Do Your Best .......Relax!

​I have been thinking more about making realistic commitments and ways I can have the willpower to keep them. I have found it helpful to remind myself of a few things when making any commitment, including to run the cafe!

Recently I have been wanting to  stop the long term snacking between meals habit I hae had fro some time. I have also been contemplating the benefits of having a regular exercise regime and being aware of cutting down on my sugar intake. 

With Master Shantideva's wise advice I have thought about realistic gaols in these three areas of my life. Advice like 

• Defining realistic goals I want to achieve by considering my available resources
• The importance of once realistically committing, doing my best to keep the promises I make to myself and others

Some things that help me have the willpower to keep these realistic commitments include, remembering.....

• I do not want to let myself of others down because it feels bad 
• I want to be free of unhelpful habits (like letting others down, snacking or not exercising) more than to be a slave to them.
• Do it for others. Working on unhelpful habits, whatever they are, makes us better for others. I am certainly nicer to be around when I have done my best to work on my anger!  There is a huge reservoir of energy in compassion. 
• Rejoice in small achievements made, and rejoice int the achievements of others too. 
• Tell trusted others what I am committing to do, so they can help me to stay on track. Also, it may be helpful to remember to ask them for assistance, without expectation!
• When mistakes, something unforeseen or slip ups occur, remember to be kind and encouraging  to all including ourselves! Be aware of that  hard task master internal voice who is ready to have a go and quieten them down. Strengthen up the kind, encouraging voice and then hop back on the horse 
• Do your best ...... relax. My friend Wendy's piano teacher has this as her slogan. (you can see it pictured on Wendy's t-shirt above). And what I am relaxing about? The result
• Be the change you want to see in the world
• Let go of past unhelpful storylines - each day is a new beginning. 

I hope these reminders help when willpower is needed. They are certainly good reminders for me! Thank you for sharing with me. 
   
Have a great fortnight! Gratitude, Kind Regards and Best Wishes, 
Maree xx ​