Tricky Life Lesson Learned from a Trick Ankle

LESSON LEARNED FROM A TRICK ANKLE

I have a trick ankle that acts up when I least expect it. I can be walking along the hiking trail feeling great and in a blink of an eye, my ankle suddenly twists and I'm down for the count.

Life is sometimes tricky like my ankle--taking you down when you least expect it.

But I've learned a very important lesson from my trick ankle I apply to life. The proper response to being taken down is to get back up, brush yourself off, and keep on walking. The injury you endure from your fall will be lessened when you just keep going.

SNAP OUT OF IT! GET UP AND TAKE THE NEXT STEP!

As I sat on the couch treating my most recent twisted ankle using the R.I.C.E. protocol, I considered how similar the treatment of an acute soft tissue injury is to the treatment of an acute injury to the spirit.

Just as the R.I.C.E. principle of Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation is prescribed for the early treatment of acute soft tissue injuries, such as an ankle sprain or strain, the four R.I.C.E. steps can be used to guide you in the treatment of an acute injury to your spirit.

R.I.C.E. FOR ACUTE INJURY TO THE SPIRIT

Rest your spirit. Give yourself down time to calm rather than inflame the situation. An Epson salts soak can help remove the aches and pains, and calm you after a fall from grace or a twisted ankle.

Ice--Apply a 20 minute period of 'chilling out' every hour as needed for the first 48 hours after injury to your spirit. Do something else to take your mind off your problem.

Compression--Contain the injury to your spirit by pulling in and creating a safe place to just be. Compress the time you dwell on the problem.

Elevation--Look up from your problems to find the the solution for moving on out there. The recommendation for healing an injured ankle is to elevate it at or above the level of the heart. It is the same for healing your tender spirit--elevate your view above the level of your heart. 

Keep it simple...and keep on going.

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For more than 30 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before.


If you're interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the Lightarted Living mailing list. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

Dealing with Mean-Spirited People: Find a Way to Do Good despite the Despicables!

'A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, 

but a woman of strength knows it is the journey that will make her strong.'

BE STRONG

Seeking Trust, Tranquility and Satisfaction in the New Year? 

Get Past the People Wishing You Harm So You Can Get on with Doing Good 

Not everyone out there has your best interest at heart. Some people have wicked intentions to do you harm. They are the mean-spirited, cruel, despicable, and vile nasties you find scattered about in your world who make it their job to make your life miserable. Luckily for you there are far fewer of these nasty people than the kindhearted people willing to support and work with you to make the world a better place.   

Too often the nasties lie in wait looking for ways to twist your actions or words into something they are not. And if they find a soft spot--a place where perhaps you failed or simply failed to be perfect, they're ready with the magnifying glass to amplify your failures. 

The Despicables have a strong belief in their absolute rightness and in your absolute wrongness. Why they zero in on you seeking to control you and stir up trouble for you is a mystery.

If you are seeking trust, tranquility and satisfaction in the new year, find ways to get past the people wishing you harm so you can get on with the business of doing good. Don't let their nastiness stop you or define you. Choose to be internally driven and define your own way.

Tips for Guiding Your Own Life

Tip # 1: Choose to see the world as a friendly place and let your actions be internally driven 

When you choose to see the world as a friendly place you set a positive expectation that wherever you go that loving, caring people are ready to help you succeed. You step out into the world knowing even if mean-spirited people are present, you are surrounded by even more good people who are ready and willing to guide you to positive outcomes.

Tip # 2: Let your actions and thoughts be guided by people who inspire you, not the nasties who denigrate you.

Mother Teresa, The Joy in Loving: A Guide to Daily Living

'These are the few ways we can practice humility~

To speak as little as possible of one's self;

To mind one's own business; 

Not to want to manage other people's affairs; 

To avoid curiosity; 

To accept contradictions and correction cheerfully; 

To pass over the mistakes of others; 

To accept insults and injuries; 

To accept being slighted, forgotten and disliked; 

To be kind and gentle even under provocation; 

Never to stand on one's dignity; 

To choose always the hardest.' 

Tip # 3: Guide your actions by who you want to be, not by who the nasties tell you you are.

'Act mindfully. Accept entirely. Move strongly. Think softly. Speak beautifully. Live simply. Love completely.' Anon

'If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it. This you have the power to revoke.' Marcus Aurelius

 Tip # 4: Act As If!

You are the one who makes decisions for your life and the mean-spirited Despicables can only influence your decisions if you let them. You are the driver of how you deal with the world. 

'As If' thinking is a very powerful tool that can work for or against you. Since you're in charge of your thoughts you are the only one who can turn your negative 'As If' thinking into positive 'As If' thinking.

Tip # 5: PRACTICE Experiencing the World 'As If' it is Friendly

When you catch yourself fighting that nasty person out to get you-- pause-- and choose to practice acting as if the world is a friendly place in which you are in charge. Start by playing 'what if'--what if everyone in my world was out to help me achieve my greatest desires? What would your world look like? What options and opportunities would open up for you? For example:

If everyone in my world is out to help me achieve my greatest desires then:

• Everyone who posts a job I'm interested in writes the position with me in mind.
• People interviewing me for a job want me to stand out as a candidate. They're secretly rooting for me.
• If I am laid off, the universe is making way for a better situation for me. I am now free to invite creativity and more challenging work into my life.
• Wherever I go I meet people who are looking to be my friend, my partner or employer.

'Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.' Margaret Mead

Tip # 6: Seek Help from a Trustworthy Person 

If you have difficulty transitioning from experiencing the world as hostile to friendly, seek the assistance of a person in your life you and others know to be trustworthy and ethical.  Sometimes it helps to practice seeing the world through another set of eyes--ones you can easily trust and safely learn from.

'The possibility that we may fail in the struggle should not deter us from supporting a cause we believe to be just.' Abraham Lincoln

Tip # Infinity and Beyond: Believe this is Your Year to Shine!

This is your year to shine! If last year failed to provide you with a positive and energizing environment in which to contribute your gifts and build loving relationships, find ways to get a fresh start. There is no time like the present to go out there and give generously of your gifts.

What are you waiting for? That friendly world with people who mean you good is waiting for your contributions and gifts.

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For more than 30 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before.


If you're interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the Lightarted Living mailing list. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

Lao Tzu and Albert Einstein: From Chaos and Crisis to Harmony and Opportunity

I have faith in the future and in human beings

In the Middle of Difficulty lies Opportunity

Albert Einstein's three rules of work: 'Out of clutter find simplicity; from discord find harmony; in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.' 

Who knew simplicity, harmony and opportunity were at the core of Albert Einstein's work values? Or how effortlessly Einstein's philosophy would dovetail with the simple wisdom of Lao Tzu?

'To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.' Lao Tzu

When we combine the wisdom of these two great minds we discover a straightforward way through the chaos and clutter of our current difficulties to the opportunities that lie ahead.

• When we sit quiet, out of clutter, simplicity emerges.
• When we sit quiet in the midst of discord, harmony emerges.
• When we sit quiet in the middle of difficulty, opportunity emerges.

I am resilient in the face of setbacks.

A Still Mind Calms the Chaos and Crisis

Many situations in life break your heart, spirit and belief in yourself and life--making you feel you could never again recover that essential, childlike innocence you were born with. But you can.

No matter what difficulty you're currently facing, the way through is to begin to create moments of quiet to still your mind one step at a time. No--this isn't easy, but it is essential. 

Each moment of my life is new, fresh & vital.

Take the First Step to Regain a Hopeful Heart and Renew Your Wounded Spirit

Not much has changed in the thousands of years humans have been facing and recovering from the difficulties of life. 

Lao Tzu stated so long ago, 'a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step'. 

You fuel your inner strength and sense of resiliency by taking action. But sometimes when faced with 'a journey of a thousand miles' you can be overwhelmed with the daunting task of where to begin. What is the first step?

The good news is any first step will do. Your hope, resiliency, and personal strength will grow stronger with every step you take. It doesn't matter what the first step is. As you experience yourself being pro-active and physically taking action, your ability to cope and hope will improve. So start with a single step--any step-- and then another.

I allow my mind to relax--I am at peace

Take Small Steps

An old Chinese Proverb says, 'The man who moved a mountain is the one who started taking away the small stones'. When you're in total overwhelm mode, start 'taking away the small stones'--one small step, then another.

When you stay in chaos and crisis mode you are unable to find the simplicity, harmony and opportunity present in every situation. But take a breather or walk to calm the mind, and the whole universe surrenders to you.

In times of darkness I trustingly step back into the light

Where can you apply this to your Life?

• What difficulty are you currently facing?
• Where in your life could you benefit from taking a breather to calm your mind?
• Where in your life would you like to rekindle simplicity,harmony and opportunity? Do it now.

'If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading'. Lao Tzu

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For more than 30 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before.

If you're interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the Lightarted Living mailing list. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

Audacious Introverts and Extroverts: From Shut Down to Speaking Up

The Courage to Speak and Act 

Sometimes when life hits us a big blow--or perhaps many little ones--our resolve to tackle life head on is weakened, and we retreat into a timid place in which we lack the courage to take action, speak out, or tell our truth. 

Now you may falsely believe a timid spirit is confined to introverts and an exuberant spirit is only found among extroverts. But this is a misconception based on the caricature of a soft spoken introvert overwhelmed in a world of outspoken extroverts. 

Extroverts are just as susceptible as introverts to be shut down by life blows and need to find ways to coax themselves back out to face the world; and introverts are just as capable as extroverts to access and show their bold, courageous selves. 

Whether we're introverts or extroverts, we all access our inner and outer world at will, with introverts preferring to spend more time in the inner world and extroverts preferring to spend more time in the outer world.

But when life knocks us down, all of us--introverts and extroverts alike--retreat into our inner world to hold our own counsel and reconnect with our inner strength.

Accessing Your Bold, Audacious Spirit Inside

I know--'audacious' is not a word you generally think of when you think of an introvert and not always for an extrovert either. Yet it is a great word that describes a way of being we should all strive to achieve. 

An Audacious Spirit Promotes Strength

Unlike possessing a brassy, bossy, or bully spirit, an audacious spirit is one that promotes your strength to meet the world head on rather than one that is determined to control others into submission.

Unselfconsciously Fully-Engaged in Life

When you embrace your Audacious Spirit , you put fear aside to unselfconsciously show the fully engaged and fully alive person you are: You embolden yourself to seek justice; right wrongs; go where others have not; think differently; and step over boundaries and past barriers to unleash your best talents and self. 

The two-pronged Chinese Symbol for Crisis
'dangerous opportunity' 

Crisis--a Dangerous Opportunity Spurring You into Action

We are usually spurred into audacious action by a life crisis. While the initial response to a crisis is to retreat into yourself, the sharpness and discomfort of a crisis also rekindles your naturally audacious spirit to do battle--and suddenly you'll step forward to once again speak up to create the type of workplace, community, family or relationship you want.  

Choose to embrace and redirect your life experiences. Don't be afraid of the life crises and don't be afraid of retreating into yourself in response to the blow you take from dealing with them. 

Reframe what is happening when you retreat--learn to sit in the discomfort and view it as a time to regroup and build up your indomitable spirit to reemerge fully prepared to face life boldly and courageously.

Believe in Your Ability to Handle Whatever Life Brings You

Learn to rekindle trust in yourself, turn fear into faith in your future, and seek an Audacious Spirit!

Boldly Turn Fear into Faith

F E A R

 F  E  A  R

 F  E   A   R

False Evidence Appears Real

False Evidence Appears Real

          Forgo All  Insecurity  Trust  Hope

Forgo   All   Insecurity   Trust   Hope

Forgo All  Insecurity Trust Hope

Forgo All  Insecurity Trust Hope

F  A  I  T  H

F A I T H

F A I T H

There is in every

True woman’s heart

A spark of heavenly fire

Which lies dormant

In the broad daylight

Of prosperity-

But which kindles up

And beams and blazes

In the dark hour of adversity

Be Audacious!

Today I am Audacious!

• Extremely bold and daring; 
• Recklessly brave and fearless;
• Shameless Bold and Brazen;
• Extremely Original and Highly Inventive;
• Recklessly bold in defiance of convention; 
• Lively; Unrestrained; Uninhibited;
• Courageous, Dauntless, Venturesome;
• Unabashed, Shameless; Impertinent, Forward.

'Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact.' William James

This post is dedicated to all the AUDACIOUS WOMEN in 2015 who I witnessed stepping out to boldly support the life and causes they believe in! You are an inspiration to me.

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For more than 30 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before.


Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the Lightarted Living mailing list. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.

Dare to Dream the Impossible Dream: Surviving Difficult Times

'Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.'  Howard Thurman

A Dream of Hope   

Do you ever have dreams that profoundly affect you? I do. 

One night I dreamt I allowed myself to be killed over and over again to show others how I came alive again. Although I died again and again in the dream, it was in fact a dream of hope--not a morbid one—and that's why it had such a profound effect on me.

At the time I had been contemplating how I might help people who were laid-off and unemployed maintain hope for their future.

'What was the secret to turning around feelings of hopelessness so people beat down by life could reemerge victorious and fully involved in life?'

What I realized was my dream showed me the answer to how I maintain my own ability to thrive despite discouraging times--

'When I am 'deadened by life experiences' I refocus my attention away from the deadening experiences and put it back on things that make me come alive. By choosing to be among 'the living' again, I reemerge triumphantly and show others I have come alive again.'

Within You is the Desire to Serve the World FULLY ALIVE

Sure, your life difficulties and this slowly recovering economy can still make you feel like a quivering bowl of Jell-O--stuck in indecisiveness and failing to act because you don't know what the right step is that will work out for you.

But here's the thing--within you is a desire to serve the world--FULLY ALIVE--using your unique skills and talents. But what are they and how do you access them when you feel deadened by your current circumstances?

What makes you feel FULLY ALIVE?

When you're in the midst of dealing with major life issues--like caring for aging parents, dealing with divorce, being laid off, or graduating from college into a poor job market--it creates an emotional cloud around your thinking. Trying to make logical, rational or heart-felt decisions about your purpose or life calling can feel like you're asking the black 8-ball a question and getting 'reply hazy, try again'. It can feel like an impossible task.

This is when you must choose to actively take steps to rediscover your passion.

Everything is (SECRETLY) okay
ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD

Have Faith in Your Inner Wisdom--and Take a Step

Act as If: When your senses are numbed have faith in your inner wisdom to shines a light on the path that makes you come alive--then act as if--and take a step. 

Trust, but Verify: This is a variation on 'trust, but verify' others. In this instance you trust your inner self to know your path--but you test the truth of that wisdom by taking action. You'll know soon enough if you want to continue down this path or choose another direction.

Life is an Experiment

All of life is an experiment. You start with a hypothesis--or idea of the truth about what makes you come alive--and you actively test your theory through taking practical steps to see if you indeed come alive by taking that path.

Are You Ready to Come Alive and Dream the Impossible Dream?  

• Make an active choice to be back among the living.
• Refocus your attention.
• Act as if.
• Trust, but verify.
• Choose actions that show others you've come alive again.
• Choose actions that show you care about life.

Dare to Dream the Impossible Dream During Difficult Times

Don't let your life experience keep you down. Dare to dream the impossible dream during difficult times. Choose to triumph over the obstacles that get in the way of you coming alive. You always have another step to take.

What Makes You Come Alive? 

• What puts a twinkle in your eye?
• What gets your blood boiling?
• What makes your heart race?
• What's something you'd really like to sink your teeth into?
• What captures your mind's eye?

 'Faith may be defined briefly as an illogical belief in the occurrence of the improbable.'   H.L. Mencken

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For more than 30 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes changing easier than ever before.

 
If you're interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the Lightarted Living mailing list. Sign up for free e-mail updates from this blog in the top right-hand corner of the page.