Katie Did and Katie Does
#Resound11: Identify The Problem
Categories: #Resound11

Prompt 22 – Identify The Problem: Identify the problem. That is, when you’re annoyed, angered, or frustrated, ask yourself, “What exactly is the problem here?” Today, take a few minutes to ponder that one little, nagging issue that, if solved or eliminated, would make your life better. Perhaps, getting up five minutes earlier would make your life easier. Maybe smiling at that one coworker that drives you crazy would ease the tension. What small change in your life would or could make a big difference?

Wow, this is a great question. And it’s not one that I can easily give one answer to. I think what makes your life better is a conglomeration of several little adjustments – no one singular tweak will do it. Here are just a few of the adjustments or changes–some of which were already blogged about as resolutions–that I’d like to make and that I believe would improve not just my own day-to-day well-being, but probably those around me as a result:

Get up one hour earlier: This is a tough one. In no way am I a morning person, and, on top of which, I require 8-9 hours of sleep each night to be a decent human being the next day. But, I’ve been toying with the notion of getting up one hour earlier each day to allow for a good workout and a shower. Plus, it not only gives me the chance to squeeze in exercise, but exercise is a natural stimulant where I would probably be able to give up my dependency on coffee to get moving in the morning. Not to mention the health benefits of just those two things: exercise and eliminating or reducing caffeine intake. I also know that if I feel good about myself and how I am–quite literally–feeling, then I will have a more productive day, have a brighter outlook on life, and be more satisfied with myself. The trouble with this one is being able to compensate for that extra hour and get to bed earlier. My programs are usually on at 10pm. Aaaaaannnd, that just gave me my next tweak….

Watch less TV: I complain of not having time to do some things I’d like to do (i.e. exercise, read, write, etc.). But the irony is, when I do have a free moment, I just want to collapse on the couch, veg out and turn the mind off. This issue likely goes back to exercising. If I got back into the 5-7 days/week exercise routine I was in not that long ago, I would increase my energy levels and be ready to tackle different projects, hobbies or activities and would require less “veg” time as a pick-me-up. Not to mention, exercise enhances brain cells, while watching TV kills them. Gee, which would I rather have?

Remember to breathe: I tend to get riled up easily, and I wish this weren’t the case. Some people and situations get under my skin and I let them stay there like a stubborn rash. Not that I’m a master Yogi by any means, but I have practiced yoga and do know of various meditation–and, specifically, breathing–techniques that help calm your nerves. My goal is to catch myself in the moment I’m about to jump off the cliff in frustration and simply remember to breathe. Stop…and breathe. In….out…..in….out….for five full minutes. If you’ve never tried breathing techniques, you would be amazed at how much they truly do work. The hard part is having the awareness to catch yourself before going over that cliff. Once you’ve caught yourself, the breathing exercise is easy. If I can only remember to stop and take those five minutes, I will save myself–and everyone around me–the headache and nuisance of being aggravated and in a foul mood. Which also leads me to….

Meditate regularly: Incorporating a regular practice of meditation will decrease the chance I will let myself go over the cliff, and will also likely decrease the chance I even get near the cliff in the first place. As you would guess, meditation mellows you out. It offers perspective and a clear mind. It’s when you lack those things that the cliff becomes a real place to jump from. Not to mention, we all owe ourselves the opportunity to sit alone in a quiet space for a few minutes without disruption. It’s a simple thing that is often overlooked. But the peace those few minutes can bring add up to a larger, serene daily picture for yourself and for your life.

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