By Ann Darwicki
The day started like so many others, with a general feeling of the “blahs.” It was a mild discontent that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Is this seasonal affective disorder? Is this “the change” from the beginning of menopause that women talk about? While I couldn’t quite define what was causing it, I was very familiar with how it felt. A sense of numbness and a lack of excitement, passion and purpose for my life that affected every part of my world: work, health, marriage, etc.
The same old things I used to do for fun, for pleasure, just didn’t excite me anymore.
I sit with the uncomfortable feelings and silently ask, “What is this about?” Today is my day “off” but there is hardly anything “off” about it. My schedule is filled with all the tasks I need to tend to yet again: laundry, paperwork, dropping things at Goodwill, the taxes, a workout at the new gym I joined, etc. Yay me!
Then an idea comes to mind. I need to shift my thinking to change how I am feeling. I have spent far too many days feeling this way, and I am not eager to add another day to the growing pile of “blahs.” I recall how I used to walk my dogs every morning and listen to an empowering talk. Brené Brown, Napolean Hill, Tony Robbins, Mel Robbins. I would get a message for the day, to inspire and motivate me. When did I stop beginning my days this way? I can’t recall the last time I walked the dogs. Today, I decide to take a walk with Gregg Braden.
I come back feeling so much happier, more inspired and excited. I see new possibilities without having to wait to go to a conference or workshop. I will get to an event soon, but I can start today and each day with a video or talk, and then read some of the books I purchased but never read. (I bet you have a few sitting on the shelf, too.) Today is ripe with opportunities to experience excitement, joy and a life more aligned with a higher purpose.
Later, my son asks me if I will go out to lunch with him. My mind runs down the list of all the things that I need to do, but my inner coach reminds me of what is really important—quality time with the people I love. I choose lunch. I enjoy the time with my son, try food that is aligned with my goal of clean eating—something I have been putting off for far too long. We listen to music, get a cup of coffee, stop by the store. I complete a lot of the tasks on my things-to-do list—but from a much higher energy level the chores feel effortless.
The day continues to get better. Later at the gym, a healing message comes to me to relate to an acquaintance in my class. I feel hesitant to relay it, but know that it is important that I do so, even though I am uncomfortable. My desire to practice consciousness-based healing both others and myself is coming to fruition, today. I successfully share the message.
As I am working out, an inner voice poses a question to me: “What are your thoughts while you are working out?” I am thinking how much I hate squats, how much I dread these workouts, this is too hard, maybe I won’t stay for the next session, maybe I can skip tomorrow…These are the same thoughts that I have had for the past 25 years that have kept me from reaching my weight loss goals, from experiencing the healthy lifestyle that I desire but can’t seem to commit to making a reality.
The inner coach continues, “How is this working for you?”
The truth is not so well. I am only a week into a new program, but I already am feeling the urge to quit. “What is another thought that you can think instead?” I decide to change my inner dialogue to I love squats! To my amazement they become easier, despite the fact that a part of me knows I don’t love squats. I feel an inner strength that I didn’t feel a few moments ago, as my body complies with the positive thoughts I am now thinking. I continue my silent mantra each time the class does an exercise I find difficult—I love this! I complete the workout and then the next one. I feel stronger, fitter and happier as I heed the simple wisdom, “Change your thoughts to support what you desire, to bring you more of what you want.”
Now I feel excitement for the possibilities that tomorrow will bring!
Ann Darwicki RN is a Certified Professional Life Coach who completed her training at the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. She is the owner and founder of Whole Being Coaching, specializing in coaching others to live the life of their dreams. Prior to becoming a life coach, Ann obtained as Associates Degree in Nursing from Delaware Technical and Community College. She has 25 years of nursing experience caring for women and children, with a life long affinity for holistic medicine. She is a Reiki practitioner and Nurse Luminary. She is also a freelance writer. She can be reached at 302.750.0574 or by email at adarwicki@comcast.net.