Where did February go?

It seems like time passes faster and faster, the more I have on my plate. But I look at it as a good thing because my plate could be empty.

I'm currently doing research for a new novel--a creation from the mind of my husband. He has a fantastic imagination, of which I'm jealous. He often tells me I have no imagination, although I know it's not true. He just sees more in life than I do.

I thought about why that might be, and came to the realization that he takes time to notice things a little more deeply. He let's his mind wander in the wonder, while I skim past and don't put much thought into the event. He does the writerly thing and asks "what if", even though he isn't a writer.

I need to remember that slowing down and asking "what if" will put me in a new dimension of ideas. It might increase the heap on my plate, but it may also make my plate larger and able to accommodate more.

It's worth a try!

My husband has a great imagination, something I am jealous of. I see a snow-capped mountain and he sees adventure. I see a field of yellow flowers while he sees romance. Some days I'm convinced I had the childlike curiosity sucked out of me when I nurtured my analytical brain, leaving the creative side of me behind.

Now that I'm writing more, I'm starting to see little changes in my thoughts. I am taking the time to notice the world around me. I'm playing the "what if?" game a lot more. And this process is enlarging my vision.

My husband recently came up with an idea for a book, and it is intriguing. While we were driving, I asked him questions about his idea and took notes. In response to some of my questions, he told me to think up what would happen, and I got annoyed. But after I took a step back, the outline started to take shape. I'm on my way to writing another novel, and still hoping to publish the one I've been sending out, as well as the manuscripts I am polishing.

I feel like I'm moving in the right direction in terms of my creative journey. And I'm looking forward to all the possibilities it has!

Do you ever have the feeling of overwhelm?

There are days that I find myself in that position, and it paralyzes me, which adds to the overwhelm. I look at my to-do list and my throat starts constricting and my heart starts racing. The list is so long, I know it can't possibly get done and then I feel like a failure.

This vicious cycle leads nowhere. It surely doesn't help me get anything done.

I've been trying a few different ways to get myself back in control, and surprisingly, they work. So I thought I'd share my insights in hopes that it can help you as well.

The first thing I have done is broken my to-do list into smaller steps. Manageable steps. It makes my list much longer, but the joy of seeing items crossed off is worth it.

Next, I prioritize the tasks. I love being able to mix it up and work on a lot of projects in one day.

Then I estimate the amount of time it will take to do each task. This is where I struggle the most because I still think I'm Super Woman and can get things done faster than I actually can. I'm learning to cushion the time well because when I don't, it adds to my overwhelm.

Last, I use a timer. I set it for the amount of time I allotted to the task, and get to work. I can make a game out of it, Beat The Clock, Race To The Deadline. But that timer really keeps me on task and keeps me motivated.

It's not a perfect system because it doesn't account for the interruptions and the unforeseen problems, but it is helping me keep my sanity.

My husband and dogs appreciate that.

We are already into February--2010 is off to a running start!

I have been thinking about ways to make 2010 prosperous, and I realize that continuous learning is the key. So often we get stuck in a rut, doing the same things over and over again, instead of stretching ourselves beyond our self-made boundaries.

Sure, learning new things can be painful. Mistakes will be made. Convincing others to give you a chance is difficult. And learning takes precious time that we sometimes feel we don't have.

Building confidence in ourselves is another stumbling block. Somewhere along the line, we learned it is bad to fail. These kinds of limiting thoughts will never push us forward, but keep us in our daily grind.

So I am looking at 2010 through the eyes of a learner. I am going to pursue new avenues and new ideas and will embrace them. It can't hurt me to know more--what will hurt me is not trying.

Here is the last bit of advice for 2010. It's about Life...

1. Do the right thing!
2. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
3. GOD heals everything.
4. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
5. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
6. The best is yet to come.
7. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
8. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

I especially love number 6! Life has presented some challenges over the past year, but I'm feeling more and more hopeful every day that the tough times are coming to an end. That's not to say there won't be new hurdles to cross, but they'll be different and keep me on my toes!

Looking forward to the rest of a great year...

This week's advice for 2010 is about society:

1. Call your family often.
2. Each day give something good to others.
3. Forgive everyone for everything.
4. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
5. Try to make at least 3 people smile each day.
6. What other people think of you is none of your business.
7. Your job won't take care of you when you're sick--your friends will. Stay in touch.

Again they are so simple, but we get so wrapped up in our own selves that we neglect others, hold grudges, and forget how joy feels.

Life is meant to be shared, so share it well.

This week's advice for 2010 deals with personality:

Personality:
1. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts over things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
3. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
6. Dream more while you are awake.
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more.
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

There are definitely items on this list that I can take to heart. I realize I waste a lot of time dwelling on the past or being angry or jealous of others. In order to move forward, I need to keep pushing myself forward. Only I can make my dreams come true!