When is the last time you got up and danced? You know, shook a tail feather, did a jig or cut the rug? For most of us, life is so busy we either don’t have the energy or the time for such things. I’m convinced, when we are dancing (either in the kitchen, shower or on the ball room floor) life is good.
How do we learn to start dancing again-enjoying the rhythm of the lives we were designed to live? It takes being intentional!
The dictionary defines the word “intentional” as “by conscious design or purpose” as well as “done or made or performed with purpose and intent.”
Let’s think about our own lives…how would you rate your ability to intentionally live your priorities? In other words, do you “purpose” to take time for the things that are most important to you? Do you “intentionally” take time for yourself?
How would your life be different if you were to consistently take time to nurture your body, mind and soul?
Each day we all have tasks and responsibilities that we all need to get done…for some of us the list of duties is enormous! How many times have you felt frustrated unable to find time to do the things that were important to you?
Frequently we find our health, our well being physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually being put on hold.
Well, as your coach, this week I wanted to give you permission to intentionally (with purpose and design) make the quality of your physical, emotional and spiritual life your top priority!
If one of your goals is to be a successful parent or build a successful business, or to be successful at whatever you find yourself dong, it requires that you have a high quality of life! And a high quality life begins with a high quality you! You cannot be sick or fatigued daily and perform at an optimal level!
Many of us feel selfish by “taking time for ourselves”…..but little do we realize how ineffective we are when we do not take care of our personal well being! We’ve all been told by flight attendants that when flying on an airplane with children, we should put the oxygen mask on ourselves first in the event of an emergency. By doing this we can then care for the child. When we practice intentional self-care and put ourselves as a high priority we then become much more efficient and actually can truly help others without feeling resentment or burnout!
Here are a few suggestions this week to help you intentionally take time for yourself:
Take a realistic look at where you spend your time!
What gets your attention and focus?
What does a typical week look like?
Take some time this week to identify where your time goes. Write down a typical day or better yet ask your family or friends where you spend the majority of your time or look over a couple of weeks of your calendar and determine how much time you take in the various activities and roles you have throughout the day (For example, sleeping, work, commuting, worrying, watching television, taking care of health, taking care of others, etc..) and determine the average number spent at each activity or role.
The only way to make more time is to say no, schedule less, or cancel appointments. This takes initiative and being intentional!
List your current priorities:
How we spend our time reveals a lot about our true priorities. Remember Dr. Duke’s discussion relating to living your priorities?
As you review your list, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Am I making time to nurture my body, mind and soul?
2. Are these the priorities that I most want?
3. Am I involved in too many activities?
Schedule your priorities before the week begins!
Make a non-negotiable date with yourself every week!
”How can I live my priorities throughout the week”? For example, every Sunday many of our clients sit down and actually schedule their week, making “fitness” a regular “appointment” noting what day and what time they will commit to this particular activity!
Instead of trying to fit in activities that reflect your priorities while your plate is full; look for ways to enhance your existing life with them. For example, if taking time for your fitness is important to you, look for ways to incorporate play and movement into your daily life.
Determine this week how you can “make time” for your fitness, or “make time” for your emotional health by doing things you enjoy such as going to a movie, going for a walk, talking to a friend.
Spend this time doing something you really enjoy! Get a massage, go to a movie or visit a museum. Just have fun, but schedule it! Make your life a priority! Make appointments with yourself!
Say no to some things!
Once you have determined what you want to say “yes” to, the ability to say no becomes an important muscle to build. In fact, this week make a list of five things that are taking your time but do not reflect your new priorities.
Protect your priorities!
So in review, this week begin to live your life intentionally! Take personal responsibility to nurture yourself, physically, emotionally and spiritually! Make a point this week to set a non-negotiable date with yourself to look at your week and see how you can make time for yourself, for your priorities and what really matters to you! Also, consider what nurtures you! Consider what enhances you physical health, your emotional well being and your spiritual health!
Who knows, soon enough you might find yourself cutting the rug, shaking a tail feather, or doing a jig in the kitchen, shower or outside in the rain as you find life coming back into balance!
Go ahead and start dancing-you deserve it! 
I want to encourage all of you to let me know if you need anything at all! I am so excited about the changes you are making!
Have great week!
To your health!
Coach Sean
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