Pilot-Your-Life, Vol. 3, No. 9
Enjoy September 2004


Reunions

Passions in job and life

Nature

Learn

Tips to help you ENJOY


 

Reunions

Reunions occur every year for high schools, universities and other organizations. When going to reunions we know intellectually that it will not be the same as it was earlier. We may have some disappointments and shocks. However, we can choose to look for positive opportunities so we can enjoy the reunion.

We should go to reunions to enjoy being there and be ready to enjoy the people, the surroundings, the changes, and the activities. We hear about people who reconnect with former classmates and continue to stay in closer contact in the future. We can get to know people that we did not have much contact with while we were living there. We each have changed and it can be exciting to share ourselves with others.

Unfortunately, we seldom share with other people what they meant to us or mean to us now. Reunions (or get-togethers of any kind) provide opportunities for us to share with others how they have positively influenced our lives. In addition, we may be able to heal relationships that ended badly. Maybe we never asked someone what was happening in their lives and why they said or did what they did. It can be an opportunity to understand a person or a situation more clearly. Then, we can consider the situation with more knowledge and experience. We may learn more about ourselves that will help us make better choices in the future.

This month Phil (my husband) and I hosted a reunion of his WW II Army buddies in Dallas. These men served in the same company in the army in Europe and in the Phillipines. About 10 years ago they started having yearly reunions at differents parts of the United States. By now the men and their spouses look forward to getting together and talking. It was wonderful to be with this group who obviously were enjoying being with each other and exploring a different city.

Greetings

One choice we can make for ourselves is to enjoy a situation as much as we can, rather than concentrating on what we do not like about it. Psychological studies have been conducted on the satisfaction level of people who have just purchased a car. Those who concentrated on what they liked about the car kept finding more things they liked. Those who talked about what they did not like and kept thinking maybe they should have purchased a different car were much less satisfied.

If a situation is not ideal, what choices can we make today and in the near future that will move us closer to where we want to be? This is a question that many of my coaching clients decide to discuss during a coaching session. This issue is entitled "Enjoy," to bring this concept into our minds so we can increase our enjoyment of our lives.


  • Passions in job and life
  • What do we, or would we, love to do or be? Some of us know the answer to this question immediately. However, some of us do not know what they are passionate about. Perhaps, we have not thought about this question. Considering how to answer this question can help us learn more about ourselves, our beliefs and our dreams.

    Recently, a younger woman commented, "These days there are few people who wake up every morning happy because they love their job, enjoy life, and are happy with themselves." She feels fortunate that she loves her job where she can use many of her abilities. In addition, she values and enjoys her colleagues. She feels blessed that she is able to use her creative talents and abilities as an avocation. She is thrilled that she is now begining to earn some money in this area. Presently she enjoys both of these important parts of her life.

    In our present economy many people are working below their capacity or are looking for jobs. During this time we can choose to evaluate our values, strengths and interests. We can review and perhaps revise our goals and dreams. We can consider what plans and choices we can make that would enrich our lives. Some people may decide to change their career or may decide they want to become more active in areas where they have a passionate interest.

    ***Please phone me at 972-690-0442 or email me at maphurd@mail.smu.edu if you want to talk about where you are in your life and you want to make some changes. I will schedule a free coaching session with you so you can consider the options you have. By the way, if you want to send this newsletter to other people, you can click "Forward email" at the end of this newsletter.

  • Nature
  • We are entering a new season -- autumn. In cooler climates the leaves are changing to breathtakingly beautiful red, gold and orange colors. The refreshing coolness and crispness of the air invigorates us. We feel increased energy and excitement. We need to be aware of how we use our time. Some people tend to say "Yes" to all requests that others make for our time.

    We need to remember each of us needs to have special time for ourselves to enjoy the beauty of nature, friends and ourselves. Therefore, we need to learn to say "No" so we will not become overwhelmed because we have committed ourselves to too many activities.

  • Learn
  • At any age we can enjoy learning. We can learn new skills and information. We can learn about ourselves and other people. When opportunities come up we can consider them and say "Yes" to those that are aligned with our values and will help us to grow and to live more enjoyable and balanced lives.

    We can notice what is going on around us so we are aware of the variety of choices we have. If at the moment there do not seem to be any other choices, remember that when we are in the middle of crises we can not see what can happen in the future. We may just need to keep going one step at a time.

    There are times we can all use professional help to make changes or to handle unexpected events. When things are going great, we may find we want to have a more balanced life or explore new opportunities. Fortunately, there are coaches and a variety of professionals who are available to help us to grow and find more happiness. For a free coaching session contact me (Mary Alice) at 972-690-0442 or maphurd@mail.smu.edu. To learn more about me visit my web site at www.pilot-your-life.com.

  • Tips to help you ENJOY
    1. Emphasize and remember the positive parts of experiences.
    2. Notice and act on opportunities.
    3. Join and associate with people who share our interests and values.
    4. Open our minds and senses to new ideas and experiences.
    5. Yes is a word we should use intentionally for activities we want to do.

    :: 972-690-0442