True Balance Life Coaching

Enjoy this pithy guest post by my friend Bethany North.

What exactly is the purpose of spring cleaning? Of course, we are all familiar with clearing cobwebs from corners, throwing out old clothes, and even scrubbing down baseboards so that they look brand-new again. That being said, if the past year has brought you challenges and the regular dose of stress, you may want to take your spring cleaning to the next level by examining your personal life.

Clean out your mind.

This basically means unloading negative thoughts, problems you have been holding onto, and stress that has built up throughout the year. In the same way that you would throw out last season’s coat or shoes, this is your opportunity to toss out work stress, an argument with a sibling or friend, or even disappointments that you may have with yourself. That is so 2009! Instead of holding onto old issues, you can begin letting go of them slowly but surely by clearing your mind of this stress.

Organize your thoughts.

In the same way that you would organize an unruly closet or junk drawer in the spirit of spring cleaning, start by organizing your thoughts. Do you have a to-do list that never gets done? Do you have goals that you have not yet accomplished? It is so easy to procrastinate, especially when it comes to your personal life. However, now is the time to get it all down on paper! Start making a legitimate list of your goals, no matter how small or large they may be. Do you want to start your own business? Do you want to get a promotion? Do you want to stop smoking? Do you want to start treating yourself better? These are all reasonable goals that you can accomplish by getting organized!

Get down and dirty.

In the same way that you would move your refrigerator to clean under it as a result of aggressive spring cleaning, you also have the opportunity to get down and dirty and finally let go of issues that you have been continually struggling with. Whether you have always planned to lose 10 more pounds, eat better, or find a job that you are truly passionate about, get to the heart of what is really bothering you. Instead of complaining about your boss over and over again, now is the time to take action instead of sweeping dirt under the rug!

Follow these simple tips and your spring cleaning for the soul experience will be a success! This is your opportunity to make long-lasting changes by opening your mind and becoming ready for any opportunity that lies ahead.

Bethany North is prolific blogger and a coffee fanatic that has spent the entirety of her career cultivating and studying all of the best uses and brewing styles for optimal coffee and espresso flavor. Her specialty site for all coffee needs, supplies, and the Bunn O Matic Coffee Maker can be found at www.thecoffeebump.com

“Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see more clearly the ongoing processes of growth, renewal, and transformation in our lives.”

Extreme self care begins with easing your mind, calming your body, and feeding your soul.

Ease Your Mind

Easing your mind involves being fully present and aware of this very moment. Eliminate the guilt and shame you carry with you from your past and put an end to the unfounded worries about your future. Create more time for gratitude, abundant thinking, a positive attitude and lots of laughter.

Till the soil and plant seeds of healthy intentions by:

• Creating a gratitude journal – Start making a daily list of what you are grateful for.
• Joy Spotting- Notice every little moment that fills you with joy.
• Reading motivational books and blogs – Check out my blog roll for some great inspirational mojo.
• Listening to uplifting music, podcasts and audio books.
• Being aware of your self-talk – Are you gentle and kind to your self?
• Lightening up – Things do not have to be so frigging serious. Seriously!
• Lots and Lots of Laughter – Who are you sharing your time with? Do they make you laugh?

Calm Your Body

As important as easing your mind is to your mental health, exercise and relaxation also play a key role in your well being. Our bodies are marvelous creations that carry us through life. You deserve extreme self care.  Just like a beautiful flowering plant, your healthy body needs rich soil and water to create a full and healthy bloom.

Caring for a calming your body includes:

• Regular massage therapy – Bodywork should be a regular part of your health care.
• Relaxing baths – If you have a tub, get in it!
• Luxurious naps – You deserve an occasional nap.
• Moving your body -walking, going to the gym, enrolling is a dance class, run, stretch, and play!
• Healthy nutrition – Fresh fruit, veges, whole foods.
• Care for your mental body image – I dare you to look in the mirror and greet yourself each morning with “Hello Gorgeous!”  Be kind to your self by banishing negative body talk.

Nourish Your Soul

Discovering true balance includes creating time to feed your spirit.  Nurturing yourself spiritually allows you to ground yourself in your body keeping you anchored, healthy and alive.  Caring for the soul includes eliminating the weeds that show up and choke out your natural soulful beauty.

Nourish your soul by:

• Banishing interruptions and making time to be still.
• Get in touch with your spirituality through peaceful time in prayer or meditation.
• Create a time for your creative pursuits – photography, journaling, art projects and music.
• Get unplugged – Turn off the television. radio, computer, pager and any other electronic device.
• Focus on your breath – Deep cleansing breaths in through you nose, filling your lungs to capacity and then letting it all go with a giant exhalation.
• Share your time with people who make you smile until your face hurts.
• Get out of the house and get close to nature – The miracle of water, woods and wildlife will rejuvenate your spirit.

You deserve real moments of solitude, self-reflection, play and relaxation to balance out how much of yourself you give away.