A little inspiration is all we need

What inspires you?

This week has been full of rich learnings. Just a few days ago my battery was running a bit on empty, it was in need of recharging.

I decided to just stop, get off the treadmill and have some ‘me time'. The first port of call, I headed to my favourite lunchtime yoga class. I could feel the tingling sensation throughout my body as I walked through the door. I knew how great I would feel afterwards and I was right, it did the trick.

I was then after some other inspiration. I had found an event that would be perfect and fulfil the need. There were a number of entrepreneurs sharing their experiences of running a business, the ups and downs plus their learnings along the way. I felt intrigued so went along.

It was early morning as I walked over Westminster bridge, admiring Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament along the way. It was an amazing walk. I was starting to feel energised again.

During the event I listened to different speakers, all with a story to tell. One entrepreneur had almost lost her vision in her twenties and had to leave her job in fashion. She completely turned her life around regardless of her disability. She went on to build up a successful business with just her determination and passion.

On one occasion she met Gordon Brown and when asked by him ‘What made you start up your own business?’ her immediate response ‘Because no B****** would give me a job’. Good for her!

All the speakers were inspirational, I came away feeling excited and inspired. It turned out to be one of my most productive weeks yet, even though I had taken time out.

So how full is your battery at the moment? Are you running on empty? What do you need to do to recharge it? Taking care of yourself is the starting point, so find out what you need right now.

Get off that treadmill if you are on one and start feeling energised again. The more you give yourself now, the more you will get back in return.

The best things in life are free

What do you notice around you?

I went for a lovely run along the river, one morning this week. After so much cold weather it was wonderful to finally see the sun and blue skies.

I couldn’t help observe how beautiful everything looked around me. The river glistened, the swans glided along peacefully, the trees swayed gently and the rowers moved effortlessly through the water. It was a picture postcard.

It made me wonder how often we really take time to observe what’s around us. Sometimes when out and about we let the mind drift onto what we need to do in the future or even reflect on what happened in the past. By doing so, we can potentially miss so much of the present moment.

On another occasion, I decided to take a five minute break at my favourite coffee bar. Whilst drinking and pondering, a retired gentleman smiled and started up a conversation. I learnt quickly that he had just recovered from a prostate operation and was lucky to be alive. I remarked how good he looked for 68 and he said that ‘I had made his day’. We spoke for only a few minutes but he left shortly afterwards looking quite happy with himself. The moment was priceless, it made my day too!

So why not take ten minutes out of your day today. Let your thoughts and concerns go for a moment and just enjoy what’s around you. Smile at a stranger or even strike up a conversation if you feel comfortable to do so. Take a walk in a local park or somewhere different from your usual surroundings. Pay attention to the smallest detail whether it’s nature or architecture, what do you appreciate most about it, how does it make you feel.

Feel like you are living in the moment, it won’t cost you a single penny and you never know it might bring a whole new perspective to your day.

To plan or not to plan..... that is the question!

What will your life look like in 5 years time?

I went to a fascinating talk the other week given by a fellow life coach.

During the evening, the group was asked to think back to how our lives were 5 years ago. We had to visualise ourselves at that specific time, what we were doing, where we were living, how we were spending our time, who we were with. Once we had a clear picture we were asked to go even further back to 10 years ago. It took a while but suddenly all the memories came flooding back.

It was fascinating to see how much life had changed over a 10 year period. All those lovely memories and great learnings along the way.

The very next day, I started feeling thoughtful and excited about the future. If life had turned out this good without any master plan what could happen if a plan and some long term goals were put in place.

So imagine what life could be like in 5 years time. Where would you be living? What would you be doing? Who would you be spending your time with? What would you be hearing around you? What experiences would you be having? And so on. Think big, dream as much as you like.

Keeping the picture in mind, decide today what one thing you can do in the coming months that will help you get to where you would like to be.

Anything is possible.

Need some guidance with goal setting, why not give Life Coaching a try. Visit my website www.l1febalance.com for more details!