Consciously_Walking_the

Consciously Walking the Path

How frequently do we walk along with our thoughts somewhere other than where we are
currently? Have you ever been walking along and all of a sudden realized that you have no
memory of what you just passed during the last few minutes because your thoughts were
somewhere else? It’s even scarier, when you realize this and you’re driving!

Consciously walking the path can also be applied to our life in general. Do we walk through
our life with not much thought of where each footstep is taking us? And then, do we wonder
how we got where we are now?

I would venture to say that many of us, due to the responsibilities of our lives do just this. All of
a sudden another year has passed and we haven’t made much progress toward where we
would like to be. Or, we haven’t even taken the time to think about where we would like to be
in 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years.   It does seem like a daunting task, doesn’t it? But if we break
it down into smaller pieces, we can make some progress. By making small changes in our
thinking and behavior each week, we can find more life satisfaction and joy while dealing with
the rest of what life hands us. Try this.

1.        Get centered – take some time each week just for you. No TV or radio, just you and
your thoughts. Scary? Try meditation or just listening to relaxing meditation music. Take
deep breaths and let all the busy thinking slow down. Even 15 minutes will make a huge
difference.

2.        Write down whatever comes into your mind. Let your thoughts free flow. What comes
up? Notice if the thoughts are negative or positive. Don’t judge them, just let them come in,
write them down and then, Listen.

3.        Now write down something you would like to accomplish in the next week. What
conscious decision would you like to make to change your life just a little this next week?

Want to create art? How much time can you commit to do that? When?

Want to redecorate a room?   What is the first step to accomplishing that?

Want time to read a book? Schedule it in your calendar.

Want to rewrite your resume? What day and time would be best to complete this?

What steps are you willing to take to ensure that you meet your goal this week? Make a
commitment to YOU.

4.        Create a support system that will support your goals - friend, family, and/or life coach.
Do what you need to do to reach that goal for the week. It’s easier when you have someone
rooting for you and holding you accountable to do what you say you want to do.

5.        Take baby steps, consciously, each day toward the destination you have in your mind.
Notice what comes up along the path, either to deter you or to encourage you.

6.        Most of all, Walk the Path Consciously and Enjoy the Journey.

Gail Brokaw, MA, CC
Life and Career Coaching
lifecoach@embracethepossibility.org
Elk Grove, CA
(916) 205-8041