By Mary Lyn Miller
No, it may not be the words you’re thinking. But my re-discovery of 3 very common 4-letter words come from a very recent experience with hip replacement surgery and how it always changes my perspective. (See video – it’s the reason you haven’t heard from me recently.)
The first 4-letter word is STOP. We rarely stop – I am that person who is always moving. For a long time, I thought that “movement” – especially fast movement – made me feel exciting and dynamic. But, I think it mostly made me tired and distracted. Having to get a new hip has slowed me down in the best way – enjoying my life more with no lack of vitality. In fact it’s increased it!
The second one is REST. No one has time to rest, right?! When I ask clients what they do to rest, they look at me like a deer caught in headlights, desperately searching for the elusive answer. After all, we’ve been taught that if you don’t focus on accomplishment every freakin’ minute, you might miss something! And, there’s ALWAYS something to DO! Making calls, social media, marketing, answering e-mail, family issues, and worrying about – well, almost everything else. We don’t rest unless we value it and make time for it.
(But, did you know there are practices that focus exclusively on rest because it calms your nervous system?) My dear friend, Helen Hodgson teaches classes here in Hermosa Beach, and she introduced me to Yoga Nidra. (Not to be confused with yoga.) Life-changing. (The practice is available on You Tube too!). Check it out.
My third 4-letter word is LOVE. Are you loving your life? Not just what you’re doing, but your schedule, your rhythm, the people around you, and the way you spend your time? Do you experience a variety of activities, not just working? Is your life filled with zest? It’s not that easy these days, I know.
The traumas I have experienced over the years have ALWAYS led me to an awareness that less is more. When I “stop,” “relax,” and focus on living a life I love, everything just works! My health is more robust, I’m better for my clients and I’m a far more attractive magnet for money. But how do we do that?
Let me know if you experience any of these challenges and if you’d like an invitation to a free workshop addressing overcoming these stresses and thriving because I’ve found some things that work – no hip replacement required!!
Let’s get fired up!
