Summer is still here, but I sense that the leaves will be changing before long.  I really appreciate living someplace where the seasons are so clear.  These changes in nature provide us with a cue that it may be time for your own personal sorting and goal setting.  Whether or not someone in your household is going back to school, the back-to-school buzz is in the air.  This overall energy of change can be used on a personal level by looking at how you spend your time and considering the goals you would like to set for yourself.  I just watched a fascinating short video that used jelly beans as a visual for how we fill our days.

What is it that you really want to do or accomplish this season?  Here are some tips to help you sort out this question:

Letting go:  The first step in making time for what you really want to do or accomplish is looking at how you spend your time and figuring out what you can let go of.  It is often surprising to see how much time we spend doing certain tasks and activities.  For example, how many times per day do you check email and social media? If you add up all of those minutes, would you have time to take a walk, cook a healthy meal, read a book, or connect with a friend?  Where else in your life can you reclaim your time?  So much of what we do is habitual and it can be freeing to consciously take back some time.

Add in:  Once you create a little space for yourself, it is time to prioritize your goals.  I truly believe that once you set your intention on a goal or activity, you can usually figure out a way to make it happen.  The first step is to write a list of all the things you would like to accomplish and then to prioritize this list.  Once you have identified your top goals, you can begin to develop your action steps.  I would suggest setting small and manageable tasks and remembering to celebrate each success.  I find that even small gains build momentum towards your ultimate goal.

Mindful Moments:  Even during a busy day, you can reclaim a few moments between tasks.  This might be a walk around your office, taking a few mindful breaths, turning on some calming music, or lighting a candle before cooking dinner.  These small actions can reset your neurological system and can have a substantial impact on your health and wellbeing.

I hope these tips are helpful and let me know how you plan to use your jelly beans!