There's a new book on the way and YOU can be part of it!
I often ask people to do the 25 Things List. What's that? It's the list you do as the last thing before going to bed at night. I ask you to record 25 things that you are proud of yourself for having done that day. I say "No judgement on the significance of the 'thing'." The only criteria is that if you hadn't done it, you might use it as something to 'beat yourself up' for, shame yourself or otherwise make yourself wrong. It's not things you do because someone else thinks you should or you have no choice or you are people-pleasing. It's things you do because you know, in your heart, that you are glad you did it and you feel proud of yourself for it.
Sometimes I have to listen to wails of resistance such as "25 things - are you kidding? I can't possibly come up with 25 things." Then we talk about my list: flossing my teeth; folding the laundry when the dryer is done instead of letting it sit and wrinkle; putting away the books piling up on my desk; being polite to a telemarketer; meditating; expressing gratitude; returning a phone call I've put off; thanking my husband; eating healthy at least one meal; etc. You see - not that big a deal AND yet all things that lying in bed I could potentially feel bad that I did/didn't do. Making this list always puts a smile on my face and in my heart as I drift off to sleep thinking "Man, I'm proud of me."
So ... I have decided to name the 25th of every month as the 25/25 day. On this day (yes, I know one of those will be Christmas Day) I am asking you to make a 25 Things List and send it to me. I will compile the lists with whatever identifying information you are willing to share (at least your first name) into an inspirational book for those who hit bottom and can't see a way out and maybe those who are just having a bad day. Many people find themselves in dark places with no idea how to see themselves as anything but a loser, a failure, a burden to themselves and others. I believe that reading the simple ways that others honour themselves will lift the hearts of people who are struggling. Wouldn't you love being part of that process?
So ... get ready by practicing tonight. By the time November 25th comes around you will be a pro. And you might even find it makes a difference to you. A key hint is that knowing you have this empowering task ahead of you, you can start early in the morning. That means no cramming in a dozen or more things after supper. Include the smile you gave someone on the subway, the time you spoke up for yourself, the finishing what you started, the few minutes of yogic breathing and the reassurance that you are worthy.
It all counts. It all matters. I am really excited to take on this project and look forward to a flood of lists on November 26th. Be part of the inspiration. On behalf of everyone who is searching for hope, thank you.
I often ask people to do the 25 Things List. What's that? It's the list you do as the last thing before going to bed at night. I ask you to record 25 things that you are proud of yourself for having done that day. I say "No judgement on the significance of the 'thing'." The only criteria is that if you hadn't done it, you might use it as something to 'beat yourself up' for, shame yourself or otherwise make yourself wrong. It's not things you do because someone else thinks you should or you have no choice or you are people-pleasing. It's things you do because you know, in your heart, that you are glad you did it and you feel proud of yourself for it.
Sometimes I have to listen to wails of resistance such as "25 things - are you kidding? I can't possibly come up with 25 things." Then we talk about my list: flossing my teeth; folding the laundry when the dryer is done instead of letting it sit and wrinkle; putting away the books piling up on my desk; being polite to a telemarketer; meditating; expressing gratitude; returning a phone call I've put off; thanking my husband; eating healthy at least one meal; etc. You see - not that big a deal AND yet all things that lying in bed I could potentially feel bad that I did/didn't do. Making this list always puts a smile on my face and in my heart as I drift off to sleep thinking "Man, I'm proud of me."
So ... I have decided to name the 25th of every month as the 25/25 day. On this day (yes, I know one of those will be Christmas Day) I am asking you to make a 25 Things List and send it to me. I will compile the lists with whatever identifying information you are willing to share (at least your first name) into an inspirational book for those who hit bottom and can't see a way out and maybe those who are just having a bad day. Many people find themselves in dark places with no idea how to see themselves as anything but a loser, a failure, a burden to themselves and others. I believe that reading the simple ways that others honour themselves will lift the hearts of people who are struggling. Wouldn't you love being part of that process?
So ... get ready by practicing tonight. By the time November 25th comes around you will be a pro. And you might even find it makes a difference to you. A key hint is that knowing you have this empowering task ahead of you, you can start early in the morning. That means no cramming in a dozen or more things after supper. Include the smile you gave someone on the subway, the time you spoke up for yourself, the finishing what you started, the few minutes of yogic breathing and the reassurance that you are worthy.
It all counts. It all matters. I am really excited to take on this project and look forward to a flood of lists on November 26th. Be part of the inspiration. On behalf of everyone who is searching for hope, thank you.
