My First Blog!

Posted December 31st, 2008

Dear friend,

Welcome to my new blog! 

The sole purpose of my blog is to provide you with ideas, strategies and suggestions for how you can create a more fulfilling, passionate and joyful life.   Please visit my blog regularly as I will continually be adding new material.

Please also comment on any of the blogs I write and share your ideas and suggestions with our readers.  I value all opinions and ideas so please share your thoughts freely.

Also, if there is a topic or issue you would like me to write about, please email me at info@armstrongmethod.com and I will gladly respond to your request.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you enjoy what you read and it proves helpful to you in your life.

Have a magical day filled with joy, love and passion and remember that you always have choice about how you want your life to be.

With love,

Michelle Armstrong, M.Msc, CHt, DipCC

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Walking Has Double Benefit For Postpartum Moms

Posted July 25th, 2009

Are you a new mom battling postpartum depression?  Are you also trying to lose those excess baby pounds?  Well here’s some news I hope will lift your spirits.  As a new mom myself I have experienced the ‘baby blues’, I know how awful it can feel, and can confirm from experience that a daily dose of walking does indeed assist in minimizing those darker moments…

According to a study conducted at the Institute for Aerobics Research, 30 minutes of walking a day can significantly lower your risk of premature death, reduce blood cholesterol, lower blood pressure, increase cardiovascular endurance, boost bone strength and help you lose those post-baby pounds by burning calories.  But that’s not all.  Walking can also help minimize the symptoms of postpartum depression that so many of us moms experience after the birth of our little ones.

According to an article posted on Depression-Help-For-You, exercise does indeed help with depression.  In fact exercise has been shown to be as helpful in reducing depression symptoms as antidepressants, individual psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and group psychotherapy.  Here’s some of what the article on Depression-Help-For-You had to say…

Exercise and depression research has demonstrated that exercise helps depression quickly. One exercise and depression study showed that the improvement in mood begins just ten minutes after you start exercising. Mood was found to continue to get better for up to twenty minutes.

Another exercise and depression study found depression had improved after participants had walked on a treadmill for thirty minutes a day for only ten days. Antidepressant medication usually takes at least two to three weeks to begin improving mood.

An exercise and depression study in which participants walked daily for seven weeks found that the decrease in depressive mood and the improvement in vigor continued after five months.

Another exercise and depression study which compared exercise alone, medication alone, and exercise plus medication found lasting improvements after six months in participants who had exercised without medication.

When the participants continued to exercise the on going improvement was even greater. This study concluded that medication may produce quicker relief but exercise yields more long term benefit.

Change the Way You Feel

Start walking away from your depression today by starting a walking workout of at least 30 minutes a day.  You can walk at a set time every day or whenever you feel most blue during the day.

All you need to get going is some comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. Begin your walking workout with a few simple stretches.  It’s a good idea to walk around a bit beforehand to get the blood flowing to the muscles before you stretch.   You don’t want to stretch cold muscles if you can avoid it.  Then grab the little one (or two), pop him or her in a stroller, grab a bottle of water, clear you mind and off you go!  Make sure to walk every day for noticeable benefits and long lasting results.  For further information on on postpartum depression visit www.cmha.ca

Good luck!!

Michelle

Article Resources:  Institute for Aerobics Research, ACE Fitness, Depression-Help-For-You

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Words of Wisdom

Posted April 20th, 2009

Last night I was reading a chapter from a book I co-authored called Thank God I - Stories of Inspiration for Every Situation and I came across some wisdom I want to share.  

If  you have children this will speak to you (at least I hope it does).  If you don’t, it still has relevance because it speaks to the idea that we are not responsible for the lives of others (our children in particular) nor is it our right to push our will onto others.    

Have a read.  See what comes up for you.  Michelle xo

“Your children are not your children.  They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.  They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.  You may give them your love but not your thoughts.  For they have their own thoughts.  You may house their bodies but not their souls, for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.  You may strive to be like them but seek not to make them like you.  For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.  You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.  The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.  Let your bending in the archer’s hand be for gladness; for even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.” - BY KAHLIL GIBRAN

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How to Beat Anxiety

Posted April 13th, 2009

Do you get anxiety?  Does it stop you dead in your tracks and rob you of your power?
For many years I battled with major anxiety.  It wasn’t a nice experience at all.  During my teenage years, anxiety was as much a part of my life as my pimple cream.  I remember feeling so afraid and out of control.  If you experience anxiety, know that I empathize with your experience, I’m sending you lots of love and support, and that you are not alone.
 
According to AnxietyPanic.com, millions of Americans have some form of anxiety.  It is a normal reaction to stress that helps one deal with tense situations and helps one to cope. But when anxiety becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it has become a disabling anxiety disorder. Anxiety can be accompanied by physical effects such as heart palpitations, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, stomach aches, or headaches.  Physically, the body prepares to deal with what it perceives as a threat. Blood pressure and heart rate are increased, sweating is increased, blood flow to muscle groups increases and immune and digestive system functions are inhibited (the fight or flight response). External signs of anxiety may include pale skin, sweating, trembling and many others. Someone suffering from anxiety might also experience it as a sense of dread or panic.

Anxiety doesn’t feel very good at all.  One minute you’re fine, the next you feel like you’re losing it.  It’s ghastly and disempowering but there IS a way to stop it.  Below are twelve steps I took in order to beat my own experience with anxiety.  They may not work for everyone but I suggest trying them all on for size to see what works for you. Have a go at implementing at least four or five of these steps and observe what happens next.  Feel free to comment on this blog and add any tips you might have to beating anxiety.  Other readers will be grateful.

Michelle’s 12 Step Program to Beating Anxiety (in no particular order)

1. Find a good coach, hypnotherapist or psychologist who you can talk to about your anxiety/fear who won’t prescribe you medication as the sole solution, which can be helpful in some instances but in the long run is most often not the answer. MOST IMPORTANT is for you to learn as much as you can about your fears and what they are trying to tell you.

2. Recognize that unless you are in immediate danger, your fears ARE NOT REAL. They are simply a fabrication inside the mind. Once you can master and manipulate your mind (i.e. what you think and focus on) you can shift your emotional state with conscious volition. If you want more information about emotional management grab a copy of my book ‘Manage Your Mind, Master Your Life’ as I provide some simple yet effective techniques.

3. Learn some breathing and relaxation techniques that you can immediately apply whenever you feel an anxiety attack coming on. When you can learn to master your thinking and focus you will find you can minimize the intensity of your anxiety very quickly.

4. Try hypnosis – it was a HUGE help for me and for many people it creates fabulous results.

5. Practice living in the now – recognize the past is something you cannot change and the future hasn’t happened yet. All that is real is now and you can only control THIS MOMENT.

6. Pay close attention to your diet. Certain foods and drinks have been known to trigger/intensity states of anxiety – caffeine, chocolate, cigarettes, alcohol, sugars, etc. I observed that my anxiety would increase if I consumed lot of sugar. If you notice a trigger, eliminate or reduce it from your diet.

7. Exercise as much as you can. Studies have shown that regular exercise reduces both anxiety and depression.

8. Recognize you CAN control your mind and emotional states. Your mind does not control you. Keep a journal of your thoughts. If you find your thoughts are negative and/or are causing you to feel anxious, write new thoughts and repeat these new thoughts daily until they become habitual.

9. As soon as you become anxious, journal your thoughts and feelings. Get them out of your head and down on paper.

10. Try mediation or yoga classes. Studies have shown that yoga and mediation can also assist to reduce anxiety.

11. If you are taking any medication – check with your doctor to see if your medication has side effects. I used to take the contraceptive pill and the effect it had on my hormones would trigger anxiety. As soon as I found that out I immediately went off the pill and sought alternative options.

12. Lastly, when an anxiety attack strikes, tell yourself that it’s temporary and it WILL pass. Practice slow and steady breathing and instead of focusing on the fear your feel, distract yourself by engaging in another activity such as reading, writing, listening to music, or walking.  After some time you’ll notice your anxiety has gone.

Michelle

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Is Sleep Deprivation Hindering Your Success?

Posted April 13th, 2009

According to the latest research, sleep deprivation is a common condition that afflicts 47 million American adults, or almost a quarter of the adult population. Symptoms of sleep deprivation can interfere with memory, energy levels, mental abilities, and emotional mood.

If you’re not getting a decent eight hours sleep a night, your ability to remain empowered and effective is going to be compromised.  I know when I don’t sleep well, (which since the birth of my son was a common occurrence) I turn into a crazy woman!  I can’t think, I can’t focus, I get moody and emotional, and I achieve only a quarter or less of what I achieve on the days I sleep well and wake feeling fantastic.  I notice when I’m sleep deprived, I’m not as good at managing my mind with volition as I am on the days when I’m rested.  It’s like my mind takes over and I have to work extra hard at being present in each moment so I can catch myself whenever I start to get negative and reframe my thinking to stay empowered.

Below are some tips for ensuring you get a good nights rest every night so you can wake up each morning full of energy, excitement, motivation and focus! They work for me.  I hope they work for you. 

Armstrong Top 10 Sleeping Tips

1. Avoid napping for long periods during the day.

2. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake.

3. Practice Mindfulness Meditation on a daily basis. Learn to switch off your thoughts at night so you can rest peacefully.

4. Eat light meals after 3pm. Avoid eating carbohydrates after 3pm.

5. Exercise early in the day.

6. Remove any flashing lights, annoying sounds from your bedroom. Make sure your room is pitch black.

7. Do a mini relaxation and/or breathing exercise before you go to bed. Tell yourself you are going to sleep well, rest peacefully and wake feeling fantastic.

8. Deal with any emotional concerns or worries. Anxiety excites the nervous system.  Your brain sends messages to the adrenal glands, making you more alert. One suggestion is to start writing down your thoughts in a journal on a daily basis.  Get your thoughts out of your head and on to paper.

9. Make sure your bed is super comfy and your pillow is right for your neck and back. 

10. Stick to a sleeping ritual. Bed at 10, up at 6. (Unless you have a newborn of course). Try to avoid oversleeping.

Sweet dreams!

Michelle

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Dealing with Change in Your Life

Posted April 7th, 2009

Does the idea of a change in your life or career send you running for the hills? Do you get nervous, feel unsettled or anxious about change? Would you prefer that things just stay the same?

Well you are not alone. Millions of people feel the same way you do.

Why is Change so Difficult to Embrace?

Change often stirs up feelings of uncertainty, doubt, fear and trepidation. Emotions most of us don’t like to experience very much. Change can be scary as it often means you have to step outside your comfort zone.

People Love Sameness

Most people prefer sameness, routine, certainty and familiarity. Just think about organizations like McDonalds and Starbucks. Why are they so popular? What makes them so attractive? It’s not their burgers or their coffees, it’s because they offer sameness; a sense of security, safety and certainty within their environments. It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, you’re going to get the exact same cheeseburger from McDonalds and the exact same Chai Latte from Starbucks you bought yesterday, the day before that, and the day before that. Sameness makes people feel safe, secure and protected. We like knowing what to expect from our environment. It allows us to feel in control.

But what do you do when change happens unexpectedly, outside of your control? How can you remain empowered during times of change?

How to Effectively Deal with Change

As you are reading this e-blast, I am speaking at a sales event where many changes have recently occurred within their organization. There have been changes to their reporting & payment structures, territory changes, staff, management and product changes. Below are some of the strategies I will be sharing with them that I’d like to share with you. Have a go at implementing one or all of these strategies into your life. Work towards learning to love change, to see change as a powerful blessing, an opportunity to grow, to evolve and to be the very best you, I know that you can be. Be grateful for change, without it we’d still be living in caves and grunting at one another.

Armstrong Strategy #1 - Accept Change is Inevitable. The fastest way to embrace change is to recognize its going to occur whether you like it or not. Choose to see change in a new and more empowering way. See it as an opportunity, a chance to experience something new and exciting.

Armstrong Strategy #2 - Look for the Benefits. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of a change that might be occurring in your life or career, choose to focus on the positives that this change could bring you. Remember that you get in life what you focus on. If you focus on the negatives, you’re going to attract those negatives to you. If you focus on the positives, you will attract positive outcomes to you instead.

Armstrong Strategy #3 – Reframe your Beliefs. Make a list of what you currently believe about the change that’s occurring in your life or career. If, as you do, you find your beliefs limit you, then reframe (rewrite) your beliefs so they work for you not against you. Repeat your new set of beliefs to yourself on a daily basis. Here’s an example: Current Limiting Belief: I believe this change is going to cost me money and time and I won’t like it. New More Empowering Belief: I believe this change will invite new experiences that will bring me more money and give me more time. I’m going to love this new change.

Armstrong Strategy #4 – Let go of the Past. Recognize that nothing in your life is constant.  Everything is temporary and always changing.  Based on the estimates of quantum biology, you have a brand new stomach lining every 4 days, new skin every 30 days, a new liver in 6 weeks, even the skeleton is replaced every three months. Change is inevitable. Your body is changing continuously as is your life. To embrace change more easily, learn to let go of the past. Be grateful for what was, then release it and move on.

Have a great day!  Hugs!

Michelle

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How to Deal with Difficult People

Posted April 7th, 2009

Several years ago, I worked for an advertising firm and there was this woman in her fifties who I found extreeeeeemely difficult to work with. She was one of those people who appeared to enjoy making my life and the life of my co-workers a misery.  She never had anything nice to say EVER.  She was always in the world’s foulest mood, and if she wasn’t criticizing you to your face, she was complaining about you to your boss.  A real sweetheart – not!  Just having her complete a task for you was like squeezing blood from a stone.  Nine times out of ten you would elect to do the work yourself to avoid the grief she so generously dished out.  She was one of those people who when you saw running towards your elevator, would cause you to move at lightning speed towards the doors frantically bashing on those little ‘close door’ arrows in an attempt to avoid her at all costs.  She was very hard to like and most difficult to deal with.  Sound like someone you know?

So what do you do with difficult people? How can you deal with them more effectively?  How can you remain empowered in spite of their difficult nature?

Here are the strategies I use with difficult people I come across.  I suggest using them all but if you can’t possibly bring yourself to do every single one of them, implement one or two.  It’s amazing how a little shift in OUR behavior can make a big difference.

And the difficult woman I spoke about?  Well we never became bosom buddies if that’s what you’re wondering, but we did end up being friendly enough that she no longer became a problem for me at work.  You see, there’s really no such thing as a “difficult person”. When we say someone is difficult, what we are really saying is “I don’t feel capable of maintaining my authentic and empowered self in their presence.” But when you are confident in yourself, and you take responsibility for how YOU behave, you come to realize very quickly that people aren’t difficult at all.  It’s merely your perception of them that’s making them difficult.

4 Powerful Armstrong Strategies for Dealing with “Difficult” People

1. Accept the person as they are. You don’t have to accept or agree with their behavior/s but you CAN look past the behavior/s and see the person in behind. Choose to look for the goodness that resides within everyone and give your attention and energy to what’s positive about the person as opposed to what is negative. Recognize that every individual is doing the best they can with the resources they have available to them at that time.

2. Kill them with kindness. Yes that right. I said kill them with kindness. Love all over them. They probably need a little love – the lack thereof is probably what’s causing their negative behavior/s and attitude to start with. Be polite, do something nice like make them a cup of coffee, or buy them a muffin even when they are being as difficult as hell.

If you want to help change someone else’s negative behavior, BE the behavior you’d like them to adopt. Like the famous Gandhi quote; “be the change you want to see in the world.” If you become mean and difficult to spite them, you are only supporting and encouraging the negative behavior/s you yourself don’t like.

3. Openly share with the person how their behavior makes your feel. Use ‘I’ statements when you are communicating your feelings because this will minimize the likelihood of creating defensiveness in the other person (Nobody likes a statement that starts with “you are this, you do that, you, you, you are the problem” do they?) Here’s an example of an “I” statement. “I feel unappreciated when you continually point out what I do wrong and don’t ever acknowledge when I do something well.” (Then suggest a behavior you would like for them to exhibit instead) “It would mean a lot to me if you gave me some positive feedback when I do things well.” Get the idea? Of course you do! You’re brilliant!

4. Be responsible for your own emotional reactions. Recognize that you always have CHOICE as to how you want to emotionally respond and behave with regard to others. If you are challenged by a difficult individual, recognize you can’t change them (it’s not your job or your place to change them either by the way) and focus instead on what YOU can do differently to create a more positive outcome.

Have a great day!  Hugs!

Michelle

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Taking Risks Increases Confidence

Posted April 7th, 2009

Last week I was re-reading the book ‘Screw It, Let’s Do It’ by Richard Branson.

Branson, if you’re not aware, is the founder of Virgin Records, Virgin Mobile, Virgin Atlantic and now Virgin Galactic. (The first airline to take people into space – yikes!)  He’s the crazy, provocative English dude that flys around the world in hot air balloons and is notorious for shocking the public with his outrageous stunts to promote his brands.

In his book ‘Screw It, Let’s Do It’, Branson discusses his belief systems about life, family and business.  I like a lot of his ideas but what stood out most for me is his unwavering belief in himself and his liberating risk-taking attitude.  It seems to me the more risks he takes, the more his confidence grows…

Sometimes You Just Have to Jump and Trust Your Shoot Will Open

Recently I was coaching a client who was experiencing some personal dilemma surrounding his career. He’d just started his own business and because of some concern pertaining to his finances, was considering the prospect of taking on a part-time job - just in case, the future turned sour.

After some discussion, it became quite clear that what was motivating this little dilemma was a big ole dose of fear - a fear of failing and a fear of going broke. My client was (like we’ve all been guilty of at some point) afraid to take a risk. Problem was, if he wasn’t willing to take a risk, he might never know the full extent of his potential and freedom.

I’m pleased to say that after a very enjoyable conversation my client (who is destined for success - I just know it!), decided to push past their fears and leap off into the deep end.
 
Sometimes in life, taking a risk is the smartest thing you can do. Sometimes, you just have to say ‘what the heck’, and go for it! 

How to Develop a Risk-Taking Attitude Branson Style

1. Trust your Instinct - While it’s smart to listen to the advice of experts, at the end of the day it’s YOU who is ultimately responsible for the decisions that affect YOUR life and business. Learn to trust your instinct and follow your gut. Listen to your heart and go with what feels right even if it appears irrational in the face of worldly logic at the time.

2. Face your Fears - Until you can face your fears and persevere in spite of them, you’ll never really know the meaning of success or what it’s like to truly achieve, take a chance and feel free. Recognize that fears are only illusions - illusions that were created by you (not consciously) at some point in your life. And, if you have the power to create your fears, you also have the power to UNcreate them, right?

3. Develop an Unshakable Confidence and Belief in Yourself - One of the fascinating things I’ve discovered in my life is that people will see YOU as you see yourself. If you don’t believe that you’re good enough, smart enough, sexy enough or worthy enough, then the world will view you the same way. If however you decide you ARE worthy, sexy, smart etc, then the world can’t but not see you in this light! Choose to change your perception of yourself and notice with wonder how the world responds with positive affirmation.

4. Push Beyond the Boundaries - Every now and again you’ve just got to push the boundaries to see what you are capable of. You never know, you might just surprise yourself at how truly magnificent you really are. All of us are more capable than we realize and it’s often only in times of adversity and tragedy that we ever get to recognize the strength of our true essence. Notice where you have chosen to set yourself limits then say ‘what the %^* and push beyond your comfort zone.

5. Have An Obscene Amount of Fun! - Remember to have lots of fun and enjoy your life. Taking risks every now and again can be exhilarating, stimulating, exciting and fun! Remember the popular adage ‘all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy?’ Don’t let this adage be the maxim for your life! Stay light on your toes (as my kickboxing instructor would say) and don’t be afraid to strike when the iron is hot. Enjoy what you do, move on from your failures, and don’t take your life too seriously.

Have a glorious week and always live your life to its fullest!!

Michelle

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Michelle’s Top 5 Tips to Surviving Economic Uncertainty

Posted March 27th, 2009

Many of you have emailed me recently wanting to know how you can survive the recession. While I’m no expert on these matters, I thought it might be helpful to share some of the action items my family and I are taking to ensure our survival. Give them a whirl. See if they work for you.

Tip #1 - Reduce Your Expenses

Make a list of all your expenses. Go through your list and eliminate any expense that’s not absolutely necessary to your survival. Then go through each expense you deem necessary and see if there’s a way you can cut that expenses down even further.

Tip #2 - Maintain a Positive Attitude

Worrying about whether or not you’ll still have a roof over head next week can be super stressful and can cause sleepless nights. Try to avoid focusing on negative outcomes that haven’t even happened yet and instead visualize everything working out for the best.

Tip #3 - Work Together as a Family

Instead of getting angry and then taking that frustration out on the kids, wife or husband, try instead to work together as a team. Use this time as an opportunity to get closer to your family. Work together to reduce your debts and decide on non-costly rewards (a little late night nooky is always a good treat for the hubby or wife) when say, hubby finds a way to earn an extra few dollars this week, your wife turns last night’s left-overs into a gourmet meal, or when the kids agree to help out with household chores instead of you forking out dollars you don’t have to Molly Maid. (no offense to Molly Maid). Use this recession as a time to strengthen your family unit not weaken it.

Tip #4 - Ditch Luxury Items. At Least Temporarily

If you’re anything like me and you like to get your hair and nails done once a month, whizz your car through the car wash each week or get a Starbucks treat on the way to work each morning, you might have to consider putting these luxury items on hold for a while -at least until you are back on your financial feet. REMEMBER everything in life is temporary. The worm will turn eventually and you’ll soon be back at the nail salon sipping on a Latte. Get frugal my friends. Only dish out dosh for what is absolutely necessary.

Tip #5 - Speak to a Money Management Expert

If money matters aren’t your strong suit I highly recommend speaking with a money management expert. They have lots of great ideas for how to budget, cut corners and save your hard-earned dosh. We just met with our guy last week and discovered things we never would have thought of on our own.

Final Tip: Remember that you get in life what you focus on and what you think about repeatedly you attract as your reality. You WILL get through this recession but you need to stay positive and you must keep moving forward.

To your success!

Michelle Armstrong

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Are ready to Soar in Life & Business?

Posted March 25th, 2009

I’m curious. Do you get up every morning excited because you’re riding the wave of your dreams? Are you living your life powerfully and by choice - doing work you enjoy, feeling good in your skin, having financial security and being involved in relationships that support you? Or, have you been holding back and settling for a little less (or far less) money, love, freedom and laughter than you want and deserve?

What if you could learn from 9 successful daring women who have blazed the trails and are now enjoying the rewards of their success – financial security, fulfilling relationships, and personal freedom – each willing to share with you their inspiring story and powerful knowledge?

I’d like to personally invite you to join me and 8 other daring successful female entrepreneurs on an incredible, life transforming teleseries designed to inspire, empower and dare you to soar in all aspects of your multifaceted lives.

Will you join me? Will you DARE to look forward to the next day expectantly? Will you DARE to live the life of joy, freedom and prosperity you know you’ve always deserved? I DARE YOU!

We’re offering you three different ways to join, choose the one that is right for you! Plus many bonuses and surprises await you. Click here to reserve your spot http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=944210

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Improve Your Life & Relationships by Choosing New Meaning

Posted March 20th, 2009

Have you ever had your car stolen, been through a relationship break-up, lost a job or filed for bankruptcy?  Was the only meaning you could derive from your experiences negative?

Have you ever been in conversation with your boss, your mother-in-law, a teacher, your father, and something they said upset you?

Are you aware that how you perceive people and circumstances and how you respond to those people and circumstances has nothing to do with what actually happened or the people involved, but the meaning YOU chose to apply?  Let me explain in further detail…

Everything you experience in life, being late for an appointment, failing an exam, etc, actually means (wait for it) ABSOLUTELY NOTHING until the moment YOU choose, be it consciously or unconsciously, to apply a specific meaning.

Whether you choose to accept it or not, you do have the power to choose whatever meaning you want to impose on any situation, person or experience.  What meaning you choose then determines whether a situation, person or experience is deemed negative or positive and it dictates how you react.  Here is an example…

Your husband/wife leaves you for another man/woman.  Do you make the experience mean you’re not good enough and then react by being depressed, or do you make it mean your husband/wife has lost a good thing in you, and confidently leave knowing you’ll find someone better?

While simple in theory, it is not always easy to acknowledge the range of possible meanings there are in any given situation, let alone accept our freedom to choose, and that we are responsible for the meanings we select and apply.  Having to take responsibility means we can no longer be a victim of circumstance.  It is much easier to act as if we are not at fault for our experiences and that something outside of us is to blame.  Note however that it is this exact type of thinking that robs you of your power and you need to stop and ask yourself, is this really what I want?

The Choice is Yours

It takes a conscious effort to choose & apply positive meanings when life gets you down or blindsides you with the unexpected.  Sometimes it seems easier just to stay down and be the victim so you can’t get knocked out of the saddle again.  But recognize when you do, this is your choice.

If you’re finding this concept a little hard to swallow, I recommend that you first try it on for size before giving it the toss.  When I first discovered this reality I did not embrace it easily.  Instead I resisted it like crazy.  It took time and still does for me to fully comprehend the magnitude of what this actually means—we all have the power to choose our experiences.  We are not victims of circumstance, we create it.

Next time you find yourself in the middle of any given situation, stop and ask yourself, what are my choices here?  Choose to empower yourself by directing yourself to the most resourceful choices for you.  Before reacting instinctively, force yourself to stop and ask the following:

  • What meaning am I assigning to this moment/situation?
  • What new meaning/s can I choose to associate to this moment/situation that will empower me, not disempower me?
  • What other responses are available to me in this moment that will help me to be more effective, more resourceful and more successful in this situation?
  • Is there a new meaning I can create right now about this situation (or person/s involved) which is more empowering for me and what will create a win/win outcome for all?
  • What response/reaction will have me moving more quickly in the direction of what I want to ultimately achieve?

I encourage you to play with this idea and let it wash through your thoughts for a while. I also recommend that you take on a state of openness and curiosity when considering your freedom and ability to choose. Be extra kind to yourself as you work to apply and integrate the power of choice. You have thought about yourself and your experiences a certain way your whole life and now you are realizing you are much more powerful than you knew.

Give the above questions a whirl and observe how a whole new realm of possibilities will open up for you and accelerate your progress toward the life you most desire.

Have an outstanding day!

Love,

Author: Michelle Armstrong

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