Vol. 2, Issue 48                                                 February 20, 2002
www.BrightSideCoaching.com                             ISSN: 1530-4334

Hi!  Hey, I can't tell you how terrific it is to have so many new subscribers in our midst.  Thanks for joining and thanks to all you established Bright Side subscribers who pass along these e-zines.  It is much appreciated!

Life is pretty busy here these days -- lots happening.  As it turns out when life is full, sometimes our own self-care takes a back seat to all the things that need to be accomplished and to all the people who we don't want to disappoint.  I have several clients who are facing these challenges right now so I created The Self-Care Blitz to help keep them centered as they go through stressful times.  Of course, one of the fabulous benefits of working with my clients is that I also get to experience the gentle reminders of treating myself kindly!  :-) 

With Love,
Beth

So, it's time to make yourself the #1 priority in your life!  Congratulations on embarking on this challenging, but essential, work! What I want for you is to really focus and intend on creating the space -- the freedom to connect with that sacred part of yourself and to listen to the message of your soul.  It is speaking to you!

This is a back-to-basics plan.  Some of this you may know, but it is always good to have reminders.  I know from experience that one way to change the way you are thinking about yourself is to focus on yourself in a purposeful way.  You MUST make the time for yourself or you will simply continue letting life happen to you instead of YOU happening to life.

Here are my top ten suggestions to be used collectively and on a regular basis:

1. Upon awakening, begin your day with some deep breathing.  Do this before you even get out of bed.  Conscious breathing is very cleansing and relaxing.  The origin of the word "breath" is "spirit."  So, breathe in through your nose to the count of 4, hold your breath for 4 counts, and then exhale through your mouth to the count of 8.  Let go of all stress and negativity. Do this for 10 breaths.   (2 minutes)

2. Spend a few minutes in affirmative prayer or meditation before you get up.  I spend just a few minutes each morning to state my intentions for myself for the day.   It helps me to focus on what it is that I want for myself versus focusing solely on those parts of myself that I give away to my family, friends, clients, and other people I encounter.  It's a very powerful way to start your day (3 - 5 minutes).

3. S-t-r-e-t-c-h.  Just reach down and stretch out your back and then stretch tall overhead.  Get the blood flowing.  Do it 5 times (2 minutes).

4. Exercise.  Yes, spend 30 minutes moving in some way.  It doesn't matter if you dance, walk or run, but do something.  If you can do it outdoors on a sunny day, that is all the better.  The sun helps convert Vitamin D in your body -- essential for good health.

5. Speaking of health -- make smart choices.  Drink lots and lots of purified water.   Eat only those things which are natural and from the Earth.  Take a multivitamin, especially if you are stressed.  Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol and sugar.  And do your best to get some good (8 hours) sleep.  These are basics, but fundamental in creating emotional health.  This is especially effective when used in combination with the other strategies listed here.

6.  Create a couple of powerful affirmations for yourself.  Work on them each week by repeating them over and over in your head until they sound like a tape overriding any other mind chatter you have going on.  You must be dedicated to this process -- I promise it will work if you just make the effort to saturate your mind with positive messages!  Some examples might be:

I love and accept myself just as I am. 
I am my own best friend.
I can do anything I set my mind to.

7. Speaking of mind chatter, CUT IT OUT!  Turn off the TV -- the news is depressing and the television shows are full of negative messages.  Why pollute your mind, especially if it is already feeling taxed?  Personally, I don't watch, listen to or read anything that I feel has a negative slant.  I simply don't need it.  I want only the positive, affirming messages that come my way.  There are thousand of wonderful books -- find a great one and concentrate on little nuggets from it each day.   Quiet your mind -- it's a beautiful thing.

8.  Before bed, spend just a few of minutes acknowledging the things you are grateful for. The last thoughts in your mind are what set your intentions for the following day -- shouldn't they be pleasant? So ask yourself what opportunities came your way?  Which people made a difference in your life?  How did you make a difference in the lives of others?  Write these things down and concentrate on the good that is continually coming to you.  When you are conscious of goodness, it shows up more and more.

9. Be kind to yourself!  Plan a wonderful weekly surprise for yourself ... a massage, a visit with an uplifting friend (avoid toxic relationships during this time of extreme self-care), a cup of tea while browsing in the bookstore, a nap, take an interesting class, or whatever it is that will light you up with warmth and joy.  Make a date with yourself and the KEEP THE APPOINTMENT.  Treat yourself as well as you treat all the other people in your life!

10. Remember that this is all a journey.  Each event -- from heartache to victory -- is a stepping stone to the next part of your life.  It takes faith to see life in this way, but when you begin to realize that you are here for a very specific and special reason, you can begin to trust that all things are working for your highest good.   You are an extraordinary person who deserves a joyful and peaceful life!

As your coach, I am here to support you!  Know that I am cheering you on and that I am here for you. Begin the most fascinating journey of all -- a journey inward -- you (and the world) will reap the benefits!

"You are the light of the world ... do not put your light under a
bushel ... Let your light so shine that the glory of God is seen in
you."
-- Matt 5:14-16

It is our divine task to claim our own self-worth and then to go to the very edge of what we can see and lean into more. The light of God is meant to shine forth in every one of us. We are God's celebration.

"You serve no one by playing small." —Marianne Williamson

Work with principles and practices that come through time immemorial, from the great teachers and masters, to develop your self-worth. There is more to you and me than the apparent immensity of the problems we face. We are seeded with greatness, in the image and likeness of God.

Become the change you are seeking by treating yourself and others with radical love. Ask: What would Love do here? Reach back and help.

~ Mary Manin Morrissey's Life Keys

That's it for this time -- see you next on March 6, 2002!  In the meantime, now is the perfect time to partner with me in some success coaching, so please do not hesitate to contact me!  I look forward to seeing you at your VERY best!

Please be kind to yourself and others,
Beth

Coach / Writer / Human Being