Listen to Your Heart but Don't Let Your Emotions Vote!

These are Tips #3 and #4 about how to handle some of the stress in our lives. A large part of stress for me is dealing with my emotions as I take some of the crazy punches in life. We are all emotional beings living in a fast-paced, rambunctious world. It is difficult to stay calm and make rational decisions when your entire being is screaming, "That's not fair!" Its normal to feel frustrated, angry or hurt. I'm not saying that your emotions don't matter. I'm just saying that there is a big difference between  listening to what our heart is telling us to do and reacting to how we feel about something. The first is a  a "gut instinct" while the second is a wishy-washy "emotion." They are very different!


Tip #3 Listen to Your Heart
I've learned that when my head is quiet, I can hear my heart. Calm down, take a few deep breaths, even wait for a few hours before you react to something that gets you emotionally excited. It is our inner being that gives us that balanced sense of what is right or wrong for us, but our emotions can override that wisdom. When you feel a calmness within you (whether you like the answer or not) that is your "gut instinct" winning out over how you feel about the situation. So take the time to walk away from the situation, calm your emotions and listen to your inner voice.

Tip #4 Don't Let Your Emotions Vote
Let's be really honest here.... Our emotions fluctuate throughout the day depending on the situations we face. They are a flashing billboard that says, "Your senses have now officially been overloaded!" When this happens it should be a warning to you that No Decisions Should Be Made until Further Notice! Think about your reactions to the following daily situations:

• You wake up startled and find your alarm didn't go off.... (Oh, Dang! Hurry!!)
• You wait and wait in line at the coffee hut, while some Bozo in front of you orders 2 of everything on the menu. You get to the window very upset and find out that Bozo paid for your order..... (Grumpy face.... Warm heart.)
• The person in front of you insists on driving 5 miles per hour BELOW the speed limit and you can't get around them. You finally get a second lane, they cut you off again and make the next light leaving you sitting there.... (Grrrr!)
• Nothing is going right at work. You're getting really frustrated. The boss calls you in (busted) and to your surprise, gives you a raise and a nice pat on the back... (OMGosh! Shocked!)
• You arrive home after an exhausting day to find the house clean, flowers on the table and dinner made.... (Awwwe..... So loved.)

While emotions are a necessary for us to feel compassionate toward one another and to warn us of potential dangers lying ahead, they are also proven to be a terrible basis for making good decisions. When you feel emotionally overwhelmed try the following:

1. Remind yourself that emotions are a temporary response to an overwhelming situation
2. Breathe and regain your perspective
3. Use the emotional response to tune into your "gut instinct" (Think before you act!)
4. Weigh your options listening to your heart and inner wisdom
5. Guide your emotions back to a confident level by making a wise decision

We were created with emotions on purpose. It is our job to tune into them enough to understand why they have brought such a response upon us, but also to use that alert system to guide our thoughts back to a rational decision making process. Everyone experiences ups and downs in life. Listen to your heart and don't let your emotions vote!

Kim Hoff, Hope Coach

www.Rev2Rev.com

www.BeautifulInsideOut.com

www.Bootcamp2Beautiful.com

Visualize and Set YOUR Mind

What is it about the holidays that brings out the "very best" in people? You know....the ones that cut you off in traffic, let the door slam in your face and forget that you are "the customer!" All of this not to mention FAMILY! The grumblings from Great Grandma Edna, catering to Uncle Sal's constant demands, and the "constructive" criticism from your second cousin's, sister-in-law's wife.... Hahaha! The funny part is that we probably fit into those categories in someone else's life. Yikes!

In order to navigate stressful situations, it is necessary to prepare your mind for success and visualize all things working together for a good result! Implement these two techniques into your life and you will begin to see changes immediately.

VISUALIZE A POSITIVE OUTCOME - Stop anticipating the worst case scenario and begin to expect good things to happen. Its like shopping for a Camaro. Once you've set your mind and begun to search for one, you will see them everywhere! It's the same with good and bad in our lives. Look for the good in everyone and everything and you will begin to see more good than bad in your day!

SET YOUR MIND AHEAD OF TIME - When negativity does come your way, you have a tremendous amount of control over how those troubles affect you. It is YOUR attitude that gives trials and tribulations the power to change your outlook, alter your path, and bring you down. Decide when you get out of bed in the morning that you are going to have a great day regardless of the troubles that come your way!

Remember all good habits take time to form. Be patient with yourself and keep working to renew your mind... You have nothing to lose and your "mind" to gain! "LIVE A POWERFUL LIFE!"

 - Kim Hoff, Hope Coach
www.Rev2Rev.com, 
www.BeautifulInsideOut.com
www.Bootcamp2Beautiful.com

Need a little "POWER-SURGE?!"

It is hard to believe that October is gone and we are heading for Thanksgiving and Christmas! The older our kids get, the faster the time flies. Good thing it is only them having birthdays! After watching the election of our US President last night, reading all the depressing posts and knowing how difficult the holidays can be for  so many people, I decided that it is time for some honesty, transparency, reality, and truth on my part....

The honesty.... I have felt that naggy-depression-like feeling trying to catch-up with me for quite for some time. We have lost so many loved ones, friends and friendships over the last 5 years that I often find it easy to slip into my Pity Party Clothes, wrap up in my blankie and pull it over my head for a few hours. Blah! That's not the me I like! And, definitely doesn't lead to the wife and mommy my family likes either. "Run for the hills, guys!!"

The transparency.... I put on a smile and talk a good talk because seriously I've learned that it pulls me out of my own pit. I've learned that there isn't always someone who wants to climb down in there and drag me out all the time. Becoming my own best cheerleader starts with my own mouth and my thoughts. But yes, often I am talking myself into having a good day. "Drop the violin, Kim and let's play some funky music white girl!"

The reality.... I am super blessed to have my career collide with my faith in that I truly LOVE what I do. My Bootcamp2Beautiful has been a dream under construction for a very long time. My passion is for people to have an unshakable self-confidence that beams from the inside to the outside - but not in a cocky way, so drop that blingy chip off your shoulder! B2B is an 8-hour day camp where I give women permission to think only about themselves. Why? Because, if you don't know what makes you happy and how to keep YOURSELF that way, no one can do it for you!! And, this is true for everyone, not just the gals. I promise, no amount of money, cars, diamonds, friends, fancy houses, food, or love is going to make you feel worthy and amazing ALL of the time.

The truth.... We are created with everything we need already built-in to LIVE A POWERFUL LIFE! We just forget how to use those PowerTools! For the next 6 weeks I am going to share little glimpses of what I've learned and use every day to get through this crazy life. I will post on Facebook when there is a new blog to read. They won't always be long (I will hush, I promise!), but I believe you will find the tips worthwhile.

Its "crunch-time" kids! The pressure for winter formals, family gatherings, budgeting, shopping, traffic jams, overeating and kids on vacation is here. I know I need a little extra Power now and then, and especially now! Join me for a little "POWER-SURGE" - just that extra boost right when you need it!

Thanks for dropping in! - Kim Hoff, Rev2Rev.com