Clutter Busting Coach

…clearing clutter from your mind, body and space

connecting

Check In With Others

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In my last post, I wrote about mental clutter which relates to mental health. With the last two plus years of the pandemic, mental health issues have increased. Some may be related to social isolation, especially in our older adults.

If anything good has come out of the pandemic, virtual “meetings” or more FaceTime is one of the best things that came out of quarantine and the pandemic for me. And I am not sure why I never thought of it before. I would call folks or schedule visits, but those tended to be farther in between. A quick chat via whatever virtual platform you use, is so doable now.

Even though we are not as isolated as we were previously, I encourage you to reach out to others virtually or even with a written note. Make it a goal to keep reaching out to at least one person…even if it is for just 10 minutes…checking in on friends and family each week will help with our mental health.

Connecting from a Distance

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We are be being directed to social distance to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. I prefer the phrase physical distancing. But that is another topic of discussion.

Social distancing should not equal social isolation. Yet social isolation could result during this challenging time. Let’s acknowledge that social isolation does exist  and is increasing in this challenging time and that is compounded by many social determinants of health and health conditions.

We…you and I… have an opportunity to make a difference and truly connect with others as we stay at home.

For me, being at home…pausing my life outside of work a little bit…has provided the opportunity to intentionally connect more with friends and family. So, for that I am grateful. I have made the choice to purposefully reach out on a regular basis to relatives and friends that I may not have done so with in in my previous everyday life.

This time has helped me realize some of the more important things to me…. personal connections.

Who can you reach out to today and connect with?

If you are feeling isolated, there are resources available to assist. You can also contact me for resources.

 

 

 

 

 

Connecting Check In #7

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Connecting is all about being present, mindful and curious. My intention for 2018 to connect has been insightful. And I am grateful for all that I am learning through this process. It has reinforced the idea of life as a journey and it being about blending not balance.

And it continues to come down to daily choices. What is your choice for today?

http://clutterbustingcoach.com/2014/09/13/clutter-busting-the-b-word/

Connecting Check in #6

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I have been focusing on connecting or connectivity for six months already. Some days continue to be easier than others. And I continue to learn lessons from this practice.

One such lesson is being present. If you are present in the moment it is amazing how you can connect with others.

I would like to share some suggestions on how you can be present:

  • Practice meditation daily. Even if it is just for 10 minutes in the morning after you wake up. Set a timer, sit comfortably and focus on your breath. If thoughts wonder in, gently return to your breath.
  • Set mindfulness cues. Setting a chime on your computer or phone to go off on a regular schedule can encourage you to pause and be aware of what is happening in the moment.
  • Set your intention. Whether before an activity or the day. Before beginning something pause for a minute and determine what you intend. By focusing on the why, your desire will stay at the forefront and can make you present in the activity.
  • Reflect on your day. Each evening before bed review how present you were during the day. This can help you learn what works and doesn’t work.
  • Identify three good things. At the end of the day think about three good things or moments you had during the day. This sets an attitude of gratitude and attracts positive things to your life.
  • Be curious. Approach each encounter or activity with great interest. You can learn a lesson even from the most difficult situations and by focusing on the positive, it changes your perspective.

There are a lot of amazing benefits to being more present and mindful and being present helps you identify when you are fearful, resistant, procrastinating or resentful. By being aware you can work on those feelings.

So, do you intend to practice being present today? I intend to continue practicing.

Connecting Check in Month #5

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Being present is an important part of connecting with others. Yet it can be challenging.

One technique you can use to ensure that you are present in the moment is to simply take a breath. Intentionally take a breath in through the nose and slowly release it out through the mouth just focusing on the breath.

So, if you are trying to be present to connect with others…pause and take a breath and let go of everything else except that exact moment.

I have found this very helpful in my intention to connect with others.