Hi there.
I had a lot of my views about life reinforced this month as I wasted a week of my life in bed with a cold that had me in its grips. I feel like such a sook succumbing to just a cold when so many people’s health is seriously and permanently diminished but nonetheless a week in bed was an eye-opener.
It takes me a while to slow down properly so I fought the cold and attempted to soldier on until my body gave me my marching orders to bed when I could not stay awake for an hour at a time.
I was frustrated by not being able to do my mum things, my work and the other things that make up my week. But what surprised me was that I most wanted to do the things I don’t usually make time for. Like actually using my gym membership, visiting the make-up shop to replace battered favourite items and spending the day in the kitchen making things that take all day.
I was in bed missing out on a week in a life I don’t have. And if I spend the other 51 weeks of my year living my life in a way somehow less than I would like, I will miss a whole year of the life I could have.
Perhaps it wasn’t a wasted week all together?
How was your August? Did you make time for ‘palm trees and margaritas’* however you define them?
I love to hear (and publish) your stories of how you are living your life. Please get in touch and share yours.
Karen Morath
karen@mpowercct.com
www.palmtreesandmargaritas.com
August 2008
* Life can’t be all palm trees and margaritas, but there are worse game plans.
The book Palm Trees and Margaritas - Finding Your Oasis in a Busy World is out now, go to www.palmtreesandmargaritas.com to buy your copy.
TIPS
1. Go on, I dare you.
2. If something’s not working – an appliance, a mindset or a relationship – make it a priority to do what you can to fix it.
3. "Do something you enjoy doing, have fun doing it and try not to be too miserable." - Bam Margera
4. Check out these websites/blogs for an inspiring hit. www.zenhabits.net www.productivitycafe.com
To enjoy list
Here are some things readers and I have recommended for others ‘to enjoy’.
1. Last year’s hit TV show, Californication, is available for sale on DVD this month. Truly special writing.
2. OK, this one is just a plug for my new book ‘PRide and PRejudice. Conversations with Australia’s Public Relations legends.’ Not everyone will be interested in this niche book, but if you are or know of anyone in the field, there is an advance copy price of $40 (including postage) which is available this month until launch time. Click here to buy or for more information. Send me an email if you’d like me to sign it.
STORIES
1. The kind ex-boss
I was grumbling the other day about stuff I should have just shaken off. I know I have the tools to deal with things better than I was. But my kind ex-boss indulged me with a supportive email or two and I felt better. Don’t we all when we’re listened to?
He sent me a quote from a book and said the book was on his desk and he had a quote for every occasion so it was OK to get back to him. Such a generous spirit.
The quote was ideal and really resonated with how I was feeling and truly made me straighten my back and focus on getting out of the pity party I was throwing for myself (one of Zig Ziglar’s expressions – I love it!) and just get on with it.
It turned out I was right about having the tools to deal with things but wrong to not actively use them. I had written the quote myself and, as the kind ex-boss pointed out, it was from page 34 of Palm Trees and Margaritas – my own book!
The quote – ‘Steer clear of people who drain you, annoy you or make you feel less than you are. Your day is your own.’
I couldn’t have written it better myself!
2. The opportunity-seeker
Reader Helen bid on ebay for a holiday and is off to Bali for a week with her daughter for the grand total of $51 plus airfares. Palm trees AND margaritas!
If you are looking for a speaker for an event this year, click here to talk to me about a ‘Palm trees and margaritas’ presentation. I have formats that are ideal for business women’s networks and motivation or work/life balance aspects of conferences or training days. Or let’s discuss tailoring something especially for your needs.
REFLECTIONS
1. James Tomkins has been to six Olympics. Eddie McGuire runs everything. Sarah Jessica Parker owns fashionista land. I am the same age as all of them. 43. They make me wonder what I’ve been doing my whole life. Do you find year for year comparisons like that as confronting as I do? Or meaningless?
2. Do you marvel at the confidence some people have to be themselves?
3. Why is there never any water in the kettle?