Chaos, Curiosity and the Calm DURING the Storm

Horror movies have always been a Hollywood staple. Sometimes, the film maker intends to truly shock and horrify us, like in Silence of the Lambs.* Sometimes, the picture is a campy takeoff of a horror film, such as Sharknado.** And then there are films that were purportedly serious, but wind up unintentionally humorous. Plan 9 from Outer Space, anyone? ***

Chaos can seem like a horror flick. Or, it can be exciting times that create turmoil. In either case, as you tally the numbers from a stress assessment scale, or simply feel your anxiety build, you need planning and preparation for the day when chaos visits you, your family, your business or your home.  You need to lower the stress and anxiety level. Here are three ideas:

[Read more…]

Can Do . . . But Won’t

(c) 2020 Ann Babiarz & Associates LLC

Are you a “yes” person?  If so,  I bet you take pride in pleasing those around you.  Great job!  Kudos to you for the daily sacrifices you make in order to make sure that everyone is happy.   Everyone ELSE that is.  

So why do you do it?  Why put everyone else first and yourself last?   For some, saying yes is a habit; for others, it is almost an addiction that makes them feel that they need to be needed and as though they are contributing to someone else’s life.  What gives?  

[Read more…]

(whispered) and the password is . .

[Guest post by Michael A. Babiarz — copyright 2016]

I’m old enough to remember the original incarnation of the game show Password. Airing from the early to late 1960s, it featured a voiceover announcer who told the TV viewers, in hushed tones, the answer to a particular puzzle that the contestant and his or her celebrity partner attempted to solve. On those few occasions when I was violently ill enough for my mother to allow me to miss school, I chose daytime game shows over soap operas for my TV viewing, as I nestled under a blanket on the living room sofa. Perhaps this is why I have mixed feelings whenever I see a television quiz show today. It brings back memories of being sick. I can’t enjoy lemon-lime soda either; Mom thought flat versions of this drink settled a grade schooler’s grumpy tummy. [Read more…]

A three-step approach to a one minute break.

You know the benefits of meditation. Unless youʼve lived under a rock for the past 20 years or so, youʼve seen the stories. Science now agrees with what the ancient mystics have known for centuries. Meditation has mental and physical health benefits.

You should set aside adequate time to meditate daily. But did you know that meditation “mini-breaks” during your day can also help relieve stress and anxiety? [Read more…]

You have one minute to relax! :-)

In today’s mega-stress society, it’s difficult to take a 30 minute break during your workday to meditate, take a walk in nature, or engage in other meaningful activities that experts tell us are de-stressors. Here’s a suggestion you can do multiple times throughout your day. [Read more…]

How fella got his groove back. . .

Everyone from mainstream scientists to sports psychologists to metaphysicians recognize the power of positive thinking. But sometimes that’s not an easy thing to do. How do you get your groove back as your trundling through your own dark night of the soul? [Read more…]

Are you burned out? (part 2 of 2)

Last time,(January 20th) we looked at the first three signs of burnout; here are four more: [Read more…]

Are you burned out? (part 1 of 2)

You fall violently ill one day and there are two physicians who are available to treat you. To your right is Dr. Black, who has no experience whatsoever in the disease that ails you. To your left is Dr. White, who is expert on the diagnosis and treatment of your disease, but really doesn’t care about patients, medicine or healing the sick at all. You are really stuck like Buridan’s ass, aren’t you? [Read more…]

When is the right occasion for meditation?

“Learn to be silent. Let your quiet mind listen and absorb.” Pythagoras (570-495 B.C.E.)

For many of us, the busyness of Christmas and New Year’s Day is broken by a week or so of  slower paced days that exist between these holidays. Is there a way to take these quiet times and go deeper into the silence? Here is an excerpt from the recent book “Your Life, Live it Well: Spirituality” that may point you in one direction: [Read more…]

How to negate a negative mood

Woke up this morning feeling like a nattering nabob of negativity? Here are 10 ideas to turn that frown upside down:

  • Take significant action on one of your top goals.  Just start!
  • Write down 10 things or more for which you are grateful.
  • Get moving!  Exercise is a great mood-lifter!
  • Listen to some awesome tunes!  Bring some beautiful music into your life.
  • Go to the library and take out one of the following DVDs and watch it: Arthur, Animal House, Tommy Boy, or Office Space.
  • Make love to your significant other.
  • Pet your dog/cat.
  • Meditate
  • Take a long relaxing bath with a rubber ducky.
  • Telephone a positive friend with whom you haven’t spoken in a while.

Overall, if you find yourself slipping into a negative mindset frequently, you may want to incorporate the following tips.  Being a negative nabob does not work well for anyone, especially an entrepreneur:

  • Do not entertain negative thoughts, negative people, or negativity in general!  Be as careful whom and what you allow into your mind as your are with whom and what you allow into your home.
  • If you won’t say it to others; don’t think it yourself.

 

Next Page »