Living Accountably: Brain on Fire

One of the gifts I have given myself in semi-retirement is 30+ minutes of creative time to write, design and explore ideas before I even open my Outlook or start thinking about my day. Sometimes I actually write the old fashioned way ‘with pen and paper’ and other days with my computer so I can edit along the way.   I’m not sure I have ever truly appreciated the gift of an uncluttered mind, the clarity of ideas and direction it provides. I don’t plan the ‘what’ I will write about in advance but just get up and ideas flow.  Most mornings it truly does feel like my ‘brain is on fire’ and I’m challenged to capture all of my ideas.

‘So what?’ you ask.   What difference has it made in my life?    I’m more peaceful, more centered and more focused. I start my day feeling energized, knowing my brain is alive and well; ready to make things happen. And throughout the day I catch myself musing on some of those ideas, sifting, sorting and flushing out what I should take action on, what I might share with others to generate more ideas, knowing there’s growth ahead. What a fabulous return on investment of time.

The best part: As I’m wrapping up my writing, I answer two questions: What is the most important task for me to accomplish today?  Knowing my days are limited (with just one third of my live left), the next question is ‘Is this what I want to do today?’ If the answer is ‘no’ too often it’s time to make change.    

If you knew your days were limited, what would you do today? I believe if we are living accountably, we have a commitment to ourselves to love our best life. I challenge you to do just that – just for today or maybe tomorrow. Taste it, enjoy it, feel the JOY of being who and where you want to be this moment. Life can be so delicious.

Linda Maul is an Executive Coach, Chief Disruptor and Cheerleader for all of her clients, colleagues, family and friends…and lives her life with JOY! Visit www.accountabilitybydesign.com