Expectations Equal Stress

Expectations are limitations placed on us by ourselves, whether the actual expectation is our own or someone else's.

How many times have you found youself anxious about the time as you're getting ready for a sumer get-together? As the time nears, and your partner isn't ready, or the kids refuse to finish dressing, a knot forms in your stomach.

Or maybe, for you, it isn't being on time that causes stress, but having people over. Or wondering if that birthday present for your Mother is something she'll actually like this year. There are many reasons we experience stress, even through the summer, and most have to do with expectations...either yours or someone elses that you're trying to live up to.

Rather than allow the anxiety and stress to grip your insides, take a look at why you find yourself snapping at family members or looking for a way out of this year's family reunion. It may not be the event itself, but the expectationis surrounding it that are getting in your way.

What is it you find yourself dreading? Now take a moment to think about that event or activity. Is it really all that bad? Or is it what comes next? And whose expectations are keeping you from enjoying yourself?

It can be very freeing to call ahead and acknowledge that you're going to be late, but you also have to be willing to let go of it and not worry what your Aunt Bertha will say. Stepping out of the expectation, whether it's your own (I have to be on time) or someone else's (they're always late), is important in lessening the effect of expectations on your life. The key to less anxiety is letting go of expectations. It does little good to give yourself permission to be late for a summer get-together if you're constantly berating yourself and obsessing about what everyone will think.

It's easy to expect ourselves to be...that perfect image of who we want to be. Always at our best, never letting anyone down. But we are not, and never will be, perfect. We're human. And if we cut ourselves a little slack, we might just enjoy it.

Wellness or Worry and Getting on Track

I've spent too much time writing for someone else, and can't believe how long it's been since I've written here. My apologies to everyone for not taking care of my own business here. The ezine is up and doing well, and now I can let my mind drift.

For better or worse, my mind keeps returning to wellness. By definition: the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal. Everyone has their own idea of what wellness is, and I have my own as well. For me, wellness is not only good health, but being free of the stress and worry that lead to illness, and all that entails.

Wellness is a way of life. I don't just exercise, eat right, and be done with it. I look at my life and decide not only what I want it to look like, but what I want it to feel like. How do I do that? I talk to myself, of course! Mostly, I ask questions...they're how I know I'm actively seeking wellness. It's the answers that tell me if I'm on the right track. Questions like: What hours do I work? How much time do I spend with my family? What forms of exercise should I pursue? Do I need to spend more time working on my goals or working toward them? Is my business where I want it, or do I need to make some changes? Am I living within my budget? Is my budget working for me?

Those are just a few...so you can see, I talk to myself a lot. I just try not to do it in public too often.

I try to keep my focus at least somewhat balanced. I don't look at only one area of my life. Usually 2 or 3 questions about different parts of my life will lead to self-assessment. No, I don't take a test, or make it a major work. I usually take a look at my journal and can see where my focus has been.

Knowing when to make a change isn't always easy. When it's obvious, I'm always sure what to do. But when something just doesn't feel right...when I'm feeling stressed, or more worried than usual about little things, I may have to dig. Or go to a friend, coach, or business associate. We aren't always the best person to see ourselves clearly, and I try to remind myself of that. Especially when I'm hearing something I don't want to.

Before you find yourself off-track, I suggest you try journaling. Spend some time letting it all out on paper. It doesn't have to be fancy...I just use an inexpensive spiral bound notebook. Write your worries, your ideas, your struggles—in business and your personal life—empty your thoughts onto paper. But don't stop there. Spend a few moments reviewing your day. Note your accomplishments, special acknowledgements, or anything you see that took extra effort on your part. I also think it's a good idea to remind yourself of what you're grateful for. Little or big, doesn't matter. Everyone has a reason to be grateful. And those last two acts can help bring your thinking around to something you might be missing, or something you hadn't even realized you're doing that's working.

Wellness isn't an ideal or even a destination. Remember the definition. It's an active state of seeking. So start seeking.

I've FINALLY figured it out!

Working on the ezine and several html issues here, I have to say...I've learned some things.
Doing things on your own isn't always the best idea. But, once you play around, you definitely know more about what you're doing than you did before.

Within the next few days I'll have a few surprises for you! Another page or two, and maybe a perk or two. Those are coming after the e-zine is sent out...which should be the 10th! And everyone can celebrate its bright beginnings. More on that later though...don't want to give away too many surprises.

Remember, to sign up for the Wellness Connection ezine, send me an email at basichealth@fourpointgroup.com with Subscribe in the subject line. And if you have any comments or questions, or suggestions for articles, etc., feel free to let me know. (That offer may not always be an option, but we'll see on that, too!) :)

Be well and blessed, and look for the new page of Wellness Associates!

Kim Paluch

Spring in Wisconsin

I love this weather! It's not too warm, not too cold, and the wonderful breezes help get the stale air out of the house.

If it's warm enough where you are (or you don't mind cold air), open your own windows and let the breezes of the season move the old, stale air from your home. That leaves room for fresh air, fresh ideas, and fresh starts.

On a personally note, I've personally chosen to work on improving an area of my life with focus and intent and commit to doing so on a minimum of a weekly basis.

Small actions done consistently can yield big results.

At the moment I'm committing to work consistently on my to-do list. I may not finish a large project in one day, but I make sure to put effort toward each of my weekly or daily goals regularly.

I can Breathe!

I don't know how many of you have had problems while cleaning. I KNOW the bottles all say don't breathe in the vapors, but I haven't been able to figure out how to clean without breathing (and can't afford those great masks that would allow me to clean and breathe.

But if you've read my brief article on getting rid of the toxic chemicals from our home, you know we are now cleaning with non-toxic cleaners. And I can clean the bathroom! I can scrub our floor on my hands and knees without taking a breathing break. I can even clean around my child and he has NO reaction! (This is a child whose eyes would swell closed if I used 1/4 cup bleach in the basement 2 floors down in 1 load of laundry while he was sleeping.)

And the products work, too! So I can't complain on that end either!

I am happy, toxin free, and breathing easier. (I can honestly say I went from 1 hospital visit per month for uncontrolled asthma to no asthma attacks and no asthma meds since getting rid of the chemicals! Yea!)

Be well!

Kim

Who are Your Partners In Wellness?

Hi again!

Since this site isn't just me, I thought I'd take a moment to mention a few of the people who are my own partners in wellness. With some desire and effort on your part, they could be yours as well! Most of us here won't leave direct contact here on the blog, but will definitely leave email where they can be reached and probably give you their number if they know you really need the support or are truly interested in being an active member of FourPoint Group. Feel free to contact us to chat, for insight, or even to share a great product story! We'd love to post it for everyone to read!

Gayle Long (put your email here)

First there's Gayle. She's from Tennessee, sounds like the perfect southern Lady, and is one of the most capable women I know. It was Gayle who introduced my partner and I to the wonders of FourPoint Group and all of the support they could offer to anyone interested in financial wellness. She was a patient teacher, sharing with me everything I needed to learn and letting me explore other areas in my rush to make my own millions, my own place on the internet that could change not only my family's life, but the lives of so many other families! I'm sure she'll introduce herself as soon as she can. (feel free to introduce yourself, Gayle!)


Kim Paluch basichealth@fourpointgroup.com

I write this blog, have been a part of the FourPoint Group for less than a year, and have tried to learn faster than my fingers can type. Thankfully I've had a great group of people on our Team to help support me, to answer my questions, and to tell me who to call when I need help. And one of the first things I'd learned was to create my own support team. A list of people I can call when I need advice, have questions, or just plain need to talk. A lot of my list will be here and available to you as well.


Rhonda Belongia (put your email here)

Feel free to introduce yourself, Rhonda!


Terra Young (email here when you get online)

Feel free to introduce yourself here.

Everyone is pretty new here, so I hope everyone is willing to be patient while I figure out how to manage this blog to the best of my ability while I juggle school and working and the three "T"s (Two teens and a toddler).

I wish you all the best luck!

Kim Paluch

You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi

Under Construction

Hi to anyone stumbling on us here. I've my hands full at the mo and it may take a few days or so to get my blog set up. Thank you for your patience!

Kim