Who’s your Lion?

Most of us have a Lion in our lives, perhaps your family owned a zoo or you had a stuffed version that kept you safe every night.

We see the lion as a source of strength, confidence and power – after all, he is the King of the Jungle.

Or is he a bit scared underneath…like all of us. 

Remember the Cowardly Lion of the Wizard of Oz? Now he’s a real Lion, one who’s willing to go the distance to be their best.

My personal Lion is any kitten on the planet.

They are so willing to climb to heights above, lose their balance, fall in a puddle, saunter off as if nothing happened and go chase a butterfly!

 I am in love with their fearlessness and continual sense of discovery.

I want to be fearless like a kitten; I strive to always be in discovery mode.

I choose to meow loudly!!

So, got a few lemons lately? Well, make a milkshake.

Remember....If nothing changes, then, nothing changes.

Identify what you think is happening in your life.  Let’s play with a few examples.

‘I keep meeting the same kind of men – they’re all jerks’; Ok, let's look at where and when you’re meeting these men (or women).  Be aware that YOU are the common denominator in these meetings so only YOU can change this. LOOK ELSEWHERE!

‘I never get invited’; Are you making it known that you want to be invited? It’s important to engage with others if you want to be included. Shyness can often be mistaken for disinterest – step up to the plate and take a hit; it gets easier and easier every time you try. And, try inviting them out for coffee, drinks, a hike etc. YOU must REACH OUT in order TO BE REACHED.

‘Why don't I get promoted – I’ve been here longer than any of them!’; Be honest about the value you bring to the company - do you hide in your cubicle and 'do your job' or are you engaged in other office activities (committees, volunteer opps etc.). Insert yourself in new ways that go the extra mile. Are those that can promote you aware of what you do? As someone once told me “no one cares about your job more than you”. Be your own champion, and be brave when you know it’s time to look elsewhere. LIFT YOUR NOSE UP FROM THE GRINDSTONE AND PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR OWN GROWTH.

Be a responsible and interested party in your own life and you will discover that no matter the lemons, limes or curve balls that come your way, you will be prepared to deal.

Did Eve have an orgasm? Really?!?!?! 

We spend an extraordinary amount of time asking ourselves questions that will never serve our higher purpose and suck up those moments that are gone in, well, a moment; let’s review.

 Why do I keep doing that? It doesn’t matter – just stop doing ‘it’ – choose a new habit to replace the old one, and keep choosing a new habit until the other one is done!

Does this make my butt look fat? It doesn’t matter – you get to decide and you get to change it - the clothes or your derriere. New jeans? New Gym? You choose.

Why me? It was in the past and possibly had nothing to do with you (read that line again). It happened; what can you learn from it, forgive (yourself and/or someone else) and move forward.

The next time you find yourself engaging in a Q&A with yourself – stop – turn that question into a statement of insight and action.

(Insight) Wow, look at that, I did it again! (Action) Change my (habit, attitude, potty mouth etc.) and do the opposite (stop smoking, be nice, and smile instead of cursing).

(Insight) This Mumu dress makes me look like a whale! (Action) but it’s really funny…I’ll wear it to Thanksgiving dinner just for kicks; then get on the treadmill tomorrow.

(Insight) Whoa, that cut deeply (Action) I need to be still, take a very deep breath, regroup and move forward.

Feel and hear the difference? Try it; let me know where you've applied this and how it worked for you.

Are you happy? Who makes you happy? What makes you happy? Do happy people bug you?

Most of us look to outside sources to provide our happiness. We believe we’ll be happy when we just get that perfect job or meet just the perfect one or just lose that weight. These ‘justs’ are excuses that prevent us from experiencing joy and happiness and keep us locked inside the gates of victim-acres.

Isn’t it time for a new address?

Take a very deep breath…exhale…and consider that you have everything you need to get anything you want. Nothing is missing.  

When you’re happy, what do you feel? What is your body saying? Does your spine tingle or do your eyes seem that much brighter? Start noticing when you experience a moment of happiness – feel the feeling; don’t dismiss it.

For me, it is an allover feeling of warmth combined with a sense of weightlessness. I get a kick that leaves joyful residue in my energy and sort of feels as if it’s tickling my spirit! What are your signals? Learn them, and then create ways to repeat them.

Still not sure where to look?

One way is in doing little things for others; when you make someone else happy in the moment, you absorb some of that. Instead of judging the way your co-worker dressed that day; consider what you like about them. Hold the door open for someone, do small, nice things all over the place all day just for the sake of spreading happiness.

Or, need real data? Check out this book http://www.rickhanson.net/books/hardwiring-happiness

Start, spend and finish your day looking for evidence of happiness. You’ll find it and you will feel it!

Happiness is contagious, practice spreading it around.