Time to Mourn

 

A time to mourn? Celebrations cancelled, vacations cut short, illness, financial rockiness, loss of freedom to do, rejection... It's time to hold ourselves with loving arms, and honor the truth of what we've lost. It's ok to not be ok. 

My relationship with grief has been rocky. Without invitation she followed me, casting a shadow on everything... until I sat with her. Hand in hand she showed me why my heart was aching, and with every breath I softened into the comfort of her arms. 

The tears cleansed my being while she opened my eyes to my contentment with what truly is. Each journey I take with her, often times pen to paper, brings me to a richer experience of joy.

One breath at a time... Mourning the loss of what I thought I would experience, grief became the unsung hero to joy. Joy.. A deep feeling of contentment with what is. 

In Harmony

Time to recalibrate?

Start with a nourishing breath ...

11 years ago I committed to radical self care that included all sorts of activities... Many of which were not mainstream (at the time). My pursuit of wellness came at the cost of lost "friends" & conflict with family...

I don't regret a single choice.

No longer held down by chronic pain & illness... Now I'm empowering others.

Today, I find myself able to handle enormous hardship without losing myself or my mind.

 

My vow to honor my needs no matter the time or place has led me to seize minutes (or breaths) whenever I can to reset to my intention of conscious, harmonious engagement with the electricity of life .

 

I understand time is scarce, as responsibilities and commitments are waying heavy...

Will you make a lil for yourself...

to be fueled [another breath]

so that you continue to love on your people

& honor your heart's commitments without losing yourself?

United by Breath,

Lynn Marie 

PS Only 3 spots left in my Holistic Yoga Retreat this Sunday ... Don't miss this day where I take care of you.

More than a Warrior

Yoga reconnects me to my strength… in body & mind. When I step off the mat (or log 😉) I am more confident in how I share and engage with others. And because my yoga practice was an exercise of self-validation I don't need others to fill the holes within me. Their support becomes a gift not a requirement.

Our on the mat practice is what we make it to be. My approach in practice and teaching Holistic Yoga is to integrate and create balance in mind, body, and breath. When we balance all three we feel good, and are better for our community.

Issue in one area and another will suffer. Too much in your head and your body may feel disconnected and weak. Too focused on building physical strength may lead to buried emotions, anxiety, digestive distress, and dis-ease.

Holistic Yoga = Whole Being Wellness

I invite you to join me in a practice that clears the path for living well and being of good service to our communities. Check out my latest newsletter for ideas to practice at home and with me. Time on the mat is an investment that provides a quick return off the mat for you and those around you.

Lynn Marie Nelson

Check Out Books+Yoga Event Details

Yoga Adapts to You

A few years ago, I had two surgeries on my dominate hand, and found myself exploring yoga in a whole new way.

Off the mat, I was challenged to slow down and mindfully approach my activities. I was thankful for my breath practice as it helped me stay patient with myself.

On the mat, I was able to embrace a full spectrum practice while still honoring my needs and recommendations from my surgeon.

Yoga isn't one-size-fits-all. It can AND should be adapted to suit your body and current needs. Size, strength, injury, illness, and flexibility are factors we embrace in our holistic practice.

Just because one part of you needs adaptations doesn't mean the rest of your body must wait. As well as giving options in class, I'm happy to talk with you after class about how to adapt poses for your unique needs.

You deserve a life giving practice that supports your healing and honors your needs.

Shine Through

Lynn Marie Nelson

Psst.... I've extended early bird pricing for my Books & Yoga to Monday. Our selected author's beautiful words are below.

Check out this Mini Retreat

Life Worth Breathing

The words took my breath away. Life carries on, but the sting finds me in every quiet moment. The stillness seemed to electrify my pain.

Breathe. I heard my heart say.

At first I ignored... but my heart persisted. Breathe.

I continued on. It whispered again. Breathe. Don't run. Don't busy yourself. Just breathe.

I sat... I cried... I breathed. Repairing my wounds with each nourishing breath. Time and time again.

Bruised by life's Beauty... healed with breath. HOW we walk life's path makes the difference between contentment with what is or shrinking with bitterness. Happily human or angry victim of life... our choice.

Together we practice. My latest newsletter has a few ideas for us to connect as well as recipes for an herbal hot toddy and refreshing essential oil blend. Community amplifies our connection to the electricity of life deepening grace's gifts in our journey.

Let's Breathe Together

Lynn Marie Nelson

Check out this Mini Retreat

Did You Hear?

I was surprised by the sadness I experienced after an acquaintance passed away. With only a few encounters, her friendship left a lasting impression by the kind words she extended.

Brief but supportive interactions = heart moved and touched by grace. This reflection fuels my commitment to share and inspire you to champion yourself and others as I challenge myself to do the same.

I LOVE that we practice yoga together honoring our unique needs without the pressure to push or conform... We are beautifully different and so is our practice. My latest newsletter has a few ideas for you to connect to your innate goodness.

With gratitude and love, I hope you find many reasons to share good words today. Don't forget to hear the ones you receive. And if you need a few good words... let me know.

Lynn Marie Nelson

The Brass Pitcher

"What's this for?" my three-old niece asks while holding up a tiny brass pitcher. On my entry table nestled by our coin jug and a picture of a stream running through the Maquoketa caves, it's a reminder of the abundant flow of love, energy, support and money. How am I to explain that to my eager to know 3 & 5 year old nieces?

Turns out the brass pitcher holds fairy dust. When we leave my home, we sprinkle fairy dust on our bodies with the intention to fill ourselves with love so that we are ready to share our love, smiles and thanks yous with everyone we meet. For two years, we've shared this ritual and although the words change, the intention is the same… We fill ourselves so that we are ready to give to others. [tweet this]

Iowa Cub puts on a fabulous display of fireworks that we enjoy from our deck and living room. After a wonderful afternoon of playing and firework show, we sprinkled the fairy dust all over us, and agreed to share our smiles like pretty fireworks to all we meet. Now 5 years old, Madison says, "There's always more than enough."

After hearing no too many times to count… no more ice cream… no more time on the drum… no more coloring… no more picking on your brother… no, no, no… she still had the mindset of abundance. "There's always more than enough."

Was she talking about smiles, love, thank yous, or joy? I don't know. Whatever it was, she was exactly right.

The next day I bathed in her words when the noise in my head wanted me to believe I wasn't appreciated or loved enough. Her words, our ritual, reminded me... There's always more than enough. [tweet this]

I’m convinced the tiny ones know life's secrets. We just have to listen. No… not now… you can't do that… that's not right. Ugh… it's not just little kids that hear these words. They come at us from our boss, colleagues, significant other, and friends. Even worse these messages hit from all sides not just from the people in front of us. Our media feeds, articles, inner dialogue and email gather a plethora messages that can leave us feeling less than, not good enough, and rejected.

It's my hope that our holistic practices together… yoga, conscious breathing, meditation, hikes, discussions, healthy eating, Reiki, sound baths… fill us so that we may be of good service to our community. [tweet this]

May we know when and how to refresh our vessel. 

May we give from our always overflowing pitcher of love.

Lynn Marie Nelson

Yoga Off the Mat

No need to roll out your mat to loosen tension and get your zen on. This week we'll use our environment to explore tools and techniques to bring yoga's benefits into our everyday activities. You are welcome and will be given choices to personalize yoga to your body.

• 5:30pm   June 22 Yoga Around Downtown @ Shattering Silence 
• 11:00am June 23 Yoga Walk @ Downtown Trail by Principal Park

Did you notice? My announcement pictures are of the amazing views we have at our outdoor classes. Friday and next Thursday night's Yoga Walk features the beautiful bridge and river shown below.

May the light of day inspire you to share your light with others AND yourself.

One to Feel Better

I get it… time is hard to come by and when those sweet five minutes of freedom arrive you're left with your phone or tv and the scrolling begins. Is there a better choice that would leave you feeling refreshed and more present?

By making that better choice you are likely replacing a bad one. So pick ONE thing you want to do for yourself tomorrow. Just one. Then do it. Look ahead and schedule one thing into your week that will help you feel better.

PREVENTION happens one little choice at a time. We take care of ourselves now to prevent hardship later. [tweet this] My latest newsletter has a few ideas for you to try. Wellness is not one size fits all; so buzz me if you want to feel good more often. I'm here to help you.

Alive Not Just Living

Go to that moment where you felt alive. Maybe it comes after a run, great conversation, sex, workout or meditation. Mentally take yourself to that experience. Feel the energy of life pulsating through your body. That electric sensation courses through your body, makes you feel alive, and fully in body.

Can you still feel it now after the activity has long past? It's inevitable that burst of energy into our system eventually slows. To be alive and not just living is to ride that electric pulse as it calms to a purr. I love exploring mindfulness and presence, but their path to trendiness has dulled their buzz. So when I read Mark Nepo's words, "When one with what we see, hear, and feel, we enter the secret kingdom of aliveness that is only secret when we remain separate," I was sparked.*

As I play with the ideas of presence, mindfulness, and aliveness, I've come to believe that they're all on the same team but have slightly different responsibilities. To be alive is to be intimately connected to the electricity of life, fully in the moment, and thoughtfully engaged. [tweet this] We are alive when we embrace our experience in all its glory without stifling the energetic purr. Caving into the temptation to numb a bad feeling cuts off our energetic connection to life and the good feelings too. We don't know happiness without sadness or excitement without boredom.

What amplifies the pulse of life within can ignite our drive to stay connected. It is how we respond to life after that that makes the difference in feeling alive and not just living through the tasks of life. I practice and teach others to dive into sensation of mind, body, and breath and respond with compassion. We train our awareness on the mat/cushion/trail/etc. so that when we step off we're intimately connected to the buzz of life within and empowered to make better choices. In practice and when we take the techniques into our day, we are alive and enjoying the Beauty of life.

As we encounter the ups and downs, may we maintain our connection to the electricity of life and thoughtfully engage with compassion. [tweet this]

Lynn Marie Nelson

*From The One Life We're Given by Mark Nepo. 

Sweet Treat

The most life giving natural resource lives within you and the reservoir never runs dry. Cultivated by the many sweet treats of life. Breath, tears, hugs, and intentions to name a few. The resource… your inner well of love.

Sharing a compliment, high five, or smile reminds our neighbor that LOVING KINDNESS is real and their well is already full. Think about it.. gratitude creates abundance. The more we recognize our gifts or see goodness in others, the more blessed we feel.

As you sweetly treat another, create balance by filling your bucket from your well of love. Giving and receiving are just like inhaling and exhaling; both are identically important.

Waves of Love to You

Lynn Marie Nelson

Community Light: Let's Illuminate Another's Day

You make a difference to all you meet even if the encounter is brief. Our collective efforts unite to shine a brighter light into our world. [Tweet This] This week has reminded me of that and the importance of community.

A couple new students shared their gratitude for creating a non-intimidating environment to explore movement in their body. My classes tend to be filled with young, old, men, women, all sizes, tight and flexible bodies. ALL of which are able to practice with each other AND make it appropriate for their bodies. (The affirmations from students that this is occurring is deeply appreciated.) I may lead, but this class atmosphere is truly created by the community of students that gather.

My inspiration fueled by this moment caught on camera from my sold out retreat Sunday. We went around the candlelit circle and shared how we were nourished by the day's activities and how we saw light in each other. The good words flowed across ages and friendships. The day led to new relationships and a renewed commitment to being good to self and others.

All of this builds my excitement to be facilitating another Books & Yoga series. I will have 8 people meet in my home this Sunday to kick it off with a lil mingling and snacking. [You know how important food is to me ] These individuals are looking forward to being in conversations with others about being our best selves and meeting life's challenges with grace. [I have two spots open. If you'd like to join this mini retreat I'd love to have you. More info here: www.illuminateyoga.com/booksnyoga ]

To my final thought... people do experience a low in the winter. The cold and reduced sunshine don't help, but COMMUNITY does. We've seen the videos and posts on social media that a smile, good words, a random act of kindness and a listening ear help our neighbors. Let's be the light and illuminate another's day. [Tweet This]

May we find ways to build our communities, to take care of each other, and encourage the gifts we have to be cultivated and shared.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

Befriend the Monsters of Self Doubt

Have you heard them? They creep in when you least expect it and take residence in your head. At first they whisper, telling you that other people are smarter and more accomplished than you. They grow louder as you look at social media reminding you that you're not unique. They like to tell you stories about how everyone has it figured out and your life is a mess.

You can't see them, but you can feel their presence. They feast on fear and insecurity. They influence your mind and lead you to believe the people around you are your competition. They convince you that the only way to survive is to flee (give up) or fight (defend or put-down). These are the Monsters of Self-Doubt.

A couple of nights ago, I caught a couple. They found a guest room within me. I was feeding them with screen-fulls of posts, videos, pictures… and they were loving life. I, however, was exhausted from their visit.

It dawned on me that I let them in and catered to their every beck and call. I chose what was in my feed and inbox. I chose the frequency I viewed updates and I chose how I processed the information I saw and heard. So I decided that's it. THAT'S IT. The monsters had to go. I told them their stay was over. Their room is being demolished and I'm renovating from the inside out.

My first notice of eviction was to starve those SOBs. Groom my feed to be more enjoyable, inspirational and less self-defeating. Create a list of those to check in on, but not follow consistently. Then adjust my behavior to use my downtime for more productive, relaxing or life giving activities such as deep breathing, reading, gentle movements… you get the idea.

I knew that starving them wouldn't be enough. Tending to the needs of my mind, body and spirit creates an undesirable home for those pesky monsters. With attention to what grounds me and asserts my innate goodness, I have found a little goes a long way. An intentional morning ritual creates a mindset that is supportive of me and my interaction with the world. The activities and length of time may vary, but the attention to balancing my whole being is consistent.

I’m convinced these monsters don't have control. Our strength lies in our whole being self-care practices. [Tweet This] By incorporating conscious attention to the present moment, without judgement or attachment, we catch them before they drive our actions, narratives, and relationships. Befriending the Monsters of Self-Doubt leads us to empathy, compassion, and forgiveness. [Tweet This]

What feeds your Monsters of Self-Doubt?
Do you need to make some changes to starve them?
What do you do to balance your being?
Having played with your own monsters of self-doubt, how can you express compassion for others?

Here's an intention to support... I am balanced in mind, body, and spirit.

Magical Quality of Belief

Times of transition… weekends, new job, new year, new moon, new day… are great catalysts for reflection and sparks ideas for intentional living. As popular media floods my feed with the demand to review my goals and set resolutions, I find myself looking through the window to my beliefs instead.

My wood carving of the word BELIEVE comes out with each holiday season. There's a sweetness to the word BELIEVE and a sort of innocence to the idea. As kids we believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and other mystical creatures. Does the magical quality of belief get lost as we age?

As adults believing seems to be attributed mostly to religion and spirituality, but there's more to it. Beliefs form our mindset… the foundation of thoughts and our inclination in how we interpret and interact with our world. To believe is to trust in more than meets the eye. It's an unconditional faith that when tested overcomes the challenge of doubt and pebbles of evidence to the contrary.

With a cup of tea and the rising sun, I pondered my beliefs and challenged myself to dive into those that hold me back. I believe in…
     -The Power of our Minds
     -Choices
     -My Voice
     -Love, Healing and Forgiveness
     -Humanity
     -Opportunities
     -Reconciliation
     -Pursuing Ideas, Dreams and Adventures
     -Letting Go
     -Our Ability to Change
     -Our Innate Ability to Heal, Love, and Serve
     -Me and You
     -The Beauty of Life's Ups and Downs

Examining my limiting beliefs, I find the thoughts that cloud my vision…
     -I am not enough. I don't do ___ right. I will never be as good as ____. 
     -I am not valued. No one appreciates what I do. 

Do you recognize these in yourself? Are they true? I looked for proof and of course I found material for both sides… *sigh*

Well you know the adage, "You're your own worst critic." So I stepped farther back from the belief and stories, I saw that I was being hard on myself and not allowing the good to be seen.

Here lies the magic in our beliefs as adults. We can change our thoughts to shift our mindset and emotions. We replace limiting beliefs with intentions…

• I am not enough. Becomes I am gifted. I share my charisms regardless of others' actions and inaction. 
• I am not valued. Becomes I am abundantly blessed with life giving relationships. I value and appreciate my being and my doing. 

By practicing these new thoughts, we retrain our brains to support and positively influence our perceptions. This work helps my clients and I find stability in chaotic situations and illuminates paths for change and growth. Intentional Thought Transformation is one step to changing behavior, but a pivotal one for sustainable change to your wellness.

What do you BELIEVE? Is there something holding you back? How will your mindset influence the pursuit of your goals?

Over the years, I have personally used and taught several holistic techniques to transform mindsets. It would be an honor to support you in your journey to Whole Being Wellness.

Peace Begins with Us

Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

Our world's challenges are greatly complimented by the heroism and kindness of our neighbors. We know as individuals we cannot fix the world. Have we figured out that we cannot "fix" those around us?  Peace on Earth begins with me.  Our desire for peace begins with attention to our actions of mind and body. We can only change how we interact with ourselves and our world. Innate peace is nurtured by a steady breath and a well taken care of body via how we move and what we put on and in our bodies. We maintain peace with attention and redirection of our thoughts. The song continues... With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow. Mindful Presence anchors us to the peace within as we're no longer swept back by the past or blown away with the worries of the future. Our yoga and self care activities are a PRACTICE of techniques to help us meet our daily activities feeling comfortable in our skin and empowered to serve. This is how we bring Peace on Earth. I pray that as we enjoy holiday festivities, family, and friends that we not be saddened, angered or distracted by our external needs, but nurtured by the peace and joy within.  May we share words from our hearts and act with love. We are in this together.

All or Nothing?

Is a healthy lifestyle all or nothing? It's neither.  Consider the spectrum of unhealthy to healthy. With each choice, you can evaluate where your current options fall and make the better choice. 

Let go of the notion "it would be better if" and resign the need for a perfect solution  as that will likely bring guilt, shame, and prevent you from seeing the potential of your options.  Instead step back, see what's actually available, and pick the better option . Then move on. Another set of choices is on their way. 

Have you or someone you know said, "It's too expensive to eat healthy." Or "I don't have time for yoga or cooking." Those are comments from the all or nothing mindset . By brainstorming on the challenge, you're sure to find there are options to meet your needs and wellness goals.

If you're ready to explore what a healthy lifestyle is for you, I'm ready to be your Holistic Wellness Guide. This blog is filled with tips as are my social media feeds. I am also available for private sessions and workshops. Did you know a 4 person private wellness session with me is $15 per person and can include Yoga, Healthy Eating, Breath Exercises, Lifestyle Coaching and other services?

It's easy to get lost in the details of what it means to be healthy and how to do it. Good news... you don't have to do it alone. Let me know how I can be of service to you and yours.  Wellness comes one better choice at a time. 

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

One Breath at a Time: Anxiety at its Finest

Today I'm sharing a story from my past… going back a few years to the day before my birthday. Nothing noteworthy happened that week, but that day was about to change everything. After teaching yoga, I came home to a note from my husband. It wasn't an Apology note… wasn't an I Love You note… nope it was an I'm Gone and Not Sure If I'm Coming Back note.

The note was clear, "If you love me, you'll leave me alone." I was shocked and had no idea where this was coming from. On top of that, I wasn't to go looking for answers, which goes against every bone in my being. I'm a communicator and a solution finder. I go after what I want. I persevere. But that day I was to stop dead in my tracks.

Every plan and dream now in question. The what ifs exploding in my mind. My heart raced, yet I felt dead inside. For hours I curled into a ball not believing what I read. Alone… afraid… ashamed… terrified… exhausted… ALONE. It took hours for me to call someone. Hours for me to ask for help. Hours for me to understand I wasn't helpless.

I got a text from him on my birthday… 3 words… "Happy Birthday Lynn." That was it. A few days later, we met. He wanted to work on himself as he didn't feel mentally well. He thought staying with his parents was best. We decided to travel the unknown path ahead as a married couple who no longer lived together. Upholding our vows, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, is when I truly learned what meditation is and the depth of its benefits. [Tweet This]

During the day I had friends and family to lean on; however, the night… oh the night was much different. Quiet darkness invited my mind monsters to play. Even when I caught a few moments of sleep, I'd wake to reposition in bed and my mind would pick up within an instant. Before I knew it I was unable to breathe, the tears soaked my pillow, and my heart ached. He was the primary income provider and I was building my business. Let's just say financial uncertainty added to my insurmountable relationship stress.

The night was too long. The pain and fear were so strong I couldn't take one day at a time. One breath. One breath was all I could do. With all my might I focused on my breath… the one I was attempting to take and boy was it difficult. For days and weeks this was my way to get through the day and night before my mind attacked and my body tightened. One breath at a time. [Tweet This]

As a professional breather and meditation teacher (aka yoga teacher), I knew all sorts of breathing techniques. Yet my mind and body resisted, but I persisted. My intentions supported my breath to help focus my mind and change my negative thought patterns. It took time to believe the words I was telling myself. The path was rocky and I stumbled. Eventually I could take one minute at a time; which slowly (very slowly) turned into one day at a time.

I'm now long past that time in my life, but still find situations ask so much of me that I must take life one breath at a time. Focusing on my breath continues to help me let go of the past and tiring emotions while keeping me from getting lost in the what ifs. The always unknown future. My breath and intention meditation brings me to the present moment. The present is the only place to fully find freedom from emotional, mental and physical suffering. [Tweet This]

I am thankful to have learned how to comfort myself with meditation; however, it wasn't easy or instinctive for me. It took solid moment to moment effort. I know that my practice on the mat is what prepared me to endure and eventually thrive through this time of my life. Breath meditation and intentions are tools to free us from the shackles of suffering. [Tweet This] We have them available to us no matter when we need them or where we are. We practice so that we can more easily use these tools and live life skillfully in the face of challenge, fear, and hardship. We practice… one breath at a time.

May your breath anchor you to the present moment. May you be free from suffering.

Always a Yogi,
Lynn Marie

Addendum: After a year of separation, I filed for divorce. In going back in time to share this story, I thought you may find a few of my other thoughts through my divorce interesting:

• An Emotional Shield Softens
• Trusting to Bend Back
• Gift of Love in All Relationships
• My Divorce... Apologies Not Needed
• Give New Meaning

Practice to be Present

On my mat this morning, I caught myself shortening my breath so that I could move to the next position. My hurry caused me to miss the goodness of what my body was doing and antagonized my stress. In observing this, I shifted my approach to one of presence. I didn't necessarily slow my movement, but rather slowed my mind and breath to be present with my body.

By removing the on to the next attitude and focusing on the current moment, I found my mind calmed and my body opened more easily. On and off the mat, I've found anticipation removes my ability to fully enjoy the present. Go-go-go mode doesn't seem to get me to my final destination in a good state of mind or any quicker.

Yoga provides an opportunity to observe our behaviors and practice choosing what best serves us and our community. [Tweet This] I'm grateful that my practice continues to open my mind to better engaging my life and hope to share this gift and other holistic techniques with you soon.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

A Gentle Yoga Practice for You

Our daily pace may have us multi-tasking and testing our stress limits. However productive this may seem it does not support our immune system, nerves, and general well-being. We may not be able to slow down every activity, but we can create balance in our day with yoga. Gentle Yoga invites us to slow down and journey within to connect with our inner well of peace and tranquility.

I created a Gentle Yoga video so that we may explore yoga's rich benefits at home as public or private class may not always be within reach. This slower-paced, relaxing yoga class combines light movement, breath, and mindfulness. Although Gentle Yoga welcomes those with stress, physical limitations, injuries, and seniors, it is not limited to those individuals. People of all ages and physical abilities have found value in incorporating Gentle Yoga into their wellness activities.

As you explore this and any other yoga practice, keep in mind these guidelines:

• Work gently and slowly, respecting your body’s abilities and limits.
• Breathe smoothly and continuously as you move and hold postures.
• Practice with an open mind and a sense of humor. Give yourself space to learn.
• Breathe smoothly and continuously as you move and hold postures (unless otherwise noted).
• Work gently and slowly, respecting your body’s abilities and limits.
• Do not move beyond muscle tension to pain.
• Do not perform postures or movements that are painful.
• Ask if you are unsure how to perform a certain movement or need a modification.
• A full stomach may limit your experience; please allow 60 minutes after a meal to begin a physical practice.

May you tap into your well of peace and tranquility this day and every day.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

Celebrate Success - 3 Ways to Boost Yourself & Others

Our culture tends to celebrate busy-ness and stress. Can we shift the reward to the good we do in a day? I've noticed as the end of day draws near I'm frustrated about the never ending to do list and overwhelmed by the demands on my time and energy. It's a rare evening for me to sit back and think… I nailed it today. I got EVERYTHING done. Here are a few ideas I've been playing with in aiming to shift my end of day perspective and do good with my time.

• 3 Must Dos - At the beginning of the day, I identify 3 must do tasks. These non-negotiable tasks have to be small enough to be accomplished in a day. I set the expectation with myself that these are my top priorities and I must manage my time appropriately to accomplish them. It's easy to overlook the good for you tasks and label them as not necessary. If we continue to do that… yoga, walk with family, lunch with a friend, or meditation will continue to be pushed to tomorrow ultimately not getting done. 
• Quick Win - When working a big project I find that when I take a break from the project and tackle a couple small tasks my motivation and sense of self-accomplishment gets a boost. My to dos will have a star or label (QW) so that when I need a productive pick me up, I can knock out one or a few of those quick wins items. I may include an email or message to a friend, acquaintance or business. Those notes of gratitude make me feel good in sharing and I hope bring smiles to those that receive. 
• The Done List - There is a sense of accomplishment that comes from marking it off the list. Whether I'm using a digital tool like Trello or a good ole yellow post it note, I've started to keep a Done List. In aiming to keep a work life balance, action items cannot be addressed into the evening and wee hours. To avoid the "if I get this one more thing done" personal guilt trip, I review my Done List. By the end of the day, I can see exactly what I've accomplished and feel better about setting the rest down for tomorrow. 

Now that we're knocking it out of the park, let's celebrate the good we do. There's no sense in dragging a conversation down talking about what's left to do. Let's celebrate each other and our own accomplishments; here's a couple ideas to get our celebrations going.

1. In a Meeting - Start your team meeting, church committee, book club or other meeting with participants sharing a recent success they've had. This helps the group to learn more about each other and find new ways to support creating a more cohesive team. 
2. With Your Family or Friends - Instead of picking up conversation with the chores left to do or stress of upcoming activities, take a moment to enjoy what each of you have done. Share what your proud of in each other and yourself. This can be done in the car, at mealtime, or over the phone. It takes no time but helps enrich the conversation and create a deeper connection. 
3. With Yourself - Review your Done List. Reward yourself with a life giving activity or moment. Celebrate your wins (even if they are small) with a good cup of tea and 5 minutes with your book, pet, or favorite blog. Your reward may be a bath, yoga or deep breathing. Whatever celebration you find, be sure it enriches your life rather than numbing you of sensation as that reward tends to expire more quickly leaving more negative effects than good. 

Together, we can celebrate the good we do and ultimately the good in others.

May you be mindful in action and generous in review.

Lynn Marie