Harness Your Power: Revamp your morning and evening routines!

This week I will keep it simple and practical.  In working with my life coaching clients I have noticed that many have formed morning and evening routines that often aren't supportive of well-being.

When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing that you do?  Do you turn on the TV, radio or computer?  Do you open the newspaper or Internet news and start getting "caught up"?  What do you think about first thing? 

Most of us get the day started by filling our mind with fearful, negative media content.  Or, we start the day worried about what is ahead of us.  Then, by the time we get in the car on our way to work, we already feel drained or even depressed.

There are other great morning routines you could design for yourself.  I'd recommend adding a few minutes of gratitude and deep breathing even before you get out of bed.  In the shower and as you get dressed, be mindful of the amazing body you have.  Experience the water, the smell of the soap, the various beauty products you use.  The morning routine is full of sensation and you could actually enjoy every moment of it if you were more aware.

Now, review your evening routine.  Do you fall asleep every night with the TV and the lights on?  Do you watch endless hours of reality TV or political news?  Just notice what you do without judgment.  See if there might be a happier, more peaceful way to close the day.  Could you make a list of your blessings?  Maybe a great book would relax your mind and open your heart.  Some soft classical music might soothe your spirit.  There are so many new possibilities to consider as you make the end of your day something that opens the door to restful sleep.

You have power to create positive, supportive daily routines.
How might you change yours up?

Keep in mind how short life is.  Just today I was talking to a friend.  Her co-worker was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  There were no warning signs.  And, he may not have long to live.  Enjoy today.  Cherish your time with family and friends.  Value the health you have. 

With great love for you,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Do Something New!

This week has been filled with fun experiences.  Today, for example, I went sledding with my girls.  The weather was perfect for it.  With 12 inches of snow on the ground and a cold (but not freezing) temperature, we visited Valley Forge National Park for an hour of sliding down the slope. 

Yes, I admit it, I LOVED every minute.  I felt like a little girl.  I wiped out in the snow.  I felt the rush as the sled sped down the hill (somewhat out of control).

Saturday night as the snow was just beginning to fall, my husband and I went to an amazing concert at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia.  The artist, Nneka, is a 1/2 German and 1/2 Nigerian woman.  She grew up in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.  This woman's music is REAL.

Nneka opened the concert saying, "I'm not here to entertain you.  I'm here to show you love.  Take it or leave it."  Her message is radical -- that we must learn to love not hate, that we must not overlook the obvious issues around the World.  We must wake up and do something about it.  (Check her videos out on YouTube...you'll get a feel for Nigeria if you watch the scenes...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXMTtOS-oKg  ).

I felt so alive after the concert. I was moved in my soul.  What a fantastic experience to re-fire my spirit and move me to do more with my talents and my love.

I share all this to say, DO SOMETHING NEW!  Get active and out of the routine.  It's just so easy to get comfortable in a daily existence and forget that there is new music to be heard, physical activity to be enjoyed and interesting people to meet. 

If life feels boring, shake up your energy and step out of your comfort zone.

Drive a new route to work.
Talk to people at the office you typically avoid and do so with an open mind.
Choose a new radio station to listen to.
Eat a type of food that would wake up your senses!
Those of you in PA, just fall on the ground in your neighborhood and make a snow angel.

We are here to L-I-V-E ON P-U-R-P-O-S-E. 

I visited my 85 year old grandmother for an hour this week.  There she sits in her chair all day long.  She is content to listen to books on tape.  She has lived her life.  We took time telling stories of the days when she chased us as little grandkids.  Then, when I was in college she would bake me and my Princeton bball teammates plenty of brownies, rice krispy treats and cupcakes (with hershey kisses hidden in the middle).  What a wonderful way she chose to share her love with so many people.

As I left her I realized again that NOW is my moment to live.  There is no reason to postpone happiness or enjoyment anymore. 

Loving life (yes, even these big challenges),
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/