What Works: Being Open and Going with the Flow

This last weekend was my birthday weekend. I followed none of my usual traditions, at least the way I usually do them. I went to a different retreat. I met new friends. I went to a different beach. I saw Wonder Woman in D-Box at Galaxy Theater inside Casino Fandango. Each of these new experiences gave me new perspective. It was then I realized there is comfort in routine. Yet, the real experiences come when you shake it up.

You consciously choose a different path to travel. This could be anything from going to a new event this summer to shaking up your career. You can go back to school. You can open yourself up to meeting a new person. Or you can choose to hike a different trail than your usual one. Whatever your path, there is always the opportunity to explore new roads.

Recently, I started practicing yoga with Community Yogi (www.communityogi.com). You might see them at the Farmer’s Market, the library, behind Sierra Acupuncture at the Love n Light Studio, and even Comma Coffee. Practicing yoga outside of a studio environment, in a creative community space, shifted my perspective.

I realized I can open myself up to new experiences anywhere I am. And here is the fun part. I can be in those experiences without judging them as good or bad, which helps me go with the flow no matter how those experiences unfold.

Have you ever expected something and wound up disappointed? Maybe you planned a beach trip and discovered that your favorite beach is now a tiny strip of sand?

Maybe you went to see a movie and you didn’t like it as much as you thought you would? Or perhaps you planned a child’s birthday party and it was more stress than fun? Going with the flow in situations versus hanging on to what should be reveals the joy in almost any situation.

Notice I said, almost any situation. I’m not suggesting you spit shine everything. If the shine isn’t there for you, it’s not and that’s ok. Do you have the courage to change what is within your control?

If everything is out of control, can you breathe and reach out to someone who can help you find perspective? Being open and going with the flow means practicing doing it no matter what is going on. You flow when things are expansive and fantastic as well as when the world seems like it’s choking and small. It’s both. Dr. Carl Jung called this duality.

My challenge to you this week is to do something different than usual. See where that experience takes you. Who knows? It could change your life.

LEARN AND GROW
Ongoing: Motivation Monday with Diane Dye Hansen at Adams Hub for Innovation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Up to two free 30-minute face to face sessions. Email grow@adamshub.com to schedule an appointment).



June 14, 2017: Entrepreneurs Assembly at Adam’s Hub for Innovation, inside The Studio. 5:30 pm, free mastermind group.

June 20, 2017: “From Idea to Action” Professional Saleswomen Network (PSN), Living the Good Life, 11:30 a.m.

September 18-20, 2017: Workshop: “Success After Abuse: Empowering Women to Assert Themselves After Leaving an Abusive Relationship” - Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence Conference, Atlantis Casino and Resort, Reno, http://www.ncedsv.org/annual-conference/ 







Coming Summer 2017: 10 Steps to Business Success Workshop – 6-week online class – Sign up here for the What Works for Inspiration newsletter to receive details when available.

Schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with Diane any time at www.whatworkscoaching.com.

What Works Coaching

Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.