Create Your Own Bliss List!

So That You Can Do The Things You Love, Relieve Stress & Be Better Equipped To Look After Others!rnCalling All Working Women!rnWhere Would You Go On Holiday If You Won The Lottery and Why?rnThink about the following questions:rnWhere you would go? What would you do? Why? What is special to you, about the experiences or activities you have chosen?rnDon’t forget, you have won the lottery – you can attack this question no holds barred! Do what ever you want, go anywhere you like, enjoy the fantasy of creating the ideal holiday just for you!rnTry to answer the above questions before reading the rest of this article. It is an interesting exercise. See if it highlights anything important for you. Maybe experiences or feelings that you would like to have on a regular basis, things that you didn’t realize were so important in your life. When I recently asked this question in one of my coaching groups the responses although wide and varied highlighted a common underlying theme. This theme was, that the women all wished they had more time to do the things they loved, more time to relax, be pampered, and above all do something for themselves. This was a real indication of the amount of time women give, doing things for other people. Whether it is their family & friends, work colleagues or their boss, or their clients. Given the time and resources many women dream of having a bit of extra time to nurture themselves. This isn’t about being selfish and adopting an attitude of “me, me, me”, but getting a balance so that all parties win. I love the following quote by Eda Le Shan, which I think sums up the need for women to look after themselves: When we truly care for ourselves, it becomes possible to care far more profoundly about other people. The more alert and sensitive we are to our own needs, the more loving and generous we can be toward others. So, what can you do to care for yourself in such a way that makes you feel good? A good friend of mine told me that after getting her children off to school one morning and sitting down to catch up on some emails, she sat down with her favourite cup of tea in a comfy chair. The sense of relaxation and peace she felt by doing this quite simple act was wonderful. I actually could feel the “aaahhhh” she experienced as she relived her story. What things do you love to do? Let’s call it “Your Bliss List”. Start off with simple, less time consuming things, which probably don’t cost much either (let’s face it – we don’t all win the lottery every day and so resources, or lack of, sometimes may reduce our options). rnHere are some ideas:rnTake a hot bath full of bubbles and nice smells rnListen to your favourite music (anything that helps you feel excited, positive, inspired, happy)rnTake a walk in nature or even just stand outside so that you can stop & breathe for 5 or 10 minutesrnDance to some funky musicrnListen to a guided meditation on YouTube - there are many good ones to choose fromrnSpeak to a friend you haven’t caught up with in a while I’m sure you can think of some more free ideas to add to the above list. Then you can start adding some lower-cost activities that could be scheduled in on a regular basis, say once a month: A Full Body MassagernAn Exercise Class – maybe Yoga or ZumbarnHaving a meal out with your partnerrnMeeting a friend for coffeernBrowsing a bookshop and buying a book WHAT WILL YOU DO TODAY FOR YOURSELF? I would love to hear your ideas about what things you like to do for yourself. Anything that represents taking some time out to care for yourself and give yourself a break from your busy life. What makes you go “aaaahhhhh”?