Yes, I am talking about George Carlin. Whether you liked him or not, I think most of us will admit, he was a great satirist. George was not afraid to push the limit, to make us laugh and make us look inside at the same time.
I think if we pay heed to what he was trying to say, we can all live a little better, a little fuller, a little more honestly. Here are several of his greatest quotes and how implementing them can enhance our lives.
“A Place for my Stuff”
One of my favorites of all his “bits,” is “A Place for My Stuff.” George Carlin knew how to gnaw at our relentless consumerism. He knew how to make us question our choices. “A house is just a place to hold your stuff while you go out and get more stuff.”
How often have we fallen into the pattern of the gathering of “stuff,” shopping to fill emotional needs, responding to ads or keeping up with the neighbors? The problem with “stuff” collecting is two-fold. First, it is a temporary fix. It usually doesn’t make us feel good for long. Second, it adds up! And then we are left with what we all resent. Piles of “stuff.” Things we own that really own us.
I think George was trying to ask us to look in, to look deeper than gathering “things.” What if we decided to think twice about filling our worlds with “stuff?” What if we decided to buy less and let go more? What if our homes weren’t just places to “hold our stuff” while we went out in search of more? What if we decided that less stuff made us feel more fulfilled? What if….?
Whether you were a George Carlin fan or not, consider honoring his legacy by asking yourself to consider your “stuff.” Make sure you have what you need and love what you have without it owning you.
2 Minute Tips
Purge every day. We get good at what we practice over and over. Practice the art of letting go of things every day. Look around your world and ask yourself, “What can I let go of today?”
Question. Carlin was about questioning the way we live our lives. Question your motives when you bring in more stuff. In many ways, I think Carlin was frustrated with the “numbness” of consumerism. Question. It’s not about being a hermit on the mountain peak. It’s about being connected to what you are doing, how you are living.
“Always do whatever’s next”
Many of Carlin’s quotes are about moving forward. If you know his work, he talks often about how we don’t know what’s next but we go forward anyway. What wisdom. One of the keys to success is the ability to keep walking toward our goals. Carlin has said, “When you step on the brake’s, your life is in your foot’s hands.” Obviously, we have to slow down and examine our lives, but in many ways, he understood the need for us to move forward. We can not reach the goals we seek without moving in the direction of what we want. One of the keys to Carlin's humor was its simplicity. Just do what is next. It's that simple.
2 Minute Tip
Identify it. So many times, we get “stopped” because we are not even sure what the next step is. Know your next step. Write it down, talk about it, till you figure it out.
Break it down. When you get overwhelmed, which we all do, break down the task and do whatever small piece of that task that is next. If you still can’t do it, then you need to break it down even smaller. In no time, you will be on your way.
Talk your way through. Remind yourself where you are going. Build yourself up. Use your words to empower you to continue.
“I think it's the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately.”
Okay, we all know Carlin crossed the line and he felt it was his responsibility to push the limit. It was all part of his satire. Satire is not safe. He challenged himself, and he challenged everyone who listened.
How about us? What is life if we don’t challenge ourselves to look deeper, to take chances and confront ourselves to be more than we are? Carlin was considered an “unproductive airman” while in the Air Force. Yet, he went on to become one of the greatest comedians of all time. What limit do you need to push through to dare to become what you want?
Confronting ourselves is not so much about shocking ourselves or others. It's about living life to its fullest. It's about finding what makes us feel most alive and challenging ourselves to get there. And that means pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones.
2 Minute Tips
Figure it out. What do you want? Figure out what you want. Is it more time to yourself? Career advances? Whatever it is, you will get there quicker if you know what you want.
Break out of your comfort zone. Do one small thing that challenges your comfort zone. Do you want to be more fit? What one thing can you do, that you normally wouldn’t, to get you there?
George Carlin was a brilliant satirist. He challenged himself and challenged anyone who would listen. He confronted us and shook us, hoping to knock us out of our numbness. Consider using his words to help you live a more fulfilled and honest life, one minute at a time.
Have a great week and remember to make the moment happen!
Maria
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
5 Minute Tools For Easy Recycling
We all know that it’s time to get on the “recycling stick.” Here are a few “5 minute tools” you can make to get into the habit.
1. Think First. Think before you buy. I used to buy so many “throw away” things. I just didn’t think. Just think before it goes in your cart. Will this end up in a landfill in a week, a month, or 6 months?
Quick tip: Put a card with the word, “Think First” on your dash or on your key chain. Keep that phrase front and center in your mind when you shop.
2. Find a “B” plan. What can I do instead? Use something I already have, use something not disposable.
Quick tip: Collect different dishes, casseroles, bowls, etc. either used or on sale. Use them when you bring something to a party and give the dish to the host as a gift. Fun and easy.
3. Bag it. Bring your own bag. Those plastic bags are bad, bad, bad. And here is the good news. The ones you can buy now at the grocer carry more groceries, are washable and, in my opinion, are better for my back.
Quick tip: Target makes mini bags that zip up to the size of a wallet. They are $1. Keep them in your bag or car.
Another quick tip: People tell me, “I buy the bags, but forget to put them in the car or bring them in the store.” I used to have the same problem. Until the day I decided to put my cart aside and go back to the car for the bags. I had to do that a couple of times. It took about 5 minutes, but after only a few annoying runs to the car, I began to remember to grab those bags. 5 minutes of discipline will help you meet your goal.
4. A picture is worth a thousand words. As awful as it is, having a picture in my head of what a landfill looks like is motivating. It helps me remember what I am trying to do.
Quick tip: Click on this site; www.landfill-site.com/html/landfill_pictures.htm. When you find your commitment lagging, the images will keep your motivation strong. It works. Ugh! I really think twice before putting something in the trash with the real visual of a landfill in my head.
Have a great week. And remember to believe in the value of your every contribution!
Maria
1. Think First. Think before you buy. I used to buy so many “throw away” things. I just didn’t think. Just think before it goes in your cart. Will this end up in a landfill in a week, a month, or 6 months?
Quick tip: Put a card with the word, “Think First” on your dash or on your key chain. Keep that phrase front and center in your mind when you shop.
2. Find a “B” plan. What can I do instead? Use something I already have, use something not disposable.
Quick tip: Collect different dishes, casseroles, bowls, etc. either used or on sale. Use them when you bring something to a party and give the dish to the host as a gift. Fun and easy.
3. Bag it. Bring your own bag. Those plastic bags are bad, bad, bad. And here is the good news. The ones you can buy now at the grocer carry more groceries, are washable and, in my opinion, are better for my back.
Quick tip: Target makes mini bags that zip up to the size of a wallet. They are $1. Keep them in your bag or car.
Another quick tip: People tell me, “I buy the bags, but forget to put them in the car or bring them in the store.” I used to have the same problem. Until the day I decided to put my cart aside and go back to the car for the bags. I had to do that a couple of times. It took about 5 minutes, but after only a few annoying runs to the car, I began to remember to grab those bags. 5 minutes of discipline will help you meet your goal.
4. A picture is worth a thousand words. As awful as it is, having a picture in my head of what a landfill looks like is motivating. It helps me remember what I am trying to do.
Quick tip: Click on this site; www.landfill-site.com/html/landfill_pictures.htm. When you find your commitment lagging, the images will keep your motivation strong. It works. Ugh! I really think twice before putting something in the trash with the real visual of a landfill in my head.
Have a great week. And remember to believe in the value of your every contribution!
Maria
Thursday, June 12, 2008
House Rules: How to make them stick!
As we all know, house rules are “rules that only apply to a specific location or organization.” They can be so helpful, because they help us negotiate our way around different situations. Many gourmet restaurants have dress codes. Most companies have organizational “policies” that are expected, and at times, unique, from other organizations. Quite frankly, whether it’s in a restaurant, at work or in social settings, house rules can make life a bit clearer and a bit easier.
But how often do we use them to simplify our own lives? House rules are great for many reasons. They reduce decision making time. For instance, for our youngest kids, we have a house rule that they can not go swimming without us. There is no need for an arbitrary decision about whether or not we feel a parent or public pool is “fit” enough. It is a simple rule. We save endless hours of debate with one simple rule. Our friends understand and the kids know where they stand. House rules also set clear expectations for us and others. Most of us respond pretty well to what is expected. If we know what the rules are, most of us will deliver. Finally, house rules are a great way to keep to our goals. A house rule is really one step toward taking you where you want to go.
Organizations create policy books to minimize questions, reduce confusion and set expected standards. What would happen if we began to build our own personal policy book, complete with house rules reflecting what we wanted in our lives?
Instead of giving to others till there is nothing left, what if we tried saying, “Every Tuesday is my night at home. No commitments. No socializing. Just me.” What if, instead of doing the kid’s laundry till 1am, we decided, “All laundry has to be in the basket by 6 or I will not be responsible for it.” What if we decided to would make one house rule? One rule that will make life easier, that will set expectations and help make goals happen. What if you decided to commit to one house rule this week?
What would it be? What would it feel like to stand your ground? Whether it would be for more time to yourself, more organization, more respect from those you live with, what would it feel like to stand up and make a house rule for your life?
Try it and see what it feels like to take charge of something you want to be different. Think of one change that you want and create a house rule that points you in the direction of that goal. Easier said than done? Not really. Take a peek and see how easy it can be.
Making House Rules Stick
1. Choose wisely. And make it manageable. If you want more time alone, make a house rule that moves you in that direction. For example, “9:30 to 10pm will be my time alone every night” might be a better house rule than “Every weekend, I will have Saturday all to myself.”
2. Make it real. Mention it. Write it down. Put it in your planner, on your fridge, at your desk. Make the commitment real by telling others and keeping it front and center.
3. Stand your ground. At first it will be hard to commit. Remind yourself of your goal. Prioritize what you want and remember not to sacrifice it. Consider it one of your personal policies and treat it as such.
4. Congratulate/Console yourself. Congratulate yourself every time you honor your house rule and console yourself when you slip up. (Beating yourself up will not help you continue.)
Make sure your rule is reasonable. Make it real. Tell others about it. Be firm and stand your ground when you are tested. Talk your way through it! There was a time when I was nervous telling others about our “swimming rule,” but once I got the hang of it, it became so easy. Save some time, know where you stand and what you want. All with creating some house rules. Try it, see how it feels, and, have fun.
Got an inspirational house rules story of your own? Send it to me by the contact page on this site. I will try and share some of your stories in my e-letter! Have a great week!
Maria
But how often do we use them to simplify our own lives? House rules are great for many reasons. They reduce decision making time. For instance, for our youngest kids, we have a house rule that they can not go swimming without us. There is no need for an arbitrary decision about whether or not we feel a parent or public pool is “fit” enough. It is a simple rule. We save endless hours of debate with one simple rule. Our friends understand and the kids know where they stand. House rules also set clear expectations for us and others. Most of us respond pretty well to what is expected. If we know what the rules are, most of us will deliver. Finally, house rules are a great way to keep to our goals. A house rule is really one step toward taking you where you want to go.
Organizations create policy books to minimize questions, reduce confusion and set expected standards. What would happen if we began to build our own personal policy book, complete with house rules reflecting what we wanted in our lives?
Instead of giving to others till there is nothing left, what if we tried saying, “Every Tuesday is my night at home. No commitments. No socializing. Just me.” What if, instead of doing the kid’s laundry till 1am, we decided, “All laundry has to be in the basket by 6 or I will not be responsible for it.” What if we decided to would make one house rule? One rule that will make life easier, that will set expectations and help make goals happen. What if you decided to commit to one house rule this week?
What would it be? What would it feel like to stand your ground? Whether it would be for more time to yourself, more organization, more respect from those you live with, what would it feel like to stand up and make a house rule for your life?
Try it and see what it feels like to take charge of something you want to be different. Think of one change that you want and create a house rule that points you in the direction of that goal. Easier said than done? Not really. Take a peek and see how easy it can be.
Making House Rules Stick
1. Choose wisely. And make it manageable. If you want more time alone, make a house rule that moves you in that direction. For example, “9:30 to 10pm will be my time alone every night” might be a better house rule than “Every weekend, I will have Saturday all to myself.”
2. Make it real. Mention it. Write it down. Put it in your planner, on your fridge, at your desk. Make the commitment real by telling others and keeping it front and center.
3. Stand your ground. At first it will be hard to commit. Remind yourself of your goal. Prioritize what you want and remember not to sacrifice it. Consider it one of your personal policies and treat it as such.
4. Congratulate/Console yourself. Congratulate yourself every time you honor your house rule and console yourself when you slip up. (Beating yourself up will not help you continue.)
Make sure your rule is reasonable. Make it real. Tell others about it. Be firm and stand your ground when you are tested. Talk your way through it! There was a time when I was nervous telling others about our “swimming rule,” but once I got the hang of it, it became so easy. Save some time, know where you stand and what you want. All with creating some house rules. Try it, see how it feels, and, have fun.
Got an inspirational house rules story of your own? Send it to me by the contact page on this site. I will try and share some of your stories in my e-letter! Have a great week!
Maria
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The ABC's of Spotlighting
We all know what a spotlight is. We’ve been to enough plays, seen enough movies to recognize that stream of light that illuminates a particular area of the stage. It highlights what we should all be looking at.
Well, imagine you are overlooking the “stage” of your life. It is full of different experiences and people. They can be funny, frightening, serious, problematic, joyful. As you look, where do you point that light?
When we think of spotlighting our lives, we want to challenge ourselves to highlight the areas of our lives that are in our best interest. Sometimes that means facing problems. Sometimes that means letting things go. Sometimes that means looking at things less critically.
Take a look at how you highlight the stage of your own life. Look closely at what you draw attention to throughout the day. And make sure that what you are doing strengthens you and is in your best interest. One small change in how and where you shine the light can transform your life!
Don’t waste your spotlighting energy by avoiding problems, obsessing over them or focusing on the negative!
When it comes to problem solving, are you guilty of any of the following spotlighting styles? Take a look and try out some of the simple solutions for each one!
Jittery Spotlighter
If there is a problem, I get a little shaky and start moving that light. Avoiding people and places, procrastinating tasks, shining that light on other parts of the stage, just to avoid the problem. “Spontaneous lunch out when I am buried under 5 hours of deadlines? Wahoo! Let me grab my keys! And let’s only talk about FUN stuff.”
Getting Steady - Spotlighting Solutions for the Jittery
Acceptance
Stop romanticizing! “I’m just a free spirit, I don’t like to go by the rules.” Remember, this is about accepting some of life’s responsibilities. You don’t have to give up your free spiritedness. In actuality, you will have more happiness and freedom when you are free from the trappings of avoidance!
Baby Steps
Pick one small thing to change. “I will pay my phone bill on time.” “I will return calls right away.” Just one small change will propel you in the right direction.
Communicate
Talk yourself through it! Remind yourself that you can shine the light on your problems and still be happy.
Glued Spotlighter
Focus on a problem? No problem! Let’s get in there with the light and never leave! This is a big deal, needs a lot of time and discussion! Solution? Well, maybe LATER. I have to talk about this a lot more first. “Yes, I am still undecided about that issue from last fall. But let’s talk about it more before I decide.”
Getting Unglued - Spotlighting Solutions for the Glued
Acceptance
Accept that you like the drama and distraction from other things in your life. Maybe even relaxation and happiness aren’t as easy as being in the middle of a dilemma.
Baby Steps
You can change ANYTHING one step at a time. Start by not obsessing over one small thing.
Just one thing. What to eat at the restaurant? Slowly teach yourself to make quick decisions.
Communicate
Talk yourself through. Remind yourself that you can make quick decisions and that it is healthy for you. Tell yourself "quiet and calm is okay."
Dust Finding Spotlighter
Forget problems in general. I can top that! I can find the “dust bunny” in every situation! If there is something bad in my life, I can find it and spotlight it so everyone can see it too! “Yes, I got a new job, but can you believe I have to drive downtown now? Ugh! The traffic!”
Clean Up – Spotlighting Solutions for the Dust Collectors
Acceptance
Face the facts. You are hooked on seeing the negative. No matter what is going on, you will find the “dust.” Accept that you need to unhook yourself.
Baby Steps
This is really about changing a habit. You start with one step. Maybe 15-30 minute increments of time in which you refuse to speak negatively. No negative comments. 15 minutes. It will increase your awareness and move you toward change.
Communicate
Talk yourself through it. Negative thought is easy to stop with a little effort and awareness. Remind yourself that you can do it. Be kind to yourself.
No one is perfect. Most of us have a bit of the jitters, get glued to a predicament or fall into dust finding when it comes to our problems. No big deal. But turn on the light and take a look. The key here is to know yourself and begin to make small changes. Be honest and take a step or two this week to fine tune your spotlighting techniques.
Have a great week and remember to make the moment happen!
Well, imagine you are overlooking the “stage” of your life. It is full of different experiences and people. They can be funny, frightening, serious, problematic, joyful. As you look, where do you point that light?
When we think of spotlighting our lives, we want to challenge ourselves to highlight the areas of our lives that are in our best interest. Sometimes that means facing problems. Sometimes that means letting things go. Sometimes that means looking at things less critically.
Take a look at how you highlight the stage of your own life. Look closely at what you draw attention to throughout the day. And make sure that what you are doing strengthens you and is in your best interest. One small change in how and where you shine the light can transform your life!
Don’t waste your spotlighting energy by avoiding problems, obsessing over them or focusing on the negative!
When it comes to problem solving, are you guilty of any of the following spotlighting styles? Take a look and try out some of the simple solutions for each one!
Jittery Spotlighter
If there is a problem, I get a little shaky and start moving that light. Avoiding people and places, procrastinating tasks, shining that light on other parts of the stage, just to avoid the problem. “Spontaneous lunch out when I am buried under 5 hours of deadlines? Wahoo! Let me grab my keys! And let’s only talk about FUN stuff.”
Getting Steady - Spotlighting Solutions for the Jittery
Acceptance
Stop romanticizing! “I’m just a free spirit, I don’t like to go by the rules.” Remember, this is about accepting some of life’s responsibilities. You don’t have to give up your free spiritedness. In actuality, you will have more happiness and freedom when you are free from the trappings of avoidance!
Baby Steps
Pick one small thing to change. “I will pay my phone bill on time.” “I will return calls right away.” Just one small change will propel you in the right direction.
Communicate
Talk yourself through it! Remind yourself that you can shine the light on your problems and still be happy.
Glued Spotlighter
Focus on a problem? No problem! Let’s get in there with the light and never leave! This is a big deal, needs a lot of time and discussion! Solution? Well, maybe LATER. I have to talk about this a lot more first. “Yes, I am still undecided about that issue from last fall. But let’s talk about it more before I decide.”
Getting Unglued - Spotlighting Solutions for the Glued
Acceptance
Accept that you like the drama and distraction from other things in your life. Maybe even relaxation and happiness aren’t as easy as being in the middle of a dilemma.
Baby Steps
You can change ANYTHING one step at a time. Start by not obsessing over one small thing.
Just one thing. What to eat at the restaurant? Slowly teach yourself to make quick decisions.
Communicate
Talk yourself through. Remind yourself that you can make quick decisions and that it is healthy for you. Tell yourself "quiet and calm is okay."
Dust Finding Spotlighter
Forget problems in general. I can top that! I can find the “dust bunny” in every situation! If there is something bad in my life, I can find it and spotlight it so everyone can see it too! “Yes, I got a new job, but can you believe I have to drive downtown now? Ugh! The traffic!”
Clean Up – Spotlighting Solutions for the Dust Collectors
Acceptance
Face the facts. You are hooked on seeing the negative. No matter what is going on, you will find the “dust.” Accept that you need to unhook yourself.
Baby Steps
This is really about changing a habit. You start with one step. Maybe 15-30 minute increments of time in which you refuse to speak negatively. No negative comments. 15 minutes. It will increase your awareness and move you toward change.
Communicate
Talk yourself through it. Negative thought is easy to stop with a little effort and awareness. Remind yourself that you can do it. Be kind to yourself.
No one is perfect. Most of us have a bit of the jitters, get glued to a predicament or fall into dust finding when it comes to our problems. No big deal. But turn on the light and take a look. The key here is to know yourself and begin to make small changes. Be honest and take a step or two this week to fine tune your spotlighting techniques.
Have a great week and remember to make the moment happen!
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