thinking out of the box

Do you have a way of looking at something, or a particular interpretation of a situation in your life that you would like to reframe, or see from a different angle? Perhaps you’re feeling stuck in your view, and you know it’s getting you nowhere fast? A simple exercise I learned in coach training is to think of something you’d like to reframe, then pretend it’s your best friend’s challenge, and you have been called on to help. Think of a question that would shed new light on this issue for them and ask it. It’s amazing how open-minded and creative we become when we think our best friend’s well-being depends on it!

Here’s one of my own views that I recently reframed using this process: The old view was how utterly stupid my 16 year old son is for experimenting with marijuana and skipping school. Using this question, “Is it possible that your son is doing exactly what he needs to do right now to learn what he needs to know?” I have developed a more empowering view which acknowledges the richly valuable life lessons his (seemingly) stupid behavior is presenting him with.

Believe me, this process is guaranteed to unstick you at least a little…. I hope you’ll try it!

With love,
Mary Lou

Getting curious about yourself: the power of questions

One of the best ways you can get to the bottom of your life is to ask yourself higher level questions, those “big picture” queries that help you discover the truth about who you are and how you wish to express yourself in the world.

We are far more accustomed to asking ourselves lower level questions, questions that move us through our daily routine — for example, “What’s my plan?” “What do I need to do now?” and “How do I do it?” While these questions are useful for strategizing and getting things done, they do nothing to ensure that what we are so diligently planning-doing is what’s really best for us.

Higher level questions, on the other hand, can put us into alignment with our deepest needs and desires and dramatically alter the course of our lives.

Tomorrow, in addition to asking yourself those questions neeeded to work your basic to-do list, why not have some fun with a few of these? (And make sure to give yourself the time to answer!)

What makes me feel most excited, vibrant and alive?
What feelings do I most want to create today?
If you could walk through any door, what would it open to?
What do I care most about?
Who is in control of my life?
When does my life seem most effortless and in the zone?
What’s the first thing I would do if I won the lottery?

I’d love to hear if any of these questions (or others you may ask yourself) create any stirs or seismic shifts for you…

With love,
Mary Lou

PS. For a free list of 50 Power Questions, visit www.solutionbox.com