When my children used to wake up in the night with bad dreams, I would get them back to sleep by telling them to simply change the dream channel in their minds. I’d suggest that they picture something they think is wonderful or fun. Then I’d ask them to pretend that they are watching a scene with this thought in mind just as if they were viewing their favorite TV show. And, before you know it, they would peacefully fall back to sleep.
What channels do you watch in your mind before you go to sleep? Are you still seeing the action-packed, violent movie you just turned off? Do you turn off the light still feeling depressed from watching the nightly news? Perhaps you fall asleep reading a romance novel and dream of your loved one or you just finished a motivational magazine and wake up rested and re-energized.
On those nights that you find difficulty falling asleep or awaken in a sweat caused by your own dream monsters, do what my kids did – change your dream channel. Vividly picture changing the channel in your mind until you are tuned into a “good” movie. Find a story that makes you happy, brighten the picture, turn up the sound and let your personal dream channel send you off sleeping soundly.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Is the glass ceiling just a mirror?
In the past few months I have attended several “women only” events. And, whether it was a luncheon, business gathering, or mother/daughter celebration, there was one common theme: Women talking about other women.
Over the same period of time, I have also been involved in all male meetings. Most were business get-togethers and a few were just hanging around my husband’s friends. Again, one common theme: Men talking about other men.
Common theme – yet, very different.
I rarely heard a word of praise for one another among the women. Their conversations focused more about poor taste in clothing, hair and makeup. The world of business rarely came up although the majority held jobs. There were talks of ex-husbands and mother in-laws from hell, movie stars gone bad and even complaints about their immediate family.
When the guys mentioned someone, they usually were accompanied with the name of a sports team. Discussions went from protesting a bad shot or a missed call to praising a no-hitter or unbelievable catch.
Both groups brought up the past. The ladies talked of scorned lovers and best friends gone bad. The guys reminisced about Cinderella teams, green jacket winners and legend players.
As I reflected on this disparity, it dawned on me. Is there really a glass ceiling? Or, is it simply a reflection of who we are? Although we are making strides in the workplace, most women do not proactively help each other get ahead which comes natural in our male dominated world. Many females have not yet figured out how to get past the pettiness and move toward greatness for one another.
Perhaps it is because boys start their lives off playing on a team…from t-ball, to little league – they grow up learning to count on one another to make a basket and score a touchdown. They kick one another’s rear ends in the locker room but give a high five on the field. A good number of women didn’t experience that type of camaraderie when they were little and I think that might be why they find the team concept foreign.
If you are a woman reading this, I encourage you to find just one other female to mentor, inspire and persuade to reach for more in her life. Find ways to help her achieve all that she can be. Help her focus on her potential, lose all bitterness toward others and challenge her to live in her own greatness. Once, you have, find another and another.
If you are a man reading this, please don’t talk about it to another woman…it may make her mad.
Over the same period of time, I have also been involved in all male meetings. Most were business get-togethers and a few were just hanging around my husband’s friends. Again, one common theme: Men talking about other men.
Common theme – yet, very different.
I rarely heard a word of praise for one another among the women. Their conversations focused more about poor taste in clothing, hair and makeup. The world of business rarely came up although the majority held jobs. There were talks of ex-husbands and mother in-laws from hell, movie stars gone bad and even complaints about their immediate family.
When the guys mentioned someone, they usually were accompanied with the name of a sports team. Discussions went from protesting a bad shot or a missed call to praising a no-hitter or unbelievable catch.
Both groups brought up the past. The ladies talked of scorned lovers and best friends gone bad. The guys reminisced about Cinderella teams, green jacket winners and legend players.
As I reflected on this disparity, it dawned on me. Is there really a glass ceiling? Or, is it simply a reflection of who we are? Although we are making strides in the workplace, most women do not proactively help each other get ahead which comes natural in our male dominated world. Many females have not yet figured out how to get past the pettiness and move toward greatness for one another.
Perhaps it is because boys start their lives off playing on a team…from t-ball, to little league – they grow up learning to count on one another to make a basket and score a touchdown. They kick one another’s rear ends in the locker room but give a high five on the field. A good number of women didn’t experience that type of camaraderie when they were little and I think that might be why they find the team concept foreign.
If you are a woman reading this, I encourage you to find just one other female to mentor, inspire and persuade to reach for more in her life. Find ways to help her achieve all that she can be. Help her focus on her potential, lose all bitterness toward others and challenge her to live in her own greatness. Once, you have, find another and another.
If you are a man reading this, please don’t talk about it to another woman…it may make her mad.
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Past is Passed
I am sure there are physiological reasons the eyes of a human are placed in front of their head.
Many animals have the same physical set up as we do; and then again, just as many don’t. Nature most likely had a grand plan and made the decision based on hunting purposes or protection from predators.
When it came to us, I think nature came through with a completely different reason.
I think it is because people should always be looking forward in their life and not back in time. We need to direct our attention to the greatness that is about to happen versus focus on any history of negativity.
Which is why I believe “The Past is Passed”.
Yesterday is gone. The times of old can be reflected on, but not dwelled upon. I am certain a higher power specifically placed them in the front and up high on your head to strategically steer us along the path of possibilities.
If you consider the real Game of Life, a second turn is achievable. Forfeiting a turn is sometimes inevitable. Winning and losing alternate as life goes on. You can change course, make a move that draws surprise and even wipe your opponent out.
But, one thing that is absolutely impossible in this Life Game, is going back spaces. You never roll the dice in life and find yourself going back in time. Changing history is not an option. Therefore, those eyes facing forward are your internal compass to let go of the memories that no longer serve you.
Of course you should reminisce of the good old days, keeping the thoughts of lost loved ones and great experiences dear to your heart. But, once you have reflected on these ancient times, direct your attention to the future. Maintain an optimistic outlook.
Move on knowing The Past is Passed.
Many animals have the same physical set up as we do; and then again, just as many don’t. Nature most likely had a grand plan and made the decision based on hunting purposes or protection from predators.
When it came to us, I think nature came through with a completely different reason.
I think it is because people should always be looking forward in their life and not back in time. We need to direct our attention to the greatness that is about to happen versus focus on any history of negativity.
Which is why I believe “The Past is Passed”.
Yesterday is gone. The times of old can be reflected on, but not dwelled upon. I am certain a higher power specifically placed them in the front and up high on your head to strategically steer us along the path of possibilities.
If you consider the real Game of Life, a second turn is achievable. Forfeiting a turn is sometimes inevitable. Winning and losing alternate as life goes on. You can change course, make a move that draws surprise and even wipe your opponent out.
But, one thing that is absolutely impossible in this Life Game, is going back spaces. You never roll the dice in life and find yourself going back in time. Changing history is not an option. Therefore, those eyes facing forward are your internal compass to let go of the memories that no longer serve you.
Of course you should reminisce of the good old days, keeping the thoughts of lost loved ones and great experiences dear to your heart. But, once you have reflected on these ancient times, direct your attention to the future. Maintain an optimistic outlook.
Move on knowing The Past is Passed.
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