Follow the sun

I was in Spain again last week running another coaching week. As I enjoyed daily mountain walks (not that high but nice and invigorating, overlooking olive groves), I thought about the fields of sunflowers in the distance below.

When the clouds cleared, entire fields of these beautiful yellow flowers blossomed. Sunflowers turn their heads to face the sun (I may well be the only person on the planet who only found this out last week) so they can absorb as much of its goodness - warmth and light - as possible.

We humans often overthink life, relationships and work. We end up giving problems and issues far more attention than all the good things in life. I was asked for a quote for a feature about gratitude this week (should appear in Zest - I'll put a pdf on my site when it's out). It's something that's really simple (although it takes discipline) but many people overlook it.

How can you shift your focus more towards the things about your work / relationships /health / financial situation / life in general that make you want to grin?

Start by listing three things that never fail to boost your mood (from a nice chat with a friend to singing at the top of your lungs in the car / shower):

1)
2)
3)

List the things that you're grateful for, not just today but going back as far as you can remember. Add to this list daily and also look out for patterns. What kind of activities / days / thoughts consistently make you happy?

Schedule them in so you have at least one on your To Do list every day. Bring more sunshine into your life all year round...

I love hearing how you're getting on so please keep your emails coming (eve@applecoaching.com).

All best wishes,

Eve

© Eve Menezes Cunningham / www.applecoaching.com 2008