Busy is one thing—living in triage-mode is another. Since launching CalmUp®, my to-do list has spawned a new batch of subheadings. My personal organization system started to look like the backside of a cross-stitch. By good fortune, I learned about the technology of creating more than one reminder list.
Does having five reminder lists (the grocery list makes six) seem unreasonable? One person I know has separate reminder lists for each of his college courses, his employment, his hobbies, etc. He even has a written reminder to brush his teeth!
How can I become more efficient?
Reminder lists allow me to determine what I want to work on instead of feeling anxious or stressed out.
On the CalmUp® Journey (see www.DrLorieGose.com), I pictured living my life like a war zone or an emergency room whereby I was triaging the most crucial tasks of the day. Talk about a dark image! If my self-care suffered, then oh well. And if the dishes were all over the counter, who cares?
Well, I care. I explored a new visualization to counter my urgent-feeling lifestyle. Rose petals came to mind. Rose petals? Valentine’s Day gets the credit for this new, calmer image. I could pick three rose petals at a time, with each rose petal representing one chosen item from my reminder list. I imagine holding the delicate petals and savoring their magnificent scent. Once my three items are completed, I can toss the petals like a flower girl and when ready, choose my next three.
The stress management tips can be summarized as follows:
First, figure out what you want to work on.
Next, what disheartening image comes to mind?
Finally, explore a self-loving visualization.
While I don’t compulsively engage in three chores at a time, my new visualization reminds me to embrace the tasks at hand, accomplish my goals (or not), and bask in my amazing day.
IT’S ABOUT YOU:
- What specifically do you want to accomplish?
- How can you release an old pattern of darkness and adopt a new pattern of light?
- Ultimately, begin to accept and love yourself more authentically, regardless of what you do (or not).
Author: Dr. Lorie Gose
