Music

Some of you will be suprised to hear that until recently I worked in pure silence (when I’m not on the phone with clients that is).  Even though I work from home and can listen to anything I choose, I chose quiet. 

I believed that quiet made me feel peaceful and allowed me to focus when I was working on all of the administrative tasks of my business.  While I was accomplishing my work, I began noticing that my energy was lower than I wanted it to be.  So I tried an experiment.  I began listening to instrumental music – what a difference!

The serene, beautiful melodies fill me up, bring up my energy and completely shift my mood.  I am actually more focused and productive than I was before when answering email, working on new topics for my articles and seminars and all the other administrative tasks of the day.

Sometimes a small shift in action can make a big difference in perspective and attitude!

Dis-order

I crave order in my life.  It brings me a deep sense of peace when my desk is clear, house is clutter free and my schedule is planned.   Even though order plays a starring role in my life and has allowed me to achieve much of what I have, I know that dis-order needs to play a bigger supporting role as well.

Dis-order, for me, represents being more spontaneous, deviating from my schedule and plan, even playing hookie from work occasionally.  For me, dis-order means having more time for play, for just sitting and contemplating life, for experiencing something new and different.

What are your definitions of order and dis-order?  How does each play a role in your life?

Play

When we are kids, play is a regular part of our lives (and our vocabulary).  As we get older, and have more responsibility play seems to get put on the back burner, or disappears altogether.

During my childhood, one of my fondest memories is getting my new light blue “boys” ten speed bike for my 11th birthday.  I would ride that bike every day for hours – no agenda, no time constraints, no purpose other than feeling the wind in my hair and strength in my legs.  It was fun, it was play!

When do I play now?  Not often enough I realize.  Yes, I have fun and feel excitment in my work, with friends and my husband.  Though true play – the no agenda, exhilirating, giddy feeling of fun I had as an 11 year old is itching to come out more often. 

This summer I am going to do just that!