I wonder....

One of my favorite tools at work is the Eisenhower Matrix....so simple but so effective to sort through stuff when I think I do not have time. 

It is very important to me to feel as if I have a choice on what I do and how I spend my time. Even if I choose to do something I know is not important,  that I actually had time, but chose not to use it,  I want to own the choice...Definitely not in control of all that happens to me, but absolutely how I choose to react to it :)

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Epictetus

Easy when we talk about business and doing simple tasks, very difficult when when it comes to the BIG questions. Our choice to live the life's we are living? Some of my friends believe they have very little choice. I see strong woman who chose to marry, have children, a specific career. All choices, yet when it comes to managing the different outcomes of these choices (we have very clear expectations of how this all needs to flow!) we often feel like all is out of our control?

I wonder... if we all stop complaining about schooling and health care and politics and used our power to do it in the way we would like to see it. Instead of trailing along with everyone 'because we do not have a choice', how would our life's look? If we chose the simple lifestyle, back to basics, instead of feeling like we do not have enough....enough stuff, enough time, money, energy, love.

I wonder...

Power and all that stuff...

Having been part of the Corporate incubator for over 20 years, I have always been fascinated with Leadership and more particularly the concept of Power. I have witnessed many people without the traditional sense of power (e.g. position, money, status, sex etc.) who have the ability to effortlessly influence and guide people. They seem somehow 'sorted' and strong in the non-traditional sense. Not necessarily charismatic or great orators, but their energy has a mobilising and collaborating effect. We never seem to disagree in a performance meeting on what these individuals bring to the Company. The hour-long debates should tell you something about a person...they do not have it yet.

My theory is that notwithstanding the traditional leadership traits and development initiatives, we are dealing with people who are authentically themselves. They have learned how to stand comfortably in their own skin. They are OK with the good, the bad and the ugly - and it shows! These people are not perfect, they make mistakes, but they are real and true to themselves. They are less afraid of what people think and more concerned about not betraying themselves. They face their fears and they share their journey - and who does not love to see courage in action? The acceptance of yourself and the intent to be the best 'you' that you can be, leads to true power...

Which brings me to my point - I think I can sing. Others do not necessarily agree, but I have embraced this power I have to bring a fired-up karaoke crowd to silence. As I have come to realise that this may not be what others perceive to be my most compelling self, I have chosen one song and have spend hours on it... This is part of being the best 'me' I can possible be. And I have to tell you, I am good! I anxiously await our next team building as I practice standing in my own power...authentically belting out "Rule the World..."

Autumn shape-up....

It is autumn in Cape Town and may this season linger long! Sunny days followed by sultry sunsets, with a bit of whimsical weather thrown in for variation. I had a fun-filled summer and trying to get into my corporate garb was a bit...disappointing. (It is very hard for a Pescetarian, who holds no particular preference for fish (!) to get away from the dessert trolley....)

I promptly opened MyFitnessPal.com and nearly had a heart attack when I saw what I was consuming?! In defense, being a gourmet goddess does not help....

But I am not discouraged. I bravely document my meals with (well presented) protein and pacify my lingering taste buds with low-cal chocolate mousse...grrr!

And as an extra incentive, I am planning my next trip to sunny Greece - but just in case I need a bit of extra room, I am shopping for something which can expand!

You look at me....

I tend to lean away 

as you hold on to me.

I sit in revered silence 

as your echos fill the room.

I witness feelings

whilst you live them every day. 

But I do know love
because of how you look at me.

Anne-marie

Bottle duty!

I am always looking for thoughtful gifts to share with my friends. And being a gourmet goddess, I decided to share what I have always loved having in my own fridge.

Some of my favorites:

Basil Pesto
Blue cheese dressing
Chili, pepper and garlic oil

I also make a lovely sweet mustard with wholegrain seeds and a pasta salad bottled in a sweet & sour sauce. All organic, all packed with love....

Hypnosis?!

I regularly visit a Chiropractor to keep me mobile. Long story...

He is quiet famous and although he looks conventional, his techniques are very, well, interesting. For one, he uses Dr. David Hawkins "yes/no" system and his pendulum to get answers from me. He always says that we tell ourselves a story but our bodies never lie. He is also a firm believer in acupuncture and hypnosis and during my last visit, advised me to visit either of these disciplines. I am still walking, and I have seen too much to be anything other than a believer. And I am curious by nature....

And then a friend gave up smoking after a few visits to a Hypnotists - he was a hard-core smoker, more than 40 a day - and it's been almost a year. Which made me start reading up on hypnosis (never outsource your responsibility to own whatever you do!) before I get myself mesmerised by a therapist :) No seriously, it was a Dr. Mesmer in the early 1800's who opened the door to modern day hypnotism (from Greek work "sleep").

I have my shortlist of practitioners, and yes, I will be taking a short course on the subject, but in the meantime....count down with me from 10, 9, 8......

Love....

I have phrases and whole pages memorized,

but nothing can be told of love.

We must wait until you and I are united.

In the conversation we'll have 

then...be patient...then.

From Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks

                              

Chill time :)

I have a few weeks to chill before all manner of business will require my attention. I LOVE this time I have to take things slowly, to have time to do...well, everything I love :)

I am living my perfect day every day, and chill-days go like this:

I am an early riser so I usually get up with my first thought being that of a well-brewed cup of coffee.
Then I take however long is needed to quiet my mind and my thoughts....my most precious alone-time.
If I feel like a walk on the beach or a movie or coffee with a friend I will leisurely dress for the day, otherwise pajama's or my yoga clothes are just perfect. A few calls and a few mails will complete the only routine I have. Then it is indulge time...
There are on average about 4 books on bed side table, and I read them all at once! A word-glutton I am... So if I feel like reading it is on with the music, move to a sunny spot, out with more coffee and maybe something sweet, and I am lost for hours.

Or a movie from my collection....I am a "pro" at matching my mood with a story. Absolute joy.
And of course, my favorite meal of the day, brunch...

And then, just because I know it is good for me (!) a bit of time in nature. I can be driving Lola with her top down, walking on the waterfront or just chilling on my balcony. The sun is the center of my universe and just being able to feel enveloped in sunshine for a while makes me smile...

Dinner tends to be a more social affair...a drink with a friend, a chat with a client or dinner at a small restaurant in my 'hood.

I love this life I have chosen after many years of merely existing. Ever aware that this time is precious and that the small things make for a perfect day :)