FOUR FOR FRIDAY 1: Self
1."When in doubt, zoom out."
It's common for many of us to fall into a rut where we forget to acknowledge our progress and only focus on our current situation. This quote served as a reminder for me to zoom out and take a broader view. When I find myself struggling, it seems as though widening my perspective and seeing the bigger picture tends to help. I firmly believe that perspective, outlook, and reflection greatly impact our mental well-being. It's often the case that the more stressed we are, the more narrowly focused we become.
2. Life is Harmony.
A post from my facebook feed this week, (always an interesting way to start a sentence).
"I've been pondering the apparent gap between comfort-oriented and growth-oriented individuals lately. However, upon deeper reflection, I've come to realize that there's a beautiful harmony between the two. This concept brings to mind symbols like the enso or the traditional yin-yang. Why? Because comfort acts as a catalyst for growth, while growth enables us to appreciate comfort. This dual dynamic applies to various facets of life. Often, what we find unappealing in others reflects parts of ourselves that we've pushed aside or denied. By embracing these aspects within ourselves, we cultivate harmony and acceptance. This acceptance, in turn, fosters love and understanding, both for ourselves and for others."
3. Useful tip
Planning a trip soon? I recently discovered a useful tip that might come in handy. If you or a loved one is flying in, you can easily track their flight information using iMessage. Simply type in the flight number and airline – for example, 'AA5278' for a flight from Chattanooga to Denver. Try it by sending a text like "Tammy, you're on flight AA5278, right?" When you send this message, the flight number ('AA5278') should appear underlined. Clicking on it will take you directly to the relevant flight information.
4. Intention setting
Remember Viktor Frankl's wisdom: '(S)/He who knows their 'why' can bear almost any 'how.'
I urge you to revisit this notion throughout the upcoming week. It's a reminder I often share with both myself and my clients. Take a moment to examine your actions and pose these simple questions to yourself: "Why am I doing this? What needs am I fulfilling through these actions? Why does this matter to me?"
By answering these questions, you'll gain clarity on whether your actions align with the person you aspire to be.