| |
|
Article Directory :: Self-Improvement/Motivation Articles
February is upon us and we are firmly in the grip of winter's frosty fingers. For many of us, the initial wave of inspiration that motivated us toward making positive changes in 2010 has already been thwarted. So soon, our best laid plans seem to have come to a standstill. Why does this always seem to happen with our well intended resolutions?
As always when I posed such questions to myself, nature usually provides a metaphor with the answer. Last weekend I co-led a Winter Reflections Retreat in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Bundled up in layers of warm clothing, our group of fearless women ventured out into the bitter cold and was amazed by the pristine beauty we found. As we hiked along a mountain stream, the sound of water rushing past was particularly rich and multi-faceted, magnified by the surrounding silence of the winter woods. Sparkling ice formations encircled every stone, branch and blade that touched upon the water's edge.
What I found most beautiful were the half frozen waterfalls in the small creeks that tumbled down the mountainside. Icicles stopped in mid air, reaching down toward rounded towers of droplets frozen one on top of another. Even these frigid conditions couldn't deter the gravitational pull which drew the water downward. The water kept rushing under, around, and over the frozen barriers. It reminded me of the old saying, "Where there's a will, there's a way." Or as I heard it better expressed recently, "If the WHY is big enough, the HOW will follow!"
What I saw made me pause to re-examine my noble intentions that had been so quickly undermined only one month into the New Year. Are these goals really important to me? If so, WHY? What am I hoping to achieve? Are they really the priorities of my life right now? Or did they come form those insidious "shoulds" echoing in my head from what other people deem important? Are my resolutions truly an expression of my heart's desire? Will they enhance my purpose or legacy? Would achieving them make my life a better expression of my highest self? Not surprisingly, the answers to these questions were hardly a resounding, "Yes!"
February is the month to go deeper, to ask the big questions. You don't have to know the answers, you just have to find the question that is most relevant to the person you really want to become.
The second morning of our retreat, I saw that the lake had frozen over completely, but still the water resounded as it rushed over the waterfall downstream. Despite the extreme external conditions pressing upon it, the water kept flowing deep underneath, reappearing at its first opportunity. By focusing your attention on your big WHY, you will unleash the current that can plow through obstacles. Connect with that force and the HOW will unfold in its own time.
Take the opportunity during these cold weekends and winter storms to sit by the fire, wrap yourself up in a warm shawl, and journal about the values you hold most dear. Find that deep current within you that is your passion, your reason for putting yourself out there every day. Then allow your personal path of personal growth to flow from there.
Karin Marcus, Professional Certified Life Coach / Retreat Leader
"Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do" Rumi
Karin@Steppingoutcoaching.com 610-667-5247
http://www.SteppingOutCoaching.com
 EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here
More articles by Karin Marcus
|
Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:
Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Business - General
Computers & Technology
Finance & Investment
Food & Drink
Health & Fitness
Home & Family
Internet Marketing/Online Business
Legal
Pets & Animals
Politics & Government
Reference & Education
Religion & Faith
Self-Improvement/Motivation
Social
Sports & Recreation
Travel & Leisure
Writing & Speaking
|
More self-improvement articles: - Finding The Right Girl - The Day That Changed My Life (Willis Combse)
I had a very active dating life, and was having success with women but they all just weren't right for me. I was 28, using online dating websites, asking girls out I'd meet in person, and networking through family and friends to find nice girls when suddenly I got hit in the stomach with a ton of bricks and my life changed forever. - Rico's Quickies - 'Weird' Little Tricks Designed To Improve Your Happiness, Your Wealth, Your Health (Rico Mente)
Rico's Quickies - 'Weird' Little Tricks Designed To Improve Your Happiness, Your Wealth, Your Health - Discipline Determines Your Destiny (Sally Anderson)
Think about every thought you have in a 24 hour period. These thoughts manifest your current reality. If you focus on fear, worry, anxiety, inner critic dialogue, confusion, issues, problems, challenges then this plays a part in how you experience your world. - Are You on the "Yes" Express? (Anne Presuel)
What happens when you trust your intuition in business and do something outrageous? And why would you do that anyway? Read more here… - Self-Reliance During a Breakup (Laura Smith)
What does self-reliance during a breakup mean? Why do the words "self" and "reliance" seem difficult to swallow right now? Probably because the idea of turning inward for solace rather than outward seems nearly unbearable, right? It feels good to talk it over with someone that cares about you, doesn't it? Sometimes, do you wish you could rely a little bit more on yourself than others? - Your Search For Panic Disorder Help Is Over (Joeden Dunne)
Many people around the world are seeking panic disorder help in some form or fashion. Those suffering from this disorder find themselves reading every book ever written on the subject and trying every new treatment that comes their way.This journey in search of hope can be long and frightening, but you should know help is here. - Accelerate Success With Subliminal Mp3s (Ravey Dio)
There are many ways to achieve success, like doing research or reading along the lines of the goal, observing other people who have already accomplished their goals, as well as discovering new ideas or doing new things to hasten reaching the goal are steps to be taken by anyone who is serious with achieving an objective. - Why You Can't Achieve Your Goals (Patric Chan)
There are many reasons people don't achieve their goals - no determination, limiting beliefs, procrastination...what can we do to ensure that we achieve our goals without deviating from the path that we set out for ourselves? - Take The Plunge and Jump In The Deep End (Dr Greg Schreeuwer)
Taking the plunge in life and pushing yourself to take risks is always a challenge for the majority of us. By giving ourselves the opportunity to look beyond caution and step outside our comfort zone, we create the possibility for amazing experiences, insights and more. - Time Management Tips - 3 Ways to Realign Your Energy to Recharge Your Personal Productivity (Paula Eder)
What if you could recharge your enthusiasm to reach your top goals? These 3 guidelines help you to redirect your energy for productivity and success.
We Automatically Distribute Articles
To Thousands Of Publishers And Web Sites:
Submit Article
All content is viewed and used by you at your own risk and we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information. The views expressed are those of the individual contributing authors and not necessarily those of this web site, or its owner, Takanomi Limited.
|
|
