think of your most cherished relationships like a savings account. Adding a small deposit each week equates to large payoffs down the road.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Rise to meet conflict by softening your stance.</b></span> Think about the outcome (what you really want out of a situation), and stay focused on the goal while you approach it with curiosity instead of coercion. <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/09/step-19-soften-your-stance.html" target="_blank">Better resolution comes through collaboration</a> rather than collision. Seek to win-win!</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Simplify Your Outlook</span></span></b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm not speaking about your Outlook email account (although that could be another blog!), but rather <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Simplify your outlook on life</b></span>. When you see that all of your choices—and ultimately your experiences—stem from your own unique perspective, you can learn to accept that your perception does, indeed, <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2011/07/creating-your-reality.html" target="_blank">create your reality</a>.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Develop a higher tolerance for ambiguity.</b></span> There are so many unknowns and variables in our world. Developing a higher tolerance for ambiguity means learning to be more at ease with "not knowing". In other words, by allowing yourself to learn from the momentum of your experience, you don't need to figure everything out right away. Be patient. Watch. See what happens.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Learn to accept all things and people as they are.</b></span> Right now. In all ways. Simple? Yes. Easy to do? Not so much. When you start to allow the things and people in your environment to exist without judging them (if they are "right or wrong"), then you are in harmony with nature. <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2012/01/it-begins-with-you.html" target="_blank">Pay attention to your own path</a> and allow others to keep theirs. We are only responsible for our own journey, not the journey for anyone else.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My hope is that by making a few small changes here and there, you will notice how simplifying your life in subtle ways can have a profound on your feelings of balance and equilibrium. Besides, <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/11/welcome-to-awareness.html" target="_blank">balance is already within you</a>, so let it shine.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To Your Better Balance!</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Need a bit more motivation? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/" target="_blank">21 Days to Better Balance</a>, or one of the other books in the balance series, and start off 2015 by finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life. You can also tune into Michael's recent radio interview with Sharvette Mitchell at: </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a class="twitter-timeline-link" data-expanded-url="http://bit.ly/15H2MRK" dir="ltr" href="http://t.co/Ap0nV3YthZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://bit.ly/15H2MRK"><span class="js-display-url">bit.ly/15H2MRK </span><span class="invisible"></span><span class="tco-ellipsis"><span class="invisible"></span></span></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> (Michael starts after 31:00).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/">michaelsunnarborg.com</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-3112934269400673672015-01-26T11:02:00.001-06:002015-07-08T17:16:24.160-05:00A New Year. Really?<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mR2pqeXk13o/VMXIbDs0DEI/AAAAAAAAU6A/zD5Lb6f0bG4/s1600/new-years-eve-clock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mR2pqeXk13o/VMXIbDs0DEI/AAAAAAAAU6A/zD5Lb6f0bG4/s1600/new-years-eve-clock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">New year's resolutions. New eating plans. New goals and objectives. New rules. New gym membership. New morning routine. New attitude. New job. New enthusiasm. New relationship. A new start! Or is it?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Whether we realize or not, the new year always brings about a shift in our <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/10/a-new-ocd.html" target="_blank">perspective</a>. And it's simply due to one fact: a calendar date.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Does the universe really know what day, month, or year it is? As human beings, we are inherently "chronologically impaired": we rely on the clock and calendar to organize our lives. But <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/11/are-we-there-yet.html" target="_blank">time is just an illusion</a> created (by us) in order to understand where we relate in the scheme of things. It's only our concept of time that is real.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our perception is our reality—and we are creating our reality each moment, regardless of "what time it is." </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So what does this have to do with the new year? Everything. The new year is the illusion. The choice to make changes is the reality. Sure, the new year is a trigger for change, but <b>you can change at any time</b>. Why wait until January 1st?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Creating change in your life may be simple, but not easy. Creating <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/05/power-of-choice.html" target="_blank">healthy habits</a> takes effort and with change comes loss. We grieve old patterns (even if they're unhealthy), and creating new habits takes dedication and commitment. Nothing substantial happens overnight. But change is possible, and you can start whenever you want.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here's a few tips for developing healthy habits that will stick:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Change one thing at a time. </b>Pick something you'd like to change. See how it works. Course correct, if needed. Choose again, but <u>don't go back to old habits</u>. For example, instead of reaching for soda, try a vitamin drink, low sugar juice or flavored sparkling water. If you don't like your choice, choose something else, but don't go back to soda. <span style="color: #38761d;">Think forward.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Ease into your exercise routine.</b> Just because you jogged 3 miles or took the 1-hour Zumba class in the past doesn't mean you can jump right back into your old routine overnight. Build back slowly. Be patient. <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/02/reboot-your-body.html" target="_blank">Allow your body to readjust</a>. If you push too hard, you will pay. <span style="color: #38761d;">Pain is not a sign that you're doing it right.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Consciously choose your food.</b> Stop the autopilot. Think before you bite. Look at labels. Watch portion size (most portions at restaurants are double or triple the size of what you really need). <u>Save dessert for special occasions</u>. <span style="color: #38761d;">Getting through your week is usually <i>not</i> a special occasion.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Get the right tools before you begin.</b> To do anything right you need the right support. For example, if you've been meaning to re-organize the hall closet, open it up and do a quick assessment of <u>what is needed to do the job right</u> (i.e., buy some new shelving, shoe rack, bins, etc.) before you start cleaning. <span style="color: #38761d;">A few minutes of planning can save you hours of extra work.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Avoid projecting.</b> When we think outside of ourselves, we project. For example, what do I look like as I'm doing (this)? What do others think of me? What are other people doing that I'm <i>not</i> doing? Why can't I (look, talk, act, be...) like them? <u>Focus only on yourself</u>. <span style="color: #38761d;">This is about you.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Support yourself. </b>Make a commitment to do your best, believe you are doing your best, and then <u><i>do your best</i></u> at whatever it is you are desiring to change. And if you fall off the wagon, get back on. Don't give up. Believe in yourself. <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/04/one-bite.html" target="_blank">Respect the process</a>. And don't blame anyone else for your results. Own it. Do it. <span style="color: #38761d;">Create the change for yourself.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Remember: it doesn't take New Year's Eve to create changes in your life. Decide what areas of your life need new direction and try something new. What's the worst case scenario? You learn! The most important thing is that you tried. In the words of Wayne Gretsky, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Take a shot, and go for the goal. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To Your Better Balance!</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bring in the new year by returning to the natural balance within you. Need a bit of motivation? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/" target="_blank">21 Days to Better Balance</a>, or another book in the series, and start off 2015 by finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/">michaelsunnarborg.com</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-45403050954177292452015-01-12T22:19:00.000-06:002015-01-12T22:19:43.080-06:00Mom Was Right<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZS6HfUHvCA/VLFo7NMxiXI/AAAAAAAAU5Q/vPDGEFX9SbI/s1600/BYM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZS6HfUHvCA/VLFo7NMxiXI/AAAAAAAAU5Q/vPDGEFX9SbI/s1600/BYM.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ah, the simple things. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In our busy lives, the small things—like finding your keys or keeping a clean kitchen—can make a world of difference. Simple habits practiced over time can have a profound effect on your sense of balance—especially when you develop healthy and consistent habits for <i>yourself</i>.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As an adult, I still hear my Mom's voice giving me practical nuggets of advice—in fact, sometimes I hear them several times a day!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's admit it. Mom was right about a lot of stuff. Simple things do, indeed, add-up.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Even small
changes or modifications can add up to major shifts. Just think about what would've happened if the Titanic had
started changing course just a few minutes earlier?</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So let's review some of the simple advice my Mom gave to me and my sister over the years—many things that are still good reminders today.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Simple Tips from Mom:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Pick up after yourself</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• If you can do it now, do it now</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Put things in the same place every time (i.e., your keys) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Do the dishes and clean up right after you're done eating</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Use reusable sticky notes reminders for the bathroom mirror or front door </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Hide a $20 in your jacket or pocket of your pants for a fun surprise</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Create a stash of healthy snacks within reach at home and work</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Add 5-10 minutes to your start time and arrive early</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Avoid "stinking thinking" and re-frame negative thoughts (i.e., could be worse!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Take time to stop and give thanks throughout your day</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Drop a friendly note into someone's </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">(or your own) </span></span>lunchbox</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Focus on one thing at a time</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Be aware of the company you keep</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• "Don't borrow sorrow from tomorrow"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">• Remind yourself, "The world needs me today!" (Thanks, Grandpa :o) </span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Simple, yes, but still applicable. Thank you, Yvonne, for all of the sound advice that I still practice—as best I can—to this day.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What advice do you still follow from a Mom, Dad, teacher, or friend? How many of these things help lead you to better balance and happiness in your life?</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To Your Better Balance!</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bring in the new year by returning to the natural balance within you. Need a bit of motivation? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/" target="_blank">21 Days to Better Balance</a>, or another book in the series, and start off 2015 by finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to drink hot cocoa while helping people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/">michaelsunnarborg.com</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-23255566387984070872014-12-22T18:02:00.001-06:002014-12-22T18:02:20.230-06:00Healthy Holidays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FBw4aE4sdU/VJiweNCQnbI/AAAAAAAAU38/7RotbgccNKw/s1600/keep-calm.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FBw4aE4sdU/VJiweNCQnbI/AAAAAAAAU38/7RotbgccNKw/s1600/keep-calm.jpeg" height="225" width="400" /> </a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Speaking from someone who loves to celebrate, this time of year can be most
exciting. The holiday season gives us opportunities to be thankful,
giving, and ring in another new year. With all of these reasons to act
in exceptional ways, this time of year can also cause many of us to <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/11/losing-it-get-it-back.html" target="_blank">lose our sense of equilibrium</a>. Stress, expectations, and "waiting until the
last minute" to get something done can push us out of alignment and
affect our natural sense of balance.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
the holiday season is moving into full swing, here are some quick tips
to help us maintain better balance in our <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/09/swallowing-feelings-you-might-get-fat.html" target="_blank">mind, body and spirit</a> while we
celebrate this exciting time of year:</span></span></div>
<div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">Get plenty of rest</span></b>.
The holidays always include extra activities and will take more
energy than usual, so getting adequate amounts of rest will let us join
in the fun!</span></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: green;">Drink lots of water and other fluids</span></b> (including hot teas). This will keep us properly hydrated and less prone to holiday germs.</span></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">Eat healthy foods high in vitamins and minerals</span></b>. Most of
us will eat some holiday treats (candy, chocolate, etc.), but be
sure to <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/02/reboot-your-body.html" target="_blank">keep it balanced</a> with healthy portions of proteins, fruits
and vegetables. Too much sugar will spike our energy and can cause
headaches and fatigue.</span></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: green;">Help stop the spread of holiday colds and illness</span></b>.
By covering our mouths when we sneeze or cough, and washing our hands
often we lessen the spread of germs. Carry extra tissues with you if
your nose is runny or some natural throat lozenges if you have a cough.</span></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">Get plenty of exercise</span></b>.
Even a short walk in the mornings or evenings will help keep our
blood moving. Exercise and stretching helps improve circulation and
promotes faster healing!</span></span> </li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: green;">Take time to spend with people</span></b>. Visiting
with our family and friends during our holiday time off and taking
the time to reconnect with those we love strengthens our
relationships, boosts our immune system, and reconnects us back to ourselves. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">Unplug a little</span></b><span style="color: red;">!</span>
Take time off from the busy hustle and bustle: Turn off the ringer on your
phone and let calls go to voice mail; take a few days off from
Facebook & Twitter—the world won't end without your updated status;
don't read email for a couple days; turn off cable and pop in a classic
holiday movie. <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/11/are-we-there-yet.html" target="_blank">Try to unplug from the world</a> and plug back into a good book, the
people, the music, and the nature around you. It's free.</span></span> </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">May
this holiday season allow you time to relax, refresh, and recharge your batteries, and provide you with the opportunity to connect to the
natural balance within you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>To Your Better Balance!</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bring in the new year by returning to the natural balance within you. Need a bit of motivation? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/" target="_blank">21 Days to Better Balance</a>, or another book in the series, and start off 2015 by finding better balance in your career, relationships, and life!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to drink hot cocoa while helping people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/">michaelsunnarborg.com</a></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-69782237151741531852014-12-08T09:51:00.001-06:002014-12-12T09:12:20.717-06:00Kringle Coaches Warlock, Change Imminent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3IZacM73dY/VIUQ08yz33I/AAAAAAAAU3g/Q5Bhqscxu2g/s1600/santatown480-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H3IZacM73dY/VIUQ08yz33I/AAAAAAAAU3g/Q5Bhqscxu2g/s1600/santatown480-4.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #999999;"><b><span style="color: #666666;">North Pole (NP WIRE) December 8, 2014</span></b></span> - Another holiday miracle is sweeping the nation causing widespread goodwill, uplifted spirits, and hope to the humbug. The trending craze was sparked by the recent streaming of the Rankin and Bass production of <a href="http://www.animationmagazine.net/home-entertainment/santa-claus-is-comin-to-town-celebrates-40th-anniversary/" target="_blank"><i>Santa Claus is Coming to Town</i></a>—a 1970's holiday television classic.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In a pivotal scene, the Winter Warlock tells a young Kris Kringle, "It's so difficult to <i>really</i> change," to which Kringle replies, "Changing from bad to good's as easy as taking your first step." Kringle continues by breaking into a merry song about changing ones life by taking a step at a time. Kringle is joined in the festive holiday scene by Topper—a dancing penguin adopted earlier by Kringle—as well as other animals from the enchanted forest. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">According to Kringle,"Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you are walking 'cross the floor. Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking out the door!" Profound and simple wisdom from an elf, but easy enough for a warlock to put into practice. In fact, with the help of a choo-choo train and Kringle's witty song and dance, Winter's icy heart is melted within minutes. A true Christmas miracle!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kringle's song drives a simple point. We all have the potential to <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/11/losing-it-get-it-back.html" target="_blank">make changes</a> no
matter where we are on our life journey, and truly lasting change
comes in small steps—one at a time. Each step evolves into a new habit, and over time our new healthy habits can become major life changes.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This week, take a note from Coach Kringle and try the <b>1+1 Challenge</b>:</span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Write down one thing you’d like to <i>stop</i> doing and one thing you’d like to <i>start</i> doing to help bring better balance to your life (i.e., <i><b>I will <u>stop</u> checking my email every ten minutes</b></i>, and, <i><b>I will <u>start</u> taking a 30-minute walk each day</b></i>)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Put this list where you can see it—on your laptop, iPad, desktop, or
sticky note on your bathroom mirror (this reporter's favorite strategy) </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Focus on making <i>only</i> those changes this week</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/11/welcome-to-awareness.html" target="_blank">Notice</a> the results</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then each week, add one thing and remove another until you start seeing positive changes. Perhaps you, too, can melt an icy heart and experience the benefits of "putting one foot in front of the other", bringing better <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2012/02/3-steps-to-better-balance.html" target="_blank">balance</a> and happiness to <i>your</i> life.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Happy</span> <span style="color: #38761d;">Holidays</span></span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg, North Pole Reporter</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to drink hot cocoa while helping people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/">michaelsunnarborg.com</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Photo: </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Aminationmagazine.net</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-27508082914004887722014-11-18T20:04:00.000-06:002015-05-19T11:33:59.566-05:00Are We There Yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbnAXjNaQ54/VGWCd6B1BeI/AAAAAAAAU20/eZoQbyhFNQY/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbnAXjNaQ54/VGWCd6B1BeI/AAAAAAAAU20/eZoQbyhFNQY/s400/DSC_0322.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Are we there yet?" I asked. "Almost," replied Grandpa. Each minute felt like an hour. After all, it was our first time visiting Florida since Grandma and Grandpa had moved to Tampa from Wisconsin, and Walt Disney World was a dream come true for an 8-year old. The anticipation was killing me, but the wait made the experience that much sweeter. Everything I <i>didn't</i> know about Disney World was waiting for me to discover it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the daily events of our lives "getting there" can mean a myriad of things. For our trip in Florida, it meant entering the gates of the Magic Kingdom. In other areas of our lives, "there" might be a new job, finding your soul mate, or buying your first house—it really depends on what you intend to accomplish and how you think you'll feel once you do. But in the meantime, how do we stay present and enjoy the moment?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In his compelling book, <a href="http://www.eckharttolle.com/books/now/" target="_blank">The Power of Now</a>, Eckhart Tolle writes, "</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The more you are focused on time—past and future—the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">By using common logic and without getting too esoteric, we are actually already "there" in many ways since the only place we can actually (physically) experience is being "here"—the present moment. The Now. And although our powerful <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/09/your-mind-teacher-creature-or-companion.html" target="_blank">thoughts</a> and imagination can take us in many directions—into the past or future—</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>the present moment is where all of our power is</b>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
moment you h</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">ave right now is your moment of creation. Everything else is simply your imagination. But your imagination is directly affected by the present moment, and your future is changed by the thoughts you hold.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Think of your thoughts like a pebble. If a pebble is dropped into a pond it will start a ripple effect. So do your thoughts. In fact, <b>the thoughts you're thinking right now affect your future experiences</b>—they have a ripple effect. Therefore, be sure to
focus on those thoughts which are in alignment with your greatest vision. <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/08/key-3-intention.html" target="_blank">Intention</a> is
everything.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The challenge of anticipation is learning how to be happy in the present moment. Then "getting there" will simply become the next experience, not the only point of happiness.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Learn to be present. Learn to be here. The time is Now. And then when you finally "get there", you can appreciate the whole journey, not just the destination.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To Your Better Balance!</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified
life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice
and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can
follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/">michaelsunnarborg.com</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-30344842853076423702014-11-03T21:17:00.000-06:002016-03-16T12:44:32.609-05:00Losing it? Get it Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tired? Stressed out? Lost your sense of balance? You actually haven’t lost anything. You’ve just forgotten how to access what’s already within you. "Huh?" you say. Yes, it's true, but let me give you a little more background first.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last week I had the privilege to speak at <a href="http://learning2014.com/" target="_blank">Elliott Masie's Learning 2014</a>—an annual conference held in Orlando, Florida, which brings together more than 1,700 education and learning professionals from around the world to meet, share best practices, learn from one another, and be inspired by a variety of thought leaders.<br /><br />During one of my breakout sessions, the question of "How?" entered the better balance discussion. With so many competing priorities in our busy world, how do we find better balance while juggling our <a href="http://www.21daystobetterbalance.com/" target="_blank">relationships, work, and family</a>?<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We don't actually "find" anything; we return to a natural state that's already within us.<br /><br />Think about young children. They are often happy without reason, generally accept anyone introduced to them, and most don't have issues like adults do… well, not yet. Their world of experience is small and they are easily in alignment with their natural internal happiness—something many of us "big kids" have easily forgotten—well, until we go on vacation, attend a really good concert, or experience a <i>pocket of joy </i>outside of our normal routine.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, seriously, wouldn't it feel better to experience that "happy state" more often? I have good news for you. We can.<br /><br />Remember: <i><b>We are naturally born in a state of equilibrium</b></i>, but as we age and become distracted by the fears of the world we begin to stray from our innate sense of well-being. With that in mind, we can return to better balance by <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/04/spring-cleaning-your-life.html" target="_blank">removing the barriers and blockages</a> within us, many of them created by our own thoughts and behaviors. We can start feeling the "happy state" without taking a cruise to Jamaica (although that does sound appealing during the Minnesota winter...)<br /><br />In my writing and coaching I introduce a three-step process: 1) Awareness; 2) Alignment; and 3) Activation, to help jump-start the process of returning to better balance:<br /><br />1) <b><a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/11/welcome-to-awareness.html" target="_blank">Awareness</a></b>. Your powerful consciousness is absorbing and processing everything in your environment—sights, sounds, and smells—whether you realize it or not. In order to find better balance in your life, you must first become aware of the factors that influence your balance. Some themes include: Thoughts, Feelings, Intuition, Fear, Communication, Power, and Choice.<br /><br />2) <b><a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/12/moving-into-alignment.html" target="_blank">Alignment</a></b>. Alignment happens both on the inside and outside of you. Internally, this means that you strive to be conscious of your thoughts, feelings, and intuition so that your behaviors reflect your true values. Externally, this means that over time, you bring your attitudes, actions, and words closer to your fundamental beliefs. Some themes include: Relationships, Truth, Intention, Purpose, Trust, Listening, and Appreciation.<br /><br />3) <b><a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/01/the-key-is-activation.html" target="_blank">Activation</a></b>. Activation puts theory into practice and thoughts into motion. Without activation, good ideas are only ideas. Activation is the key to implementation and the third step to finding better balance. Some themes include: Focus, Softening Your Stance, Boundaries, Perspective, Living Your Passion, Gratitude, and Managing the Leader Within.<br /><br />So the next time you'd like to conjure up the feelings of "vacation freedom", then I encourage you to start applying the steps to your life. You can even allow me to walk you through the steps, answer questions, and complete a few short exercises in my book, <a href="http://www.21complete.com/" target="_blank"><i>21 Days, Steps & Keys...</i></a> or any of the individual books. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I believe that through deliberate effort, you can begin to return to that natural sense of balance in your work, relationships, and life. It's your <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/05/power-of-choice.html" target="_blank">choice</a>.<br /><br /><i>To Your Better Balance!</i><br /><br />Michael Thomas Sunnarborg<br /><br />Michael Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, best-selling author, and certified life coach. His passion is to help people reclaim their power of choice and find better balance in their work, relationships, and life. You can follow Michael on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/21daystobetterbalance" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/21daystobalance" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or find out more at <a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/">michaelsunnarborg.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-51477657085916767252014-10-20T10:03:00.001-05:002014-11-02T09:10:05.164-06:00Your Big But<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3VKhEHmstXs/VERPcXFvUyI/AAAAAAAAU0I/SsVK0-h3PoI/s1600/BigBut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3VKhEHmstXs/VERPcXFvUyI/AAAAAAAAU0I/SsVK0-h3PoI/s1600/BigBut.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In
the 1985 movie <i>Pee Wee’s Big Adventure</i>, Simone is telling Pee Wee Herman about
her dreams of living in Paris. She finishes her story with, “…but, ”
and then tells him that Andy, her controlling boyfriend, will never let her go. Pee Wee
responds with the classic line, “Everyone I know has a big but.” Pee Wee
makes a good point.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I was reminded of this recently during a coaching session. My client and I were working on <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/12/moving-into-alignment.html" target="_blank">aligning</a> him towards his <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/07/my-job-my-life.html" target="_blank">ideal job</a>, and throughout the conversation he
kept saying, “…but I don’t think I can do (this) or (that),” or, “...but
they probably won’t hire me because…” As our session progressed, I watched his but get bigger and bigger. As his doubts increased, so did his but.<br /><br />So what's up with the big but? Why the doubt? And where do our big buts come from?<br /><br />First,
let’s look to science. In his book, <a href="http://www.mindfulselfcompassion.org/" target="_blank"><i>The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion</i></a>, Dr. Christopher Germer states, “We have evolved for
survival, not happiness, and thus have a natural tendency to focus on
the negative.” Considering that our brains are naturally hardwired for problem-solving,
sticking our but into everything comes naturally. Just call it <i>pragmatic
contingency planning</i>. All fine and dandy until your but gets too big—then it just slows you down. When doubt and pessimism become your
default setting, you end up dragging your but wherever you go. <br /><br /><b>Why We But In: </b><br />• Protecting a <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2011/10/you-are-what-you-believe.html" target="_blank">belief system</a> (covering your but)<br />• Avoiding disappointment (saving your but)<br />• Fear of re-occurrence (but it happened before…)<br />• Bad habits (unaware we're being a but head)<br /><br />So how do you lose your but? You don’t. However, you can reduce your but size.<br /><br /><b>Tips on Butting Out:</b><br />• Eliminate doubt by <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/01/the-nudge.html" target="_blank">trusting the process</a><br />• Release the need to control outcomes<br />• Change your default setting to optimistic<br />• Do what you can, and then it let go<br /><br />Finally,
pay attention to feedback from others. Try having a friend or coworker call you out
on your but. And the next time you’re feeling doubt you can ask them, “Does
my but look big to you? Really, you can tell me. I trust you.”<br /><i><br />To Your Better Balance! </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Find
better balance in your work, relationships, and life. Visit
<a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/" target="_blank">21daystobetterbalance.com</a> to learn more. And look for the new trilogy
book, <i><a href="http://amzn.to/1sWuuTo" target="_blank">21 Days, Steps & Keys</a></i> launching November 1, 2014. Get all
three books in one! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, author, and life coach, who helps
people reclaim their power of choice to find better balance and
happiness in their work, relationships, and life. You can reach him at michael@sunnarborg.com</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like this post? Please share it!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://michaelsunnarborg.com/"></a></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-39404593912766415312014-10-10T06:55:00.003-05:002014-10-10T06:55:50.629-05:00Free Book, Anyone?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To celebrate the upcoming release of: <i>21 Days, Steps & Keys: The Complete Book Series to Better Balance</i>, I am giving away 5 personally-signed copies on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23320782-21-days-steps-keys" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>. The giveaway starts<b> </b>runs from <b>October 10-November 10, 2014</b>, so be sure to click the link below and register today to win your copy!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_new">Goodreads</a> Book Giveaway
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23320782"><img alt="21 Days, Steps & Keys by Michael Thomas Sunnarborg" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412646975l/23320782.jpg" title="21 Days, Steps & Keys by Michael Thomas Sunnarborg" width="100" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23320782">21 Days, Steps & Keys</a>
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by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6439427.Michael_Thomas_Sunnarborg" style="text-decoration: none;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</a>
</h4>
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Giveaway ends November 10, 2014.
<br />
See the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/110958" style="text-decoration: none;">giveaway details</a>
at Goodreads.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-87795492759241473632014-10-06T23:03:00.000-05:002018-11-27T14:22:18.403-06:00A New OCD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kzbk_8OWwx0/VDNf1-V0bsI/AAAAAAAAUzs/5k1FTU4Wkug/s1600/Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kzbk_8OWwx0/VDNf1-V0bsI/AAAAAAAAUzs/5k1FTU4Wkug/s1600/Hands.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This past weekend I attended the wedding of my very dear friends, Shawn & Kathleen, in Los Angeles. After I’d arrived, Shawn asked me, “So how was your trip from Minnesota?” “Well, it was actually a bit challenging,” I replied. “First, I forgot your wedding present in the airport bathroom; then I left my phone on the plane in Phoenix; and when I arrived at LAX, I wasn’t even out of the Hertz parking lot when I got in an accident with the rental car. But other than that, I’m doing well!” As you could imagine, Shawn’s face was frozen in state of surprise, and all he could say was, “WHAAAT??”<br /><br />Yes, “a bit challenging” would have been an understatement if I hadn’t been so calm. How could I be calm? Because I practiced what I affectionately call, the “New OCD”. Allow me to explain.<br /><br />With all of the distractions of our mainstream culture via social media and the explosion of technology, the clinical term <a href="http://dopasolution.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/" target="_blank">OCD</a> (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) has become as common as <a href="http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml" target="_blank">ADHD</a> (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)—words that have now entered our social vernacular. Although OCD refers to extreme activities or excessive behaviors that are based in “intrusive thoughts” that produce fear and worry, it is more serious than just a personality quirk. People with OCD often need medical and psychological help.<br /><br />Our <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/09/your-mind-teacher-creature-or-companion.html" target="_blank">thoughts</a> and feelings can rule (and ultimately, "ruin") our lives. The only way to transform our automatic programming—which comes from years and years of our own experiences—is to release the connections to our triggers and patterns by releasing the belief that <i>we are the thoughts and feelings that we experience</i>. The largest part of this process includes becoming the "observer" or our fears rather than allowing them to trigger us into unconscious, and often destructive, behaviors. There are only two responses you can have to your thoughts and feelings: resistance or allowance. When you resist something, it continues to exist. But when you learn to allow things to come up and pass through you, they will eventually fade away. In his book,<i> <a href="http://www.untetheredsoul.com/" target="_blank">The Untethered Soul</a></i>, Michael Singer does an extraordinary job of explaining this. I highly recommend the book if you’re ready for real change.<br /><br />So in my life, I decided to learn how to manage my thoughts and feelings in a way that felt healthy to me. Now, whenever my emotions are triggered, I think a different OCD: <br /><br /><b>1) Observe.</b> Step one is to observe what's happening. Be conscious. Be awake. Pay attention to what triggers your emotions. It may be a person, a smell, or even something simple like a song, but notice your immediate reactions. What just happened? What thoughts or feelings came up? What is happening when you are suddenly feeling anger? Sadness? Confusion? Stress?<br /><br /><b>2) Contain.</b> Step two is to contain the situation. Hold the event as a single moment, whether it has triggered something from the past or the present (or even the future if it’s something you’re worrying about that hasn’t happened yet). Treat the event as exactly what it is. Avoid connecting it with anything or anyone else. Just hold it right there.<br /><br /><b>3) Detach.</b> The third and final step is to detach from the thoughts or feelings. Know that even though you are experiencing them, THEY ARE NOT YOU. Become the detached observer of the event. Through your observation, quickly notice your reaction and then stop and carefully choose your response. Resist the temptation to let the emotion take over your <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/05/power-of-choice.html" target="_blank">power of choice</a> and send you “off and running”. Emotions are very melodramatic. Can you stay present and not allow this energy to take you away? Can you open your heart and allow yourself to face this fear? Can you walk through it instead of avoiding it?<br /><br />Some Tips:</span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Time is critical. When something comes up, you need to immediately implement OCD—the sooner the better. Stay conscious. Focus. Breathe. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Practice OCD. How does it work for you? What comes up? When do you stay focused and when is it more difficult?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Make it a game to see if you can do it! Challenge yourself to see if you can get better at it each time something comes up.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remember that reacting is natural, but responding is thoughtful. A deliberate response can be much healthier than a reactive one. Take the time to choose your responses wisely and see the results. With some practice, you will find that practicing OCD will allow you to move through any type of crisis quickly and seamlessly. It will take some work at first, but you will get better with time.<br /><br />So what resulted from my “challenging" day? Minutes after I realized I’d lost the bag containing Shawn’s wedding present, I heard an announcement on the airport PA system, “If you are the owner of a gray Johnston & Murphy bag, it was found in the Men’s restroom and can be claimed at Gate 21”; as for my phone left on the plane, the Gate Agent was happy to go back onto the plane and find it for me so I could make my connecting flight; and the fender bender? Ah, that’s why we have insurance. I filled out an accident report and 15 minutes later I was on the 405 with my new rental car. No drama. No stress. I just breathed and practiced OCD. Worked for me. And it could work for you, too.<br /><br /><i>To Your Better Balance!</i><br /><br />Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Find better balance in your life, relationships, and work. Visit <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/">21daystobetterbalance.com</a> and learn more. And look for the new trilogy book, <i>21 Days, Steps & Keys...</i> coming November 1, 2014. Get all three books in one!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-67288082532445320012014-09-22T10:37:00.000-05:002015-08-05T20:03:40.865-05:00Your Mind: Teacher, Creature, or Companion?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"It's
mind over matter." "Make up your mind!" "Oh, never
mind..." Just think about how frequently the word "mind" enters our daily
conversations. Our minds are an integral part of our three-part being: mind, body, and <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/03/nourish-your-spirit.html" target="_blank">spirit</a>. We often associate the mind with our head, thought, and logic. But despite the <i>form</i> in which we imagine our minds to take, there are some very different <i>roles</i> the mind can play in our daily lives:<br />
</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Teacher: </b>The mind is a powerful and complex teacher.
It re-minds us when we’ve forgotten facts or figures and helps us
through a challenging problem. It causes us to stop and think when
we need to make a decision, and uses our previous experiences as reference in order to make better choices. It keeps a record of
everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done, and uses memory to bring us the gift of
contrast (“Been there; done that”).</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />Our mind works with our feelings and
sends us signals that something
might be awry and we need to pay attention to it. It is the reflective
and supportive adviser—helping us weigh the pros and cons from
changing our internet service provider to changing our views about the
importance of <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/09/swallowing-feelings-you-might-get-fat.html" target="_blank">diet</a> and exercise. It’s with us every day, every hour,
every minute, and doesn’t like to be shut off. But once in a while it
will allow us to be away from it... maybe for a minute or an hour... and then when we reunite it's like plugging back-in and booting up the computer. Class is back in session.</span></span><br /> </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Creature: </b>The mind is a powerful and complex creature.
It creeps around and waits for the opportunity to jump out and scare
us, or </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">catches us by surprise </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">when we’re not looking. It lurks around the dark corners with a mirror and attempts to make us look into
it and judge our appearance. It can be the constant critic, judge, and antagonist, carrying around a thick history book of everything we’ve ever thought, said, and done, and then re-minds us about our mistakes and uses them against us like a court of law where
we're guilty until proven innocent.<br /><br />Our mind has a voice recorder that
plays back every negative word that every person has said to us, sticking to our <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2011/09/benefits-of-reframing.html" target="_blank">fears</a> like a sliver we can't remove. It keeps us up worrying at night, wakes us up with a
headache in the morning, and never stops running. And we’re tired
of the chase. Sometimes we’d rather be without it. It controls our
manners when we’ve been scolded and makes us feel ashamed for who we are. It can be our worst enemy. And if we spend too much time focusing on what it is constantly saying, it can make us feel crazy and out of
control. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Companion: </b>The mind is powerful and complex companion. It wishes us happy birthday, and re-minds us where we parked the car in the stadium parking lot. It’s there to provide a history of everything we’ve
ever thought, said, and done, and then uses our success to re-mind us about how
far we’ve come. It plays back the recordings of anyone who’s ever
thanked us, praised us, or shouted our name as we raced toward the
finish line. It allows us to take a moment to pause and reflect upon a
fond memory triggered by a beautiful song or the smell of fresh-baked
cookies.<br /><br />Our mind is there to help us stay calm amidst a crisis, or speak a
kind word to a friend in need. It’s our constant friend, confidant, and
partner. And it always answers when we call. It’s there to motivate,
encourage, and inspire us, and becomes the coach urging us to hang in
there and just keep swimming. It reminds us that it’s okay to make
mistakes, and it forgives us every time—no exception. It loves and
accepts us as we are. It is our best friend and our family. It holds us
when we are alone and reminds us that everything will be okay.<br /><br /> </span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
Question: Is your mind playing the role of teacher, creature or companion today?
Depending on the situation, it could be playing the role of one, two, or all three at once. But the
most important thing to remember is that it’s <i><u>our <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/05/power-of-choice.html" target="_blank">choice</a></u></i> to pay attention to what feels best. Whichever voice we focus on becomes the loudest. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The best part is that we can control our minds. We can choose to focus on the teacher, creature, or the companion. When our minds are working <i>for</i>
us in a positive and supportive way, we can better connect with our inner beings and bring more alignment and consistency to our
lives. That’s the secret to finding better <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/04/key-1-balance-myth.html" target="_blank">balance</a>.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today,
become aware of your thoughts and the role of your mind, and remember you
have the power of choice. Then, choose wisely what you consider your truth… for it is, truly, “all
in your mind”.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>To Your Better Balance!</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Find better balance in your life, relationships, and work. Visit <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/">21daystobetterbalance.com</a> and learn more.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-86456353662116385342014-09-09T10:53:00.001-05:002014-09-09T10:58:29.872-05:00Swallowing Feelings? You Might Get Fat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhoXRmBp8eM/VA8gZ_LTyaI/AAAAAAAAUyw/dY7bXQMFnS0/s1600/Sad-couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhoXRmBp8eM/VA8gZ_LTyaI/AAAAAAAAUyw/dY7bXQMFnS0/s1600/Sad-couple.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Carbs are bad? Carbs are good? Too much protein? Not enough? With all of the hype about eating plans and fitness fads, what do we believe? And what works?<br /><br />Let's place food aside for a moment and focus on a different aspect of health—emotions. Through my years of social research, I've found one of the biggest factors contributing to body weight is emotional weight. If we don't <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/08/get-out-of-your-own-way.html" target="_blank">express our feelings</a>, our repressed emotional energy causes stress. Scientific research tells us that stress directly affects our metabolism, hormones, the ability to process calories effectively, and so on. In the end, stress causes our bodies to not functional normally and we gain weight.<br /><br />The solution? Express your feelings. Stop eating your anger, pigging out on your pain, and drinking your disappointment.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's 5 tips to help you start a "conscious cleanse":</span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Check less bags.</b> You know how airlines charge for each bag checked? Traveling gets expensive fast. So does emotional baggage. Take time to focus on your biggest issues and clear up unresolved issues with friends, family members or yourself. Lighten your load; enlighten your life.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Get em out.</b> Whether it's with a friend or by yourself, <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/07/5-tips-for-better-communication.html" target="_blank">start to speak</a>, write, sing, dance—whatever it takes—to express your feelings. Emotions are energy, and energy is in constant motion. Nothing stands still. It's no different with your body, and those feelings need to go somewhere. First get them OUT in a healthy way. Then you can deal with them rationally.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Get help.</b> There's nothing wrong with reaching out when you need support. In fact, the human experience is about connection with others. We were never meant to exist in isolation. Talk things out with a good friend. Or even better, take advantage of your health insurance and meet with a counselor—it's their job to help you unwind your ball of emotional string.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Move your body. </b>Get out of bed, off the couch, or walk out of the house. Shift your energy. Negative energy feasts on idle bodies. Physical activity supports mental activity, which supports body wellness as well as psychological relief. Feeling stuck? Go for a walk. It can do wonders.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Don't judge. </b>Your feelings are always valid. Always. Did you get that? Try hyphenating it for even more effect: all-ways. There is never anything wrong with any of your feelings. They are part of you and <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/06/ups-downs-are-natural.html" target="_blank">every emotion belongs somewhere</a>. How, why, when, and where you express your feelings will produce a variety of experiences, but your feelings are never wrong. Believe in yourself.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>To Your Better Balance!</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Find better balance in your life, relationships, and work. Visit <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/">21daystobetterbalance.com</a> and learn more.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-71775634069724125632014-08-18T11:53:00.002-05:002014-08-18T11:53:33.144-05:00Get Out of Your Own Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_Mh5DbnaGQ/U_Itsqz39EI/AAAAAAAAUxI/F6xlJwhZXjw/s1600/Question.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_Mh5DbnaGQ/U_Itsqz39EI/AAAAAAAAUxI/F6xlJwhZXjw/s1600/Question.jpeg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Feeling frustrated? Finding yourself tripping through life? Wondering why you keep coming up against the same issues over and over again? If so, you're not alone. But did you realize that the majority of the barriers in your life are, in fact, <i>created by you</i>? A hard pill to swallow, but true.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's how it works. We are all like computers that have been programmed by our culture: the people and experiences that exist in our immediate environment. These impressions form our core beliefs systems and become hard-wired into our brains, helping to predetermine our every thought, decision, and action. In addition, our immediate <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/02/declutter-your-mind.html" target="_blank">thoughts</a> are feeding into this "reality", whether it's
what we want or don't want. Attention to anything brings more of the
same. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If this "programming" is working for you, then great! But if it's not, the goods news is you can change these patterns if you become aware of them.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In my writing and coaching, I introduce a three-step process. <b>Step 1: <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/11/welcome-to-awareness.html" target="_blank">Awareness</a></b> is the opportunity to recognize this "automatic" programming by raising our awareness to the things which directly affect our sense of balance.<b> Step 2: <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/12/moving-into-alignment.html" target="_blank">Alignment</a></b>, is putting ourselves into alignment with the thoughts, beliefs, and people with which we feel most harmony and happiness. And <b>Step 3: <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/01/the-key-is-activation.html" target="_blank">Activation</a></b>, is using that knowledge to make better decisions. With a little practice, this three-step process can become second nature. Good habits nurture good results.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To create a new experience, you must create a new
destination. If your desire is to make changes in your life, then you
must make changes to your current environment. Your first task is to remove the
challenges, barriers, habits and thoughts that are preventing the things you
desire from coming in alignment with you. Basically, get out of your own way! And in the meantime, use your thoughts as a road map and
your feelings as the compass, to help get you to a new place of peace, acceptance, and relief. </span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To your better balance!</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Find better balance in your life, relationships, and work. Visit <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/">21daystobetterbalance.com</a> and learn more.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-74958414671864950642014-08-04T20:02:00.000-05:002014-08-04T20:02:03.089-05:00Know Thyself<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsskIEBFCPA/SNfD8gptpjI/AAAAAAAAHcY/WSqYsJMougs/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsskIEBFCPA/SNfD8gptpjI/AAAAAAAAHcY/WSqYsJMougs/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>This above all: to thine own self be true,<br />And it must follow, as the night the day,<br />Thou canst not then be false to any man.</i><br />William Shakespeare</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was apparent at an early age that I was gifted with an abundance of energy, naturally extroverted, and happiest around people. It wasn’t until after college, when I moved to Hawaii, that I started exploring my true expanded self. I found balance for my exuberance by connecting with the quiet <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/03/nourish-your-spirit.html" target="_blank">spirit</a> within—a deeply curious side of me that was hungry for more meaning. As time went by, I realized that my life was a direct reflection of the people, places and relationships I'd developed along my path—and they all stemmed from the relationship I'd developed with myself. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To truly "know thyself" is to learn how to love and accept yourself as you are—even with the attributes you strive to improve. Being in a healthy relationship with yourself starts with the awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and intuition, and then using that knowledge to make healthy decisions that are in alignment with what you truly want.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So if our <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/05/5-relationship-myths.html" target="_blank">relationships</a> are reflections of our own love and acceptance, how do we improve them? We improve the relationship with ourselves first. Try this simple test: This week, make a list of the most important people in your life, and then answer the following questions:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How do those who love me see me differently?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What feels true? What feels false or inauthentic?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Where could I be more transparent with those I love and respect, and how might this change our relationship?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What is this relationship saying about me and my choices? Is it helping me grow?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />Write down your observations and ponder them throughout the week. You might find that there are parts of you that nobody even knows! You might also find that you're not living in your integrity. Think about what is <i>really</i> true for you, and what <i>truly</i> brings you happiness. You may be surprised.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When we take the time to really know ourselves—our <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/09/key-5-strengths.html" target="_blank">strengths</a>, joys, limitations, and fears—we
can present ourselves to others with truth and transparency. And this significantly changes our relationships... and life.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>To Your Better Balance!</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Find better balance in your life, relationships, and work. Visit <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/">21daystobetterbalance.com</a> and learn more.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-83031026633346965232014-07-22T09:34:00.000-05:002014-07-22T19:24:16.688-05:005 Tips for Better Communication<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cV5aQPfr-sI/U83LRyoKLkI/AAAAAAAAUv0/4-UKaRfjrjo/s1600/communication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cV5aQPfr-sI/U83LRyoKLkI/AAAAAAAAUv0/4-UKaRfjrjo/s1600/communication.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Effective communication is the cornerstone of all healthy <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/05/5-relationship-myths.html" target="_blank">relationships</a>. Regardless of whether the relationship is with a family member, significant other, co-worker, friend, or acquaintance, each person is responsible for his or her own behavior, including their communication skills.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In order to communicate in healthy and balanced ways, we must pay attention to how we are feeling as we are sending or receiving information. Becoming aware of our emotions helps us to sort through our thoughts and feelings, especially when our emotions have been triggered. We are always responsible for our own attitudes, actions, and <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/05/power-of-choice.html" target="_blank">choices</a>, including our words. Reacting is natural, but responding is thoughtful.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To help improve your communication, consider the following tips:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>1) Seek clarity.</b> If you're unclear about what someone else means, ask questions for clarification. If you're not sure how you are feeling about something, wait until you're ready. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And when you've made your point, stop explaining. </span></span>If the other person isn't ready to hear you, speaking longer or louder isn't going to make any difference.<br /><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>2) Start listening. </b>Stop talking and start listening. Stop thinking and start listening. Stop preparing what you're going to say in response to someone and start listening. And then when you think you're really listening, be quiet and start </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> sincerely </span></span>listening. Listening is an essential part of communication and is the highest form of respect.<br /><b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>3) Let go. </b>Let go of the need to be right. Let go of your ego's desire to "win". Let go of the need to be understood. Let go of your pride and allow yourself to learn something. Effective communication is about truth and transparency. When you let go, you allow yourself to be seen and heard. Resistance closes doors; <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2012/08/soften-your-stance.html" target="_blank">letting go</a> opens them.<br /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>4) Apologize.</b> When you've said something rude, apologize. When you've offended someone, apologize. When you've lost your cool and raised your voice, apologize. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and apologize. "I'm sorry," goes a long way. And when someone apologizes to you don't make it into a power play, just say, "Thank you," and move on.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>5) Do the work.</b> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you are challenged by someone, do the work. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you feel you need to be heard, do the work. When you're faced with conflict, do the work and get through it. When you feel like giving up, do the work. Make a commitment to yourself to do the work and grow from it. Nothing productive ever happens from avoidance.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Most importantly, be <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/11/welcome-to-awareness.html" target="_blank">aware</a> of your feelings as you communicate. Notice what’s different when you come from a place of thoughtful response rather than simply reacting, and see how this changes the landscape of your relationships.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To your better balance!</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Find better balance in your life, relationships, and work. Visit <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/">21daystobetterbalance.com</a> and learn more.</span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452989818785993660.post-5605181084919090712014-07-07T17:26:00.001-05:002014-10-20T10:08:55.722-05:00My Job, My Life?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiaiiuwHZlw/UjuK1XOcLdI/AAAAAAAAUdM/ZT2qhKq3KAQ/s1600/Thoughtful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiaiiuwHZlw/UjuK1XOcLdI/AAAAAAAAUdM/ZT2qhKq3KAQ/s1600/Thoughtful.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do what you love and love what you do,<br />for what you do most, says most about you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stuck in a dead-end job? Feel like your work is no longer a good fit? Recently laid off and not sure where to turn? You're not alone. Many people have found themselves without a job or unhappy in their work, and unfortunately this stress is trickling into every other part of their lives. We can spend up to 60% or more of our awake time working, and since your work is an extension of who you are, you must be able to find some sort of purpose and fulfillment in it. After all, it's not your "life"... or is it?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many of us are seeking more meaningful work. So how do you find a job you love? How do you create meaningful work? And what do you do in-between this love-hate relationship? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let's try some Q&A.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How do I find the right job for me?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Take a moment and think
about what you are doing when you are really <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2012/09/passion-on-purpose.html" target="_blank">truly happy</a> (something other than being on vacation =) What aspect of your current or most recent job appealed to
you when you first started it? What type of work have you been drawn to
in the past? What sounds like it would feel very rewarding and
satisfying? Once you start identifying what you love to do, it's much
easier to investigate new job roles that utilize those attributes. Once
you know what you want, then update your resume, start to peruse job sites, read job titles
and descriptions, and—MOST IMPORTANTLY—start talking to other people
about what you're thinking. Your network, including friends and family, are always your best resource! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>But I'm in a job that I hate. What can I possibly do right now?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you are thinking about what you'd rather be doing, focus on those aspects of your current job that you "do" <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2013/12/moving-into-alignment.html" target="_blank">appreciate</a>—perhaps it's the people, the customers, or when you get the opportunity to do something you really enjoy. Whatever you are paying attention to will become more of your experience, whether it's something you want or something you don't want. <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/03/the-power-of-focus.html" target="_blank">Pay attention</a> to what you like about your job and the people around you, and it will bring you (albeit temporary) relief!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How do I write a good resume?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Create a first page with your contact info, a statement of who you are and what you want to do, and then use the rest of the page to outline your top three areas of expertise with three or four bullets below each topic area highlighting accomplishments from your previous jobs. Use numbers, percentages, statistics whenever possible (for example, "Exceeded projected goals by increasing program participation by over 400% in 12 months.") Make it active and measurable! On page two, list your previous employment, your education, and any other relevant awards or accomplishments, but no detail. Remember: a resume is simply a calling card; not an interview.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now What?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now that you've: 1) thought about what you want; 2) taken time to appreciate what you have; and 3) started to <a href="http://blog.21daystobetterbalance.com/2014/04/spring-cleaning-your-life.html" target="_blank">organize yourself</a>, your network, and your resume to align with a new opportunity, then you can begin to imagine what it feels like to enjoy what you do and get paid for it. After all, your job is only one aspect your larger "life"... right?</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To Your Better Balance!</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Thomas Sunnarborg</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Find better balance in your life, relationships, and work. Visit <a href="http://21daystobetterbalance.com/">21daystobetterbalance.com</a> and learn more.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Need some job coaching? Michael
Thomas Sunnarborg is an educator, author, and life coach, who helps
people reclaim their power of choice to find better balance and
happiness in their work, relationships, and life. You can reach him at michael@sunnarborg.com</span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04574257597219308936noreply@blogger.com0