True Balance

“How To Be Rich And Happy” is a book that helps you create and live the life that you want to live.

Life on your terms …

I am fired up to review this great “Manual for Life”  for my friend and brilliant coaching colleague Tim Brownson,  and for his dynamic co-author John Strelecky.  John is a New York Times best selling author and a featured inspirational entrepreneur in my next book:  Life On Your Terms - Stories of Entrepreneurial Freedom.

This book is the real deal and Tim and John are seriously motivated to share time tested secrets to teach us how to live a life in the flow of abundance.

The way I see it, no matter how good I feel about my life, there are always new ways to improve myself, and this book helped get clear on my core values as an entrepreneur.

This book is inspirational for sure,  but it also outlines actionable steps about living your dreams as well.  You will learn how to get clear about your current situation and implement a simple formula to achieve happiness and wealth.

I see this book as a litmus test for budding entrepreneurs who are “almost there” but need additional clarity to claim their full potential.  I promise this material will get you fired up you and make you a better entrepreneur!

ACHTUNG BABY:  Do not read this book unless you are ready to commit to becoming rich and happy!

Download the first three chapters for free to decide if the time is right for you to be reading how to be RICH and HAPPY.

You can also view a cool video introduction by Tim and John to the book here.

Ananga Sivyer is a new friend, prolific blogger and sister anxiety slayer. Check out what she has to say about adding some extra peace to your day.

We’re all too busy to fit everything we want to into our day. Over-committed and over-stressed, we rush from one task to the next with little thought for our own well being. And yet, we all want to be calm, peaceful and happy. Here are five ways to show yourself a little love and squeeze some peace into your busy day.

1. Put yourself on Pause

Sit, breathe and reflect. Take a step back from rushing and emotional intensity and allow yourself a few minutes introspection. You could watch your thoughts, or your breath, or set a timer and free-write for ten minutes. Literally sit and pour your brain onto a page, write out your thoughts, your ideas, your worries, whatever is on your mind let it flow onto the paper. Then sit back and savour the relief and clarity that comes from externalising your thoughts.

2. Indulge in Peaceful Pleasures

Yoga, meditation and walking in nature can leave you feeling calm and content in the knowledge that you’re doing something to take care of yourself, even 10 minutes can make a big difference to your day. Get up ten minute early and start your day with a breath focused meditation. For improved sleep and boosting your immunity try an oil massage, or wind down with a guided stress relief exercise before you drift off to sleep.

3. Grace and Gratitude

Take time out before bed each night to affirm “I am grateful for…” even if you only do it for a minute this simple routine will help you end your day with a grateful heart and peaceful mind. Going to sleep with a grudge or a gripe will spoil the quality of your sleep so be sure to make a habit of settling down with some thanks even if it’s for the most basic liberties like company, food and shelter.

4. Soothing Soundtracks

If you have an iPod or mp3 player, make yourself a peaceful playlist. You could use classical music, music for relaxation, self-hypnosis, or supportive podcasts. Anything you feel puts you in a good state of mind.

My iTunes library has several “mood” playlists set up with different themes: relaxing, meditation, music for writing, devotional music, lectures and pep-talk podcasts. I’m listening to my “writing support” playlist as I write this - that’s the one that keeps me going when I’ve got an article to finish and my mind’s thinking of lunch.

5. Hang out with Happy People

While it’s good to be supportive and lend an ear to a friend in need, it’s also important to look after yourself by keeping balanced company. Spending too much time with people who are stressed or depressed will eventually affect you negatively too. Make sure you spend time every day with someone uplifting. If you can’t be with them in person, call them and share a sweet exchange. Positive company can also come from people you don’t even know. Look out for authors, inspiration speakers, or even a personal development coach whose  energy, mood, and values are in tune with your own goals and aspirations. You can listen while driving, washing dishes, or preparing meals, and turn chore time into a time of learning and positive reflection.

Like what you just read?  Head on over to Ananga Siyver’s Blog - Living By Design

Last night a rush of anxiety reminded me how important it is to relax and unwind before going to bed.  My heart began racing about midnight after 30 minutes of coaxing myself to fall asleep.  It was the night before a crazy-busy week filled with a shit-load of personal and professional obligations.

Like the revving of a race car’s engine, my mind was ready to go. One giant mental check list on a repetitive track of past, present and future thoughts. I was a driver in a cut-throat mental speedway without the option of slowing down. Green flag waved, the Shanny 500 was under way.

How the race began …

I finished watching an old episode of Lost, snuggled under the covers and began thanking the Universe for so many blessings; for a warm bed to sleep in with plenty of blankets, for my healthy body and loving family. Gratitude for a lovely Autumn day with activities like yard work, picking out pumpkins, drinking cider and gobbling up spicy cake donuts.

Time to rest  …  Ahhhh  …

Falling off to a deep sleep would have been lovely if it weren’t for the tenacious voices in my head.

After resting in bed for awhile, the reality of the upcoming week began to unfold along with remnants of what happened the prior week. I was traveling at a high rate of speed going for the apex of every turn around the track.

“Why did My daughter’s teacher take it upon herself to talk with my nine year old about the facts of life without my permission, how can I make the best of the situation?”  “What a big week,  I have a school function on Monday night and a teleconference on Tuesday and Yoga to teach on Wednesday.” ” It is too much.”  “It will be fine.” “You need to get some rest.”  “I am peaceful, I am peaceful, I am Peaceful.”   “Crap why is my heart racing? “I’m sure I’m alright,  just a bit anxious about the week.”  I was beginning to feel out of control.  The CAUTION flag was waved and I needed a pit stop.  “Breathe deeply.” Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale … Deep inhalation, deeper exhalation.

After several minutes of focused breathing the caution flag was removed.  My mind and heart had settled down, and I finally fell off into a much needed deep sleep.

We all experience anxiety from time to time.  Understanding some of the emotional and physical symptoms will help get through your next race.

In addition to the primary symptoms excessive fear and worry, other common emotional symptoms of anxiety include:

Emotional symptoms of anxiety

• Feelings of apprehension or dread
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling tense and jumpy
• Anticipating the worst

Physical symptoms of anxiety

As a product of the body’s fight-or-flight response, anxiety involves a wide range of physical symptoms. Because of the numerous physical symptoms, anxiety sufferers often mistake their disorder for a medical illness.

Common physical symptoms of anxiety include:

• Pounding heart
• Sweating
• Stomach upset or dizziness
• Frequent urination or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

Relieve Your Symptoms

• Learn how to control your breathing
• Change up your physical location
• Practice yoga, meditation and deep relaxation techniques
• Get in a hot bath
• Read or listen to soothing music

How do you relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety?

Do you have any resources to share?

You are welcome to download my new special report: Clobbering Overwhelm.  You can grab it now by signing up for our monthly newsletter at the True Balance Website.

For more information about anxiety attacks and disorders check out HelpGuide.org.