Finding Peace in a Chaotic World

My daughter received her first communion a few days ago. It was a lovely event and milepost in her life. However, the activity leading up to it did not seem to match the beauty and serenity that the ceremony symbolized.

There were the classes and scheduling conflicts. There must be a party. The party must have cake even though the reception at the church that the children must attend also has cake. Decisions needed to be made about photographs, who is coming, who sits where, and the list goes on. Naturally, the kids still had school and we still had work.

I made three choices to help with my peacefulness. First, I acknowledged the chaos, but decided not to get “sucked in.” Second, I chose to limit the level of busy-ness. We picked up sandwiches, I made a simple salad, we ordered the obligatory cake, and some very simple decorations. I paced myself by spreading out my jobs for the event throughout the week. Third, and most importantly, I reminded myself of the purpose of the event and what it meant for my daughter.

It is not everyday that we or someone we love reaches a big milepost, but each day we are challenged with busy-ness. Uncontrolled busy-ness causes needless stress and conflict. When we are stressed and conflicted our ability to contribute to a peaceful world is inhibited. When we resolve to be peaceful, we can best influence others to be peaceful.

Peace,

Dr. Shaun Jamison

Dr. Shaun Jamison, ACG, ALB is a speaker, law professor, and a business/life coach. He writes and speaks on journaling as well as improving our relationship with time. He may be found on the web at www.guideonyourside.com. He will be presenting at the June Region IV Toastmasters Conference.

Smell the Coffee or Smell the Roses

Wake up and smell the coffee! Have you received a
wake up call lately? Maybe you think it is high time to
address global warming, illiteracy, the roots of terrorism,
build your business, write that book, and the list goes on.
As a coach, I encourage you to reach for those BHAGs
(Big Hairy Audacious Goals). I also put out the message
that we need to be present, smell the rose, live in the
moment, and enjoy our lives.

Can the two goals be reconciled? I say yes, and I think
you will agree. We can pick BHAGs that give us energy,
allow us to be present, and to smell the roses. We can
find ways to be happy fulfilled people and save the world
and pay the bills. We can let go of activities and goals
that drain our resources.

How? By setting a BHAG to do just that. By focusing on
the most important issues and goals and by working
together we can create sustainable lives, professions,
and world.

Your wake up call is here!
Dr. Shaun Jamison
www.guideonyourside.com