I recently came across this quote, and I liked it a lot. I thought about how much I miss traveling, so I decided to plan a trip - keeping the message in mind. It was a great experience. Here is my journal and a few pictures: MY JOURNAL, 2020“T’was the day of my travels…” I just want to share This trip during COVID You’ll think you’ve been there! On looking - On pausing- On observing things- What joy and excitement Really NOTICING brings I got up real early To get a head start So as not to miss out – Now, isn’t that smart? With my phone for pictures I took a little blank book To write down the adventure I’ll call, “ Take a Good Look.” The bedroom – it’s lovely Those windows, great light! Such pleasure I got Enjoying the sight. Then I looked at the wall Saw the art in its frame A beautiful flower… Would I remember the name? 
Ah, yes – it’s PROTEA! The colors painted with flare Then I smiled just remembering Why we put it put there. On looking - On pausing- On observing things- What joy and excitement Really NOTICING brings I knew where to go next. I did not hesitate The bathroom – so important - Time to appreciate The towels look pretty All cream, black and white A mirror reflecting - The room looks so bright! 
Once showered and primped I felt together and steady With passport in hand I was courageous and ready. How often we travel And almost always ignore Things like fluffy, soft carpets And a lovely tile floor. 
On looking - On pausing- On observing things- What joy and excitement Really NOTICING brings The kitchen was next I looked around with delight Antique teapots and milk bottles Were a beautiful sight As I really looked at them For the first time in a while All the memories came; They all made me smile 
The bottles with writing Of unique shapes and sizes Were found at flea markets It was like winning prizes And the teapots – all metal From back in the day Made such a happy And colorful display I opened the fridge More colors I could see Blueberries and strawberries, And light green Kiwi. It’s really important I thought with a smile To plan a trip to appreciate Once in a while. So start where you are; Be your own wish-granting fairy! Realize that your home Can be the i-tin-er-ary! On looking - On pausing- On observing things- What joy and excitement Really NOTICING brings Fortified, I continued And explored all around. There in the living room My desk could be found Of course, it’s familiar Of course, I’m there every day But now I could see it In a new special way The bookends - the rhinos From that trip last fall When was the last time I noticed them at all? 
My bookshelves are full It was such fun to look Remembering when reading Meant holding a book! 
And that box full of pens - That stay tall in their places. How cute is that container With my granddaughters’ faces! On looking - On pausing- On observing things- What joy and excitement Really NOTICING brings The computer, a good friend, A companion, and more Bringing ZOOM and FACEBOOK greetings Full of connections galore! 
Yes, on my trip I stayed home - It was no hologram. It made me realize very quickly How lucky I am. On looking - On pausing- On observing things- What joy and excitement Really NOTICING brings You try it - (and don’t stop to clean out a drawer!) -Loretta
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 Who isn’t looking for ways to be more motivated? Who isn’t a little annoyed at yourself for not following through on all those things you really want to do? Here’s an idea that will help. I call it “Dear Me,”. Based on a study done at Columbia Business School, this activity not only encouraged futuristic thinking, but it also proved to be a real motivational tool. Here are the three simple steps:
 That’s it. Sounds pretty simple, right? The results at Columbia were very impressive. The professors found that people really started to care more when they became more connected to their future selves. The participants exercised more often, thought about more fulfilling ways to spend their free time, and actually began to take better care of their relationships. The interesting part here is that not only are you thinking about your future, you are actually planning based what you really want. And you are writing it all down. Need a little help? Here's a sample: Dear Me, I’m so glad to see myself healthy and happy as I fill my time enjoying the community-wide activities I always loved. The neighborhood book club I started is a huge success (even if Emily keeps insisting on bringing wine!), and becoming a docent at the gallery was genius. Now not only do I have to learn about each new exhibit that arrives but I also get to interact with the public! I also love my blogs! They bring me both joy and insight each time I post. My Facebook group, “Make Happy a Habit,” is encouraging and positive. It causes people to stop and think how they, too, can bring happiness into their lives. Yay for me! I’m proud of myself and send hugs. From Me Now when you actually have a picture of yourself focusing on what you think you want to do – and feel how it makes you feel – it becomes more real.
These results are not really surprising. After all, once you realize that you are the one making today’s decisions to reach tomorrow’s dreams, it can make all the difference. So, go ahead… Whether you send yourself an email or actually use pen and paper, write that “Dear Me…” letter today. And let me know how it makes you feel.  “Your mission, Jim, should you choose to accept it, is…” You recognize that quote. It’s the opening scene to MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE. Of course, Jim always accepts the assignment; and we get to enjoy the adventure.
Sometimes in life you do have choices. You can choose – even volunteer – for the mission. But sometimes the mission is simply forced on you, and then you have to navigate the challenges. Transitions Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about TRANSITIONS. Often it’s as simple as going off to college or wanting to change jobs. Other times it’s finding yourself an empty nester, being ‘let go’ from a job, or becoming single after years of partnership. Or maybe you are moving from one place to another, just lost someone you love, or realize that you must RETIRE. These transitions – or CHANGES – all force you to ask yourself similar questions:
Each transition happens to a different you. It’s important to take a good look at who you are NOW. Then you can explore what you really want and make a plan for how to get there. Coaching You Through the Transition As a coach, I don’t give you the plan. Only you know what will make you enthused about getting up in the morning. But coaching will help you decide what you really want and what’s been stopping you from getting there. Once you are armed with that information, you’ll sharpen your focus and be ready for what lies ahead. CHANGE – Some people can handle it just fine, and others, ‘not so much.’ Whether you are Jim (or Janet) and find that your:
having a coach makes a big difference as you navigate the new environment. The “Transition Mission” is yours – and you have to choose to accept it. Let me help you make it an exciting MISSION: POSSIBLE! |
AuthorLoretta Saff, M.A., CPC, CPRC Archives
September 2020
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