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Ever ignore signs from your body?
How often does your body give you a sign that something hurts or something is not going right? That something is too much or too little?
We think pushing at 120% means we will get everything we want. But, at what cost? We often ignore our body signals and keeping going full throttle until our bodies break down. In past years, I’ve wrecked my health doing too much of everything. So, when my body gives me that signal, I listen.
Can I share a short story?
I knew I was overdue for some mountain time far from the electronic and plugged in world. This backpacking trip was one of a kind. We took a train, got dropped off in the middle of the mountains, and hiked up into a gorgeous basin full of lush green meadows, steep granite, and flowing creeks.
The first day, I was much slower than the rest of the group going. It had been some time since I carried a 40+ pound pack on my back. I took my time and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery along the way. The following day, we goal was to hike a 14,000ft mountain. However, my body wasn’t having any of it. Half way, I developed lightheadedness and kept going for a while. Shortly before reaching the top, I became queasy – another symptom of altitude sickness. I started to lose my footing, and almost fell over. Despite being so close to the top, I decided to head back down the mountain forgoing the summit. While I easily could get irritated at myself for not being in better shape or not training enough, I accepted myself for where I was.
The difference was this. My goal was very different than my friends who were also there. Their goal was to summit the 4 surrounding 14,000ft mountains. My goal was to get unplugged from electronics, enjoy the beauty of the mountains, relax, and get some exercise via hikes each day. So, on the second day, I skipped the group hike and solo hiked half way up and enjoyed a nap in 3 beautiful locations along the trail. The first nap was with mountain goats roaming around a crystal clear alpine lake settled underneath high peaks. The second nap was among wild flowers and a huge waterfall. The third nap was catching sun rays while laying on slab rock near the end of the trail.
I listened to my body. I needed rest.
I needed to hear the rustling of the flowing water, clearing away any negativity. Along the way, I found a vibrant orange butterfly, silly mountain goats, a white moth that led me up the trail, saw multiple shades of green, and blue and purple wildflowers.
Instead of the go, go, go. I became more aware of my surroundings. Took in every deep breath of fresh crisp mountain air, and listened to my body. I accepted myself where I was. I didn’t need to follow someone else’s goals. I only needed to be aligned with my own truth.
So, I ask you this:
-What signals is your body telling you?
-Where do you need more self-acceptance?
Wishing you an abundant, joyful and prosperous day!
Lora Polowczuk
Chief Energy Officer
© Priority Retreats International
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Deep down, Sharon felt lost. The people she saw on a regular basis only engaged in superficial, mundane conversations. She wanted something more. Something deeper. Something that not one of her current friends would ever go for.
Her ambitions were bigger than she ever imagined. Yet, she had no one to support her through the process. Sharon’s heart wanted support and a community to help her rise. But, where does she find one?
To clear her mind, Sharon went for a walk outside on a cold, chilly winter day. The crisp air refreshed her mind, the smell of pine trees brightened her senses. She noticed the buds on trees ready for spring. Sharon thought, what’s within me that’s ready to blossom?
As her walk slowed to a meditative stance, a light bulb turned on. Sharon remembered this famous quote by Napoleon Hill. “Deliberately seek the company of people who influence you to think and act on building the life you desire.”
Sharon thought back. She was invited to an incredible networking event but said no at the time. Sharon rushed to call and see if she could still go. She bought the airline tickets and secured her accommodations. At the event, she met people who poured generosity and vitality into her ambitions. For the first time, she felt supported and could see her visualizations turning into reality. She was given strong marching orders yet thrilled to start the process.
It’s time to find the community that stroke and support your ambitions.
Wishing you an abundant, joyful and prosperous day!
Lora Polowczuk
Chief Energy Officer
© Priority Retreats International
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Six months ago, I let out an exuberant sigh. Suddenly, my spine aligned swiftly and I sat up tall. I got up and walked with more vitality. A light bulb went off. I identified exactly where I wanted to go with my business. I wanted to use my voice to speak on stages. Every person I met, I said exactly what I’m looking for.
Plan: Design the life, business, and relationships you imagined.
Then, the call came in. Lora, I want to recommend you for an interview at a charity fundraiser in front of a thousand like minded people. The self doubt rolled in. Am I ready? Is this the right time?
I was scared. That’s exactly why I said yes. It’s the growth opportunity I wanted. This was the audience I wanted to be in front of. Everything I previously did lead me to this special invitation.
As the interview day approached, I asked myself, What was the core message I wanted to share? How can I come across with the energy I wanted to convey?
I practiced what I wanted to say not knowing what questions would be asked.
To ensure I had the energy, I took the time to be well-rested, ate right, and exercised. In addition, I made sure I had body work done so that my muscles were open and relaxed and not tight.
Practice: Prepare with excellence.
The big event came. I put on my dress. And dang. My dressed was ripped. What, how did this happen? Can I get away with it? No. Luckily, I was prepared and brought an extra dress. How prepared are you for when something doesn’t go as expected?
I showed up engaging and curious about everyone there. I brought enthusiasm and excitement to every conversation and with each person I interacted with. I had fun, lightening up everyone I chatted with.
Ryan Long, the event host, called me on stage. It was my time. I was me. I didn’t pretend to be anyone else. I choked up when I started talking about the deaths early in my life. I shared laughs and even challenged Ryan – What are your non-negotiables in life? I discussed why self-care is important. I had fun challenging people to take care of themselves so they can give more.
Play: Have fun while achieving.
If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing. What attitude shift can you bring? Or, how can you bring more play into what you do on a daily basis?
I shared the stage with billionaire founder, Jeff Hoffman, Priceline.com and Les Brown, best motivational speaker in the world, Les Brown. They both shared these same concepts. They’ve turned their profits to then serve.
Plan, Practice, Play, is the model I use to help you think big and play bigger.
Wishing you an abundant, joyful and prosperous day!
Lora Polowczuk
Chief Energy Officer
© Priority Retreats International
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Most people today run from one thing to the next without thinking. It could from meeting to meeting. From home to a sporting event.
Few people stop and think about if what they are doing truly serves them, their loved ones, or their life’s mission.
The same holds true in our relationships. We think that if someone has been around for 10+ years, they’ll be around forever.
The problem is that people eventually get bored. Whether its at work, in a relationship, or how they go about life. They seek something different, something new.
People get complacent. This is a scary word. This is a bad habit that can take a once awesome part of your life and flush it straight down the drain. This can be one of the single biggest things that ends 10, 20 year marriages.
When we stop giving something the love and attention it deserves, we start taking it for granted.
The opposite of complacency is novelty.
What can you do to bring more playful fun into your world?
How can you bring a little extra spark to your relationship?
Can you learn a new skill at work?
How can you challenge yourself with a new hobby?
Where can you add more novelty into your life?
Novelty stretches you and expands you past your current limitations. These sparks will add more fun back into you life, career, and relationships.
Wishing you an abundant, joyful and prosperous day!
Lora Polowczuk
Chief Energy Officer
© Courageous Path LLC
