PAUSE – 17. 17 – Choose Good To Feel Better
Reflection: The daylight hours are dwindling here in western Canada. The sky is dark when we roll out of bed, and it’s dark again before dinnertime.
Early winter has descended – with a combination of snowy, slippery, icy streets and sidewalks as the temperature bounces around on either side of the freezing point.
For the other three seasons of the year – spring, summer and fall – I’m highly motivated to roll out of bed and step right into my sneakers for my morning walk along the river. This time of year – not so much!
And, so, I struggle to get my exercise – that 30 minutes of fresh air and movement that renews my body and restores my soul. Somehow, it’s not the same to be taking that walk mid-day when the path is fully lit and I can see where I’m going. And, it’s not the same to be heading out at the end of the afternoon, when I’m already weary after a day’s work and what I most want to do is put my feet up by the fire and sip a glass of wine.
What I have learned, though, is that just because it’s not the same, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be done – or that it won’t be good. Each time I work an outdoor ramble into my mid or late day schedule I come back glad I went – mind clearer and body stronger.
Action: When it comes to doing those things that are good for us, especially when it’s not easy, it helps to keep the outcome in mind.
- How will you feel after you make and take that time for exercise?
- How will you feel after you make that tough phone call and get it off your list and off your mind?
- How will you feel when you write that note of sympathy and condolence for which you’re sure you just don’t have the words?
The short answer is this. It will feel GOOD!
So do yourself a favor. Bite the bullet. Face the music. Pay the piper. Take the leap. Suck it up.
Take the walk. Make the call. Write the note.
Choose GOOD and you’ll feel better.
Quotes Of The Week: The first requirement in taking a step in the right direction is to take a step in some direction. – Robert Brault
Finding a cool quote and writing it in your journal is not a substitute for Getting. It. Done. – Betsy Canas Garmon
Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action – Walter Anderson
Resource Of The Week: Here are a few articles on related themes you might find of interest:
- How To Work Out When It’s Cold And Dark
- 25 Ways To Make Time For Fitness
- Why It’s Even More Important To Exercise In Winter
Gift of Gratitude Winner: Congratulations to Pilgrims Hospice in Edmonton, who will be the recipient of the Gift of Gratitude box of 150 copies of Take A Bow. And congratulations and thanks to Heather Shaw, the Pause subscriber who submitted the winning nomination. I’m delighted to be able to support the fine work of Pilgrim’s Hospice. Click here to learn more about what they do and who they serve.
Thanks to all of the other individuals who nominated their charities of choice. There were so many worthy nominees. Such wonderful things are being accomplished by charities through the dedicated efforts of those who put their hearts and souls into the work they do. I stand in awe.
Now’s The Time… Are you looking for 2018 professional development opportunities for yourself or others? Check out my upcoming programs on Fueling Enthusiasm, Boosting Energy and Tapping Passion?
I’m excited to be partnering again with the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan to deliver the popular Engagement Series in three half day modules (Jan 18, Feb 15 & Mar 15).
Time-wise and dollar-wise, they’re very affordable. Sign up for one or register for all three to save and learn more. Last year, many organizations registered several attendees to help bring the learning back to the workplace.
This link takes you to the Engagement Series details and registration info. January 18th will be here before you know it! So get your registrations in now. Hope to see you there!
Tags: attitude, burnout, encouragement, exercise, focus, health, motivation, Pat Katz, Patricia Katz, pause, Saskatoon, speaker, time out, wellness, winter
Good morning Pat….
Wow, I’m not in the temperatures you are but I am right in the slump of short days, darkness, lingering cold symptoms, lack of sparkly mojo…. thank you for this post. Most of all, it makes me feel connected. Connected to everyone else that doesn’t want to go outside. It inspires me to go outside and plant more tidbits for those who are firing their thrusters… geez that’s what it feels like doesn’t it? Takes more energy and writing this gives me greater compassion for myself and others.
I wrote my own little quote after I wrote the three you had above.
“There’s nothing like the momentum and traction that shows up to be with us once we shift into deep thoughtful action.”
Your writing inspired me this morning Pat. I’ve been asking for a new formula, a way to approach my myriad of projects that are not pressing but are asking to be created. The promise of being joined by ‘momentum and traction’ is the sweet reward I was seeking. I was resisting my projects because it means more ‘alone’ time at a time when I’m already feeling less stimulated by my outdoor social self.
And then there’s our Skype or Zoom date too. I’m not able to look at the calendar just yet. My daughter and I just decided I’ll be coming over to be with her and the baby a few days a week and she will come over here. When things get a bit smoother…I know you and I will chat face to face once again in 2018!
Gratitude for your courage to write PAUSE and for all you do to keep your mojo flowing out to us.
Sharon
Hi Sharon.
Glad to hear these ideas sparked a response for you. Sometime it’s just a different word or way of looking at things that does the trick.
Yes, happy to connect whenever it works best for you. Enjoy all that time with your daughter and the new grand baby. Precious times.
Appreciatively, Pat
All I have to say, today, is thank you! I am making the list at this very moment, and I will take action, NOW.
Good on ya, Maureen!