Hello 5779

Every night, I write in my journal to reflect on my day.  As years pass, it has become a favorite time of my day.  I share my joy, my anger, my compassion, my pride and even little stories that I want to remember.  Typically, when I read it back, I am often surprised by how the words still have so much feeling attached to them.  Emotions are in my books and I'm grateful.  Though I don't feel the same in the moment I'm reading, I can look back to a time that I embraced or survived.  I'm so grateful to all who encouraged my journaling because it is the greatest gift for me and ultimately for my children.

So what's next for 5779?

When I write about what I hope for and setting goals, I have stopped using the word resolution.  Now, as I look forward, I also look deeper.  What is most meaningful to me?  What makes me happiest?  How can I remove the more toxic aspects?  Can I take the next positive step and the next more honest step?

Here are some ideas for how I want to live in 5779:

• This year, my husband and I arrived at 22 years.  To celebrate, we opted for spending time quietly with family and friends who stood up for us.  So really, while celebrating 22 years of marriage, we also celebrated 22 years of our family and friendships.  Oh, and the food was delicious too!
• One of my favorite moments last year was learning with my kids.  Reading what their reading, sharing music and watching tv and movies (old and new) has enriched our conversations in ways I didn't expect.  These conversations may teach us to argue and debate, allow us to laugh and cry or just simply allow us to spend time listening to each other respectfully.
• As I reflect on my old journals, I want to start blogging more.  For the past couple of years, I have found myself up against writer's block, fear, exhaustion and laziness.  I've received wonderful support and often feel a great sense of accomplishment once another post is completed and posted.  New hashtag #mywordsmystorymysolution
• Another area that has given me a sense of fulfillment is my work on our community.  There is more work to be done as a community member.  Serving on boards and committees to put values into action allow me to be a partner and give back.  
• Over the past year, I challenged myself physically.  I surprised myself by learning to spin, swimming, hiking and deepening my meditation.  Accomplishing a challenge has helped me grow, given me insight into my own strength and just feels good.  Definitely more of that in the coming year. 

Shana tova to all who celebrate. Looking forward to 5779 and taking time for my family, my community and myself. 

Today is Today

I had the privilege of leading meditation today.  Meditation Plus has been a constant source of encouragement, support and growth for the past six years.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to lead and appreciate the meaningful discussion which followed.  Enjoy the meditation.

Shabbat Shalom. 

Today I invite you on a journey of exploration during this meditation.  A journey to find the words that you can choose as your mantra.  These words are for today.  Today this is where you are.  We can only be where we are.  Tomorrow you may have new words, but that is for tomorrow.  Today, we only think about now, here in this room, together. 

I invite you on a journey of openness, a journey of thoughtful breathing.

Let start with our physical pose.  I invite you to get comfortable.

Feel your feet on the floor.  Feel the solid ground under your feet.

Feel your legs.  Be aware of their presence on the chair, your bended knee. 

Feel your hips and your back and relax in the seated position.  Breathe deep into your lungs.  Pull your shoulders back. Let go of your breath.  Tilt your head up and feel the ease of your breath. 

Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Breathe in.  Breathe out. 

For this moment, let go of the self-critic.  Decisions are decisions, neither good nor bad.  Without judgement, our journey experiences a freedom to just be.  We can walk forward to embrace the decision, accept it, enjoy its success or learn from its failure.  To do this, we must change our own words.  This is one way to release the critical voice. 

As we go into our silent meditation, I invite you to use words that help you focus, bring you back to the center and offer a sense of calm.

I walk this path with kindness.

I am on a journey forward.

I am grounded.

I am one in a community.

I am safe.

Or choose a short phrase for your own repetition.

And then we sat for 15 minutes in a silent meditation. 

Lead the energy with #mindfulmanagement

Earlier in the week, I participated as faculty in the Jewish Federations of North America's ILead Conference.  Co-leading with my friend and colleague Beverly Woznica, we shared real life experiences, best practices and the joy of doing what we love.  The gift I received in return is seeing young professionals or new-to-the-field professionals who are passionate, enthusiastic and energetic about wanting to make an impact in the their professional role.

Over the course of less than two days, it was great to have conversations with colleagues from around the country who want to know more and asked the most simple questions to those questions that many of us experienced professionals still struggle with today.  What is most clear to me is that at any stage in one's career, it is the energy we put forth that can inspire or beat down.  In my continuing series of #mindfulmanagement, below are some ideas about how to stay focused to put forth positive energy.

• The choices we make impact others, this is one of the cornerstones of my leading style.  
• People are watching you, they see your values in ever decision and every behavior.
• Serious, focused, fun and inspiring can happen in the same meeting, use it all to keep up the productivity of your team.
• Difficult conversations are necessary, guide them with honesty and kindness.
• Give feedback - try not to think of it is good or bad, it is simply an opportunity to help someone grow. 
• If you are having a difficult time, share it with someone and ask for help. Your supervisor and colleagues are available to help you process any issues you might be facing.

#mindfulmanagement takes practice.  

• Having a difficult day, take a walk around the block, take a moment to breathe, find somewhere safe and make the change inside.  Breathe.
• Listen to your own voice, is it shaky? is it strong? Breathe and find your strength.
• If you enjoy your job, teach others to do the same.

Have a great week! 

Staycation - Staying Never Felt So Good

My vacation is almost over and I've never felt better.  It is not easy today to watch all the posts of my friends travel around the world while I remain at home.  Except that today, enriched from 10 days of vacation at home, this was an experience that I will look back as more than satisfying.  Achieving simple goals by using my time to do yoga, to eat healthy, to think healthy, to spend time with my family, to have fun and to accomplish big home projects with my husband.  In every experience, I walked away reconnected to myself, my family or my friends.

The big news is that I am a planner.  Those who know me might say, "No kidding." And I always knew that I am best when I am in my routine, but this was different.  I had a new plan every day.  Without my regular routine, I was free in LA to do something new, something different, something meaningful and/or something fun.

When I drive home from work, I often reflect on how much or how frustrating my day had been.  During this vacation, I took time to breathe, reflect on the past 6 months and thought about how much more I want to do for the rest of the year and even beyond.  Vacation is a separation from my routine that made me realize how much I value my routine.  These two weeks offered me the opportunity to reconnect.

I didn't go the the beach, I didn't climb mountains, and there are a lot more experiences I didn't have, but what I did have was real, meaningful and fulfilling.  When I was planning this vacation, I had one thought - "Don't get to the end of the vacation and regret it."  And I do not.  I will cherish these next couple of days before I return to work and know that I am returning to work happier, relaxed, satisfied, and excited for what is next.

 

Change of Scenery #staycation #immersingmyselfingoodness

Day 3 - When I first planned my vacation, I had hoped that my family would be able to take a trip somewhere. Unfortunately, this year we had to stay close to home but I still kept my vacation days on the schedule.  I had my concerns about my staycation as I had written before, but making the moments count so that I can feel like I am on vacation was my real goal.  

While I am on vacation, my kids are in school and camp and my husband has his to do list which leaves me time to create opportunities to enjoy time in my own city.  One of the best ways for me to change my perspective when I feel stuck is to change my scenery.  It could be as easy as driving a new way, taking these yoga classes or even relaxing in a different part of my house (my house is not that big, so this is actually not as easy as it sounds).  

So here is my plan for the next few days - 

Yoga - I got my free week and I'm on day 3 and yes, I love it.  I hope I still love it when I am paying for it or when I am back at work and trying to find the time to get to class.

Movies - I love going to the movies, but I go to the same 2 theaters all the time.  After today when I see newest Transformers at my regular theater, I going to make some plans to see movies at different theaters around LA.  It will give me a chance to step out of my familiar places and give my senses a little wake up.

Restaurants - This takes a lot of planning and sometimes too much time when 4 people all want to chime in about where we should eat.  Over the next week or so, I'd like to choose 2-3 new places to have a new dining experience with my family.  So many new interesting places have opened and again, if I drive a little farther then my typical 4-5 mile radius, my senses will have to become more alert to what is happening around me.

More to come...

Day 14 - #mywaytohealthylife Immersing Myself in Goodness

This past week was not as easy to be on my healthy track.  And before I start making excuses, I just want to keep going and try to make more good decisions than bad.  In anticipation of my vacation which is supposed to help me relax, I was overwhelmed with all that I needed to do to prepare for 2 weeks out of the office, but still be at home.  I'm planning my staycation with enthusiasm so that I can make the most out of a vacation I really need.

The theme of this staycation is to immerse myself in goodness.  Living in LA, I often see people midday out for a run, lounging in their favorite coffee shop with a good book, posting on FB that they are at the beach or at movie, and I always wonder, "What do they do?  Why do they get to do such fun things during the day?"  I want to do that.  So for the next 2 weeks, I am immersing myself in taking the time to see the sights, work out, finish a few books and even organize my life.

It's going to take effort to create a daily to do list balancing fun, spirituality and the errands that I need to do.  Here is my first attempt at the next few days:

Sunday - Father's day.  Family time.
Monday - Yoga class, clean out closet, relax in my backyard
Tuesday - Walk, meet friends for lunch, healthy food shopping and cook dinner, try spin class
Wednesday - Yoga class, lunch with my daughter, go to the opening day of new "Transformers"

Somewhere in these days, I want to meditate.  I may start my day with daily minyan which is truly immersing myself in goodness. The spirituality that I feel in that room of prayer gives me strength. The hum of the individuals praying, themselves trying to start their day with words of gratitude, envelops me in a way that I have trouble putting into words, but it is good.

First steps can get me to where I want to go.  Keep moving forward will allow me to succeed and have the staycation that I need and want.

Stay tuned.

Mindful Management #whathatareyouwearing

In a recent conversation, a few of us were brainstorming and some asked, "What hat are you wearing?"  It will likely become the theme of our staff retreat later this summer.  I have heard this phrase before, but at that moment it really struck me as a challenge and opportunity.  I used to find the changing of the hats as difficult, awkward and unsettling.  Now, I change hats with a smooth transition and allow this growth to enhance my experience.

Clarity of hats - The biggest lesson I've learned is to wear one hat at a time.  It is just easier for everyone.  Am I the team leader?  If so, then lead.  Am I the team member? If so, then be a creative and supportive force on the team.  The best meetings allow all staff to share, learn, create and feel we all accomplished.

Chaos of hats - Sometimes when I am distracted, frustrated, rushed, or misunderstood, I need to just listen.  Even when I see my colleagues in their specific roles, personalities and moods get in the way of accomplishing our goals.  During these moments, I try to sit back and listen.  Most often, the "listening hat" is my solution to help move past the chaos.

My "Best Self" hat - My most important hat.  Striving to be my best self is the most productive, fulfilling and positive way for me and those around me.  Trying to make good decisions for me, for my family, and for my staff takes time, thoughtfulness and the ability to see the bigger picture.  During difficult conversations, it is important to keep calm and focus on how best to accomplish one's goals for the conversation.  I have to remember that the person facing me needs to hear me in a kind and assertive manner.  Showing strength, confidence and grace at this time is the key to having a difficult, yet successful conversation.

For the next two weeks, I will be wearing my vacation hat and while I won't literally be wearing a hat, I will make sure that to bring some balance back to my life and I will figuratively keep that hat on for the next two weeks.  It's all part of #mywaytohealthylife.

Shabbat Shalom and have a great weekend.