How Do I Want to BE Today?
“We are human beings; we are not human doings,” writes James Flaherty in his book, Coaching: Evoking Excellence in Others. Sometimes this seems very difficult to remember, doesn’t it? It is so easy to get caught up in perpetual motion and forget to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate all that life has to offer.
August has always been a time of great anticipation for me—of the new school year, new possibilities, and renewed energy with the cooler weather (that is, of course, assuming that summer has actually arrived by this publishing date!). However, I also slightly dread the fuller schedules and sometimes overabundance of activities that come along with this season. It is so easy to get caught up in the doing, and forget to enjoy being fully present in my life.
Here’s a morning practice that I’ve tucked into my mornings that has increased the number of days in my life when I have felt fully present, aware, and alive. During my morning quiet time, rather than thinking about all the many things on my to-do list, I now think about what I want and need from myself in order for it to be the best day possible. Upon awakening, I now ask myself, “How do I want to be today?” rather than “What do I need to do today?” I assess what my starting point is each morning, and decide how I need to be. Am I feeling tired, distracted, eager, or angry? Today, do I need patience, humor, persistence, joy, or perhaps lightness?
What a wonderful shift in attitude I have had toward my days since I have started this practice! Both doing and being are important in life, but focusing on how I want to BE in life has produced more lasting change for me. It can for you, too!
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A certified family coach, Lucy Gage Bogue works with the parents of gifted children and teens, to help increase their understanding of themselves and their children, identify what is most important within their families and their lives, and communicate better with family members and others in their lives. Lucy also has programs for gifted teens and gifted young adults that help them to better understand themselves, their own giftedness, and their own values and dreams.