Have you heard lately how limitless you are? No. That’s amazing, because everywhere I turn I come across someone explaining how we are incredibly limitless. Heck, I’ve even said it myself…right here and even here. And I’ve changed my mind. Sort of.
I’ve decided I’m personally going to put some limits on this limitless me. Not my higher self, which is the Divine essence in each of us. I’m not suggesting we see ourselves as anything other than the powerful beings we truly are. Unless and until Jupiter aligns with Mars, I’m totally invested in the fact that we are all Divine consciousness…infinite glorious beings.
In fact, I think it would be a great idea to have one day each week when we toss out the inner trash. Don’t mention this to my Darling One, but I think I’m in a spring cleaning mode. I wouldn’t want him to have great expectations for a brighter, shinier, sparklier home and then be a little, well disappointed. Spring cleaning the house just isn’t in my astrological chart this month.
I have something else in mind. All and any thoughts we’ve had, that have covered up our infinite joy, any self limiting ideas about who we are, that might have built up, like little dust bunnies, during this past week need to go straight into the dustbin.
Forget the annual household one, we need a weekly inner spring clean. Getting rid of all that accumulated rubbish about who we are and what we can or can’t do and polish up that inner light at the same time…that’s the way to go.
But for now, it’s the outer me that needs a bit of a spit and polish so I’m limiting myself. I want more time for connection and communication with the part of me that’s the maker and builder of my entire world. And yes, I’m practicing what I preach, I have been imagining a simpler, easier life for the past month or so, and consequently these are the actions that stem from my imagination, from my inner, higher self.
1. I’m focusing on one project at a time, instead of juggling three or four or dare I say it, sometimes even more. I’ve decided that the best multi-tasking I can do is one thing at a time!
2. I’m taking regular breaks from whatever I’m involved in. Spending one hour on my computer and then five minutes away, doing something, maybe doing nothing. Maybe I’ll just sit and dream…haven’t decided yet. But every hour, I’m off to experience five minutes of…different.
3. I’m limiting the time I interrupt myself checking stuff on the internet. Which probably goes back to number 1 – stick with one thing at a time.
I’m easily distracted by a great post, or article and I need to read it instantly, then I need to check out the links and before you know it, I’ve moved into an entirely new arena, leaving whatever I was involved in sitting on the sidelines, like some poor little sad sack. Phew, just writing that reminds me I might need to limit the length of my sentences.
4. I’m limiting the times I say no to fun because there’s something more important I need to do. Ha.
5. I’m going to deal with my mail, snail and internet using that old two minute rule, decide in two minutes iff you want it, need to reply to it, or junk it.
Now this might not seem limiting, but believe me when I tell you that leaving everything, as is my tendency, just means it all piles up and then I’m overwhelmed. So in effect I’m limiting my overwhelm. 🙂
6. I’m limiting the time it takes to stop what I’m doing when someone engages me in conversation. No more, hang on a minute. I’m closing my laptop, putting down my book, or phone or whatever activity I’m so busily doing or checking. I’m limiting my unavailability to those I love.
7. And lastly I’m limiting the judgemental thoughts I have…about anything. The unlovely is definitely heading for my mental dustbin.
Aah it feels better already. I think my inner being is smiling. If you’ve got things you’re limiting, how’s it going? Anything I should add to my list? Would love to hear your thoughts, if you’d like to join in the conversation.
Elle Sommer is the author of 4 books and a workbook. Her latest publications are a series called The Power of Consciousness, and you will find all three books in this trilogy now available on Kindle. She shares quotes, inspiration and positive vibes on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. And her greatest desire is to encourage and inspire others to create not just a good life, but a phenomenal life.
Wish I could tell you Carol that they’re all coming easily…err, not so much. Even this morning when my husband asked me a question, it took almost a minute before my brain kicked in and I turned away from what I was focused on. But hey, it’s quicker than last week, so I just persist. Good luck with your practice. 🙂
Standing ovation for you, Elle 😀 You remember my To-Don’t list? I am having fun continuing it beyond the 32 I posted. And yes, your no.3 is in block letters for me. Oh, that internet/email/social media is so distracting. Fun, but so time-consuming! I hear people claim they spend 20 minutes a day on it, yet they seem there all the time. 😀
Vidya, thank you so much. Please leave a link to your To-don’t list. I went to take a look at your site, but couldn’t find it. I’m sure everyone would love to (a) see it for the first time or (b) – like me, read it again. 🙂
Kudos for taking these steps that will allow you to live a more efficient, ‘breathe easier’ and joyful life.
Turning down ‘fun’ should not be option…most of the time….As far as I’m concerned, we put way too much emphasis on work and productivity and not enough on ‘just being’.
I always enjoy reading your posts…your voice shines through loud and clear….and it is a fine one. xxoo-Fran
Thanks for your kind words Fran. I’ve had to get my timer out to keep me on track…it’ all too easy to keep on going when I’m in the middle of something. 🙂 I like your words, live a ‘breathe easier’ and joyful life. I say a big yes to that.
What beautiful tips Elle! All great ideas! My husband has a saying about mail snail or email, “Touch it once.” It’s good advice that I’m trying to follow today! I’m easily distracted too, so I’m trying to limit my digital time, too. Great post!!
Great quote form your husband Betsy. Now I have to persuade myself that I can touch it once and I’m done. Seems like a challenge for us all. I tell my husband it’s stems from my wonderful sense of curiosity. 🙂 I don’t think he’s buying it.
Wow Elle your list mirrors what i know will bring me more joy, fun and fulfilment. I have been promising myself to clear my pile of email I love limiting my overwhelm- let me know how you go:) I like Betsy’s comment TOUCH IT ONCE No 6 is interesting for me as I am amazed how some people have so Little time for their friends. Thanks for inspiring me to be more conscious xxoo
How nice of you to pop by Suzie. Me too, with Betsy’s idea of touching it once. Let me know how you do with that! And I’ll keep you posted on my progress. It’s definitely a little better today, but boy do I have to be persistent in imagining I did it. 🙂
Totally agree with #5. I get overwhelmed between my work email, my personal emails, blog related emails, etc. Have been trying to make sure my work email inbox is empty or close to empty each day. I have a rule that the emails in my inbox can go to scrolling mode (beyond one screen). The same goes for emails people send me, if it scrolls beyond one screen when I read it, it is too long 🙂
Charmaine, thanks for stopping by. And yes, limiting cake is really, really sad. Can you start somewhere else? No. That’s taking it to a whole new level that I’m not quite ready for. 🙂 Yet.
Great ideas, Elle! I’ve been implementing many of them the past few months and they really make a difference in lowering my stress levels and keeping me happier.
I implemented #6 when I realized how much stress I was creating for myself and my kids when they want something from me while I’m working. The more I pushed them off, the higher the stress levels became. Now I stop immediately and address their needs. It usually takes very little time but they feel important and get their needs addressed and I minimize the disruptive time.
I’ve also been working on #3. I frequently get sucked into my email and the web sites those emails lead me to. Like you, I started setting a kitchen timer to keep me honest. One hour for email in the morning and that’s it. Then I close the program and get to the project I’m working on (item #1 in your list). Keeping my email program closed most of the day greatly reduces my stress levels and helps me to focus on the important things. And focusing on one thing at a time keeps my mind from flying around and stressing me out about all the other things I’m not doing and need to do.
My three little kids are constant reinforcers of #2 & 4. I’m finally OK with prioritizing time on the playset over work. And I love being outdoors in the mountains, especially this time of year.
Best wishes to you in making all of these a reality every day. The small steps make a big difference!
Great ideas Paige. I’m loving all the feedback on how everyone limits the things that get in the way…I’m going to have to read them all a few times and incorporate what I can. I like the set time for e-mails…that’s a big one for me…I’m so blooming nosey I want to know what’s going on. Gotta revise that concept!
I will put into practice the booting out of limiting thoughts as they float through my mind. Sounds like a fun and super-practical exercise. Thank you. Write on, Elle !
22 Comments
All of your suggestions resonate with me… if I could even choose ONE to focus on, practice, and make my own, it would be quite an improvement!
Happy Monday, the start of a new week. most people don’t care for Monday, but I love a new start!
Wish I could tell you Carol that they’re all coming easily…err, not so much. Even this morning when my husband asked me a question, it took almost a minute before my brain kicked in and I turned away from what I was focused on. But hey, it’s quicker than last week, so I just persist. Good luck with your practice. 🙂
Standing ovation for you, Elle 😀 You remember my To-Don’t list? I am having fun continuing it beyond the 32 I posted. And yes, your no.3 is in block letters for me. Oh, that internet/email/social media is so distracting. Fun, but so time-consuming! I hear people claim they spend 20 minutes a day on it, yet they seem there all the time. 😀
Hugs! I love your list!
Vidya, thank you so much. Please leave a link to your To-don’t list. I went to take a look at your site, but couldn’t find it. I’m sure everyone would love to (a) see it for the first time or (b) – like me, read it again. 🙂
Elle….
Kudos for taking these steps that will allow you to live a more efficient, ‘breathe easier’ and joyful life.
Turning down ‘fun’ should not be option…most of the time….As far as I’m concerned, we put way too much emphasis on work and productivity and not enough on ‘just being’.
I always enjoy reading your posts…your voice shines through loud and clear….and it is a fine one. xxoo-Fran
Thanks for your kind words Fran. I’ve had to get my timer out to keep me on track…it’ all too easy to keep on going when I’m in the middle of something. 🙂 I like your words, live a ‘breathe easier’ and joyful life. I say a big yes to that.
Elle,
Great tips! I must become more mindful of the time I fritter away on the computer as well!
I’m still working on it Angela ~ mostly in my mind so far. But hey that’s where it all begins, right?
What beautiful tips Elle! All great ideas! My husband has a saying about mail snail or email, “Touch it once.” It’s good advice that I’m trying to follow today! I’m easily distracted too, so I’m trying to limit my digital time, too.
Great post!!
Great quote form your husband Betsy. Now I have to persuade myself that I can touch it once and I’m done. Seems like a challenge for us all. I tell my husband it’s stems from my wonderful sense of curiosity. 🙂 I don’t think he’s buying it.
I love this! What a clever way to use the concepts of limits and limitless. I am going to read this one again–it’s just too delicious to read once.
By the way, loved the reference to dust bunnies. I wrote a post once titled “Dust Bunnies of the Soul.” I totally get what you are saying.
I’m off to your site to look up your post Galen. See what you’ve done…of course it’s all your fault I’m so easily distracted!
Wow Elle your list mirrors what i know will bring me more joy, fun and fulfilment. I have been promising myself to clear my pile of email I love limiting my overwhelm- let me know how you go:) I like Betsy’s comment TOUCH IT ONCE No 6 is interesting for me as I am amazed how some people have so Little time for their friends. Thanks for inspiring me to be more conscious xxoo
How nice of you to pop by Suzie. Me too, with Betsy’s idea of touching it once. Let me know how you do with that! And I’ll keep you posted on my progress. It’s definitely a little better today, but boy do I have to be persistent in imagining I did it. 🙂
Totally agree with #5. I get overwhelmed between my work email, my personal emails, blog related emails, etc. Have been trying to make sure my work email inbox is empty or close to empty each day. I have a rule that the emails in my inbox can go to scrolling mode (beyond one screen). The same goes for emails people send me, if it scrolls beyond one screen when I read it, it is too long 🙂
Hello Wendy, nice to see you. I like your idea too, if it scrolls it gets rolled…right into the rubbish.
I’m limiting cake. It’s really very sad.
Charmaine, thanks for stopping by. And yes, limiting cake is really, really sad. Can you start somewhere else? No. That’s taking it to a whole new level that I’m not quite ready for. 🙂 Yet.
Great ideas, Elle! I’ve been implementing many of them the past few months and they really make a difference in lowering my stress levels and keeping me happier.
I implemented #6 when I realized how much stress I was creating for myself and my kids when they want something from me while I’m working. The more I pushed them off, the higher the stress levels became. Now I stop immediately and address their needs. It usually takes very little time but they feel important and get their needs addressed and I minimize the disruptive time.
I’ve also been working on #3. I frequently get sucked into my email and the web sites those emails lead me to. Like you, I started setting a kitchen timer to keep me honest. One hour for email in the morning and that’s it. Then I close the program and get to the project I’m working on (item #1 in your list). Keeping my email program closed most of the day greatly reduces my stress levels and helps me to focus on the important things. And focusing on one thing at a time keeps my mind from flying around and stressing me out about all the other things I’m not doing and need to do.
My three little kids are constant reinforcers of #2 & 4. I’m finally OK with prioritizing time on the playset over work. And I love being outdoors in the mountains, especially this time of year.
Best wishes to you in making all of these a reality every day. The small steps make a big difference!
Great ideas Paige. I’m loving all the feedback on how everyone limits the things that get in the way…I’m going to have to read them all a few times and incorporate what I can. I like the set time for e-mails…that’s a big one for me…I’m so blooming nosey I want to know what’s going on. Gotta revise that concept!
I will put into practice the booting out of limiting thoughts as they float through my mind. Sounds like a fun and super-practical exercise. Thank you.
Write on, Elle !
Glad you like it Joseph. It’s still a work in progress for me!