Remove YOUR Desire and Replace it with Fire!

First off I'd like to thank my girlfriend for introducing me to this wonderful eMeditation Message!  And then another thank you goes out to Vic Johnson for creating and sharing these beautiful messages! 

"People do not attract that which they want, but that which they are."  - As A Man Thinketh


To put it another way: When you stop working on what it is you're trying to get, and start working on YOU, only then will you get what it is you want.

Credit goes out to: AsAManThinketh.net http://www.asamanthinketh.net/ 
for the linked eMeditation: http://www.asamanthinketh.net/audio/emedwk1.mp3

All eMeditations are available via subscription here: http://www.asamanthinketh.net/emeditation.htm

Now for my 2-cent....

Life is all about the journey. The journey includes experiences and these experiences infiltrate our thought process and create "beliefs". 

For example: I believe that when I touch a pot with boiling hot water I will get hurt / pain. This thought process comes to mind either because you've experienced it; seen it; or were thought it. 

The same goes for "visuals". I believe "fat | out of shape" people are {insert your beliefs here} <-- and then ask yourself "why" do you think that? 

• Could it be because "society" made you believe this?
• Could you believe this because 'someone' told you something about people (like that) and it made you feel a certain way and so you don't want anyone else to "view" you the way that person made you feel?
• Could it be that when you "pick out" certain people who "match" your perception of that belief - it triggers an emotion inside you? (Makes you feel vulnerable? Makes you feel weak? Strikes a chord with childhood memories.... Maybe something an adult said (when you were a child) that you never forgot or really understood...) 

Whatever the case maybe, remember that WE can't change anyone else but ourselves. 

And if there's something external to us (something we feel, see, or do) that triggers things inside us (good OR bad) all we can do is ask ourselves: "Why do I believe this to be true (or not true)?" 

Whenever we question our belief system, we challenge our thoughts to "do some work".
And when our thoughts are... working... this is where/when we tend to allow new-changes (thought processes; ways to view things; understand things; see things differently) to be presented to us.

So ask yourself: What is it that I’m trying to “be” and why? 

And then… stop “wanting” to be it, and just “be” it. 

Remove YOUR Desire and Replace it with Fire!  

Discover Your Passion!

Wow when looking at back at how long its been since I really started thinking about my passions; defining them; and setting purpose & clarity - it's been a LONG time, years already!

I have discovered that many-a-times my passion focus sometimes shifts depending on how I feel.
Which only reaffirms the ever so popular saying:

Photo Source: http://magnificentquotes.tumblr.com/post/15042283052/life-quotes

23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life.
24 Put away from you crooked speech,
    and put devious talk far from you.
25 Let your eyes look directly forward,
    and your gaze be straight before you.
26 Ponder[a] the path of your feet;
    then all your ways will be sure.
27 Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil.

a.k.a. simplified version of Proverb 4:23 means, 

"Be very careful about what you think.

Your thoughts run your life."  

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+4%3A23-27&version=ERV

Sometimes what I think about, read about, watch on T.V., or learn about online, etc... affects my 'mood' and thus influences my thinking and... in the end, ends up interfering with my True Passion (Purpose).

If you've already discovered your passion and have put it into practice then Congratulations! You sense of fulfillment and joy in being able to live your passion must be reflected in your wonderful work that you do!

However if you're still looking, searching, wondering about "What is your passion?" or if you kind-of get a sense that you know but now are wondering "What am I supposed to do now?" - no worries, you're not alone!

Millions of people live their everyday lives not getting that "sense of fulfillment & joy" in their daily activities or chosen career paths ...But that doesn't mean all hope is lost! Reclaiming your purpose and its chosen path can be a change you choose to make; it's a choice you alone need to take.

Making changes in your life don't necessarily need to be drastic and life-altering; sometimes just looking at things differently can make all the difference! You don't need to quit your job; leave your relationship; jump off the boat to make things happen... For some, yes - some of these drastic changes are needed; however for the majority of us, small changes are all that's needed!

Remember: "Understanding and Learning about yourself & who you truly are are key elements in establishing your true-connection." ~ Tammy Mathieu

Here are a few tips, questions, and quotes to get you started... thinking!

QUOTES:

"Working at a job to build your resume is like withholding sex till you retire." ~ Warren Buffet
Find work in something you are passionate about; live your passion everyday and enjoy it! Why wait till you retire to do what you love - choose to live it, do it as part of your career. And if it can't be part of your career, have your 'job' somehow jump-start your off-work passion. This way your purpose is to keep 'working' to fuel your passion!

"You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with." ~ Jim Rohn
Choose your surrounds (and friends) wisely. You are worth it. How can you grow and evolve if everyone around you is at a lower or same-level as you are. 
You probably won't keep climbing the stairs or continuing on your journey if the ones around you aren't challenged or motivated in the "same" way/things you are. Thus leaving you with a sense of guilt, which probably keeps all of you in the same spot. Shake things up & change things!

"First they IGNORE you,
then they LAUGH at you,
then they FIGHT you,
then you WIN." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
If no one stood out, everything would be the same. Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution - let go of judgement, and embrace change. Sometimes letting go of what was and what is...  allows for what could be to come.
And remember, not everyone will always agree - and it's not your job to defend, but to understand. You won when you made the choice. 

"Become a self-expert. If you don't know what you're looking for you're never going to find it." ~ unknown
Do you know who you are? What you like / don't like? What are your unique strengths, values and experiences? If you're not clear about yourself - how do you expect anyone else to be?
Yes, you will find work/career/jobs... and do what others tell you to do. Although once you've become a self-expert, you'll then be the one telling people what you can do for them.

Here are a few links / quotes I found relating to "Discovering Your Passion":

Whether we choose to listen to our inner voice is up to us.
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/Caroline-Myss-on-How-to-Find-Your-Purpose-Video#ixzz2BlGzHHl0

This video's (interview) is about a Graphic Designer's transition to Photography HOWEVER it's underline message is more profound...http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LxxFSU6doDo#!

Vocation doesn't come from a voice "out there" calling me to become something I'm not. It comes from a voice "in here" calling me to be the person I was born to be.
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/What-are-You-Meant-to-Be-Doing-Find-Your-Calling#ixzz23jLFRKw4

Questions to ask yourself:

WHAT IS IT YOU COULDN'T DO WITHOUT / LIVE WITHOUT DOING?
Discover that --> and then LIVE it!!

Fill-in the blanks: "When my life is ideal, I am ..." [try using a ___ing verb here; and use present tense].
Be as clear and precise as you can.
Focus on who you are and what means most to you.

When my life is ideal, I am enjoying complete financial freedom.
When my life is ideal, I am living in the home of my dreams.
When my life is ideal, I am exploring the world.
When my life is ideal, I am sharing my love and wealth.
When my life is ideal, I am creating beautiful art.
When my life is ideal, I am  relaxing and meditating daily.
When my life is ideal, I am welcoming people into my life and into my home.
When my life is ideal, I am playing with loved ones in my beautiful backyard.
When my life is ideal, I am openly connected at all levels with my spouse.
When my life is ideal, I am allowing myself to receive.
When my life is ideal, I am living for the now.
When my life is ideal, I am enjoying life with lots of health, energy, stamina, and vitality!
When my life is ideal, I am having fun in everything I do!
When my life is ideal, I am inspiring others to discover their passions.
When my life is ideal, I am living my passions!

The more you write them down the more some will seem to jump out at you! You'll also feel a deeper connection with some more than others... narrow down your list till you feel comfortable with a for-now Top 5!

Review your Top 5 and apply them as much as possible to your daily activities.
Every few months, do a self check-in to see if you Top 5 are still applicable... they may need a little word-smithing... or if you see yourself NOT living some of your chosen Top 5 Passions, ask yourself why?
Is it really something that still has meaning for you? Should it be in your Top 5? Maybe your list needs a review...

Also as you go-along your journey (daily life) maybe create yourself some "markers" for your Top 5 Passions to help encompass its true value/meaning.
Stay focused and clear. And try to be as positive as possible.
For example:

When my life is ideal, I am allowing myself to receive, accept and trust.
markers:
- I've let go of my past.
- I am accepted by everyone.
- I'm rejoice in giving and receiving.
- I love and am loved.

When my life is ideal, I am creating beautiful art.
markers:
- I express myself via "Art" (photography; poetry; music; sketching; painting).
- I take time to "smell the roses" and "view the sunset".
- I go with the flow.

When my life is ideal, I am enjoying complete financial Freedom.
markers:
- I am able to spend joyfully.
- I am financially abundant.
- I am living in my "house" by the water, in the countryside.
- I am "work-free".
- I am receiving money from various sources / external means.
- I am able to give and help others.
- I am able to travel the world and share with everyone my journey.

What's on Your Canvas?

This is how my day started - I try to find "an inspirational quote for the day" and today's was:

 

...and so la-dee-da I continued going about my day.

...then <<BAM!>> here comes the Universe with a lesson!

I received a phone call and all was well ...expect for this 'tiny' little comment made.  Now I can start blaming a multitude of things; point the finger; blame my hormones; blah-blah-blah...

But all in all - everything pointed me back to "my" today's message:

My experience is to "let go" of what others think.
I AM painting a life of "Love" and "No-Judgement" - for me.
My canvas is the result of my here-and-now.
My thoughts are my brush strokes and
My choices are what gets put on (in) to my "experience".

*IF* I choose to mess-up my canvas; I'll then need to "think" of ways to make it better.
*IF* I choose to add stuff to it; I also need to realize that it'll impact all future outcomes.
...my painting (my canvas) is indeed *MY* life.

Ultimately in the end, the results are... just that - *MY* results, any no one elses.
I am the one that has to live with what's been put on the canvas!


The Universe's message to me today was presented to me today for a reason.
...and since there is a REASON for everything - this particular message today;
just had me realize (be reminded) that I need to "let go" and allow things to happen freely.

Again, *For Me* it's always about trying to control situations / outcomes; this is what *my* "letting go" and "allow things to happen" pieces is all about.

Message to myself: Stop it. You can't have the Universe work through you if you are trying to control everything. Take a breather, relax and reconnect - without this self-actualization you're just becoming part of the problem. Disconnect from this 'negativity' and reconnect with Source.

Again,

This is what I love about ART!
Art allows the 'inside' to be expressed 'outside'.
No matter if it's though Painting; Sketching; Photography; Singing; Writing; Collecting; ...doing whatever it is that allows you to get 'lost' in your world, your passion - this is ART!

Budget / Money Management

Most of us are having to work harder and longer for our money today. Our earnings are a precious commodity, so we owe it to ourselves to look after our money and spend it wisely.

Unfortunately, money management is rarely taught seriously in school, if taught at all, so 'trial and error' has become our teacher. This can result in enormous stress as we wrestle with paying bills, managing debts and saving for the future, against the ongoing challenges of inflation and for some, unemployment. Setting up a budget is the only solution, but take heart - many families find budgeting is much easier than they expect. What better time to find out than right now? 

Tips and Tools You Can Use

Successful budgeting begins with clear identification of income and expenses, with the latter broken into fixed expenses (fixed payments that you have to make, such as rent, mortgage, loan payments etc) and variable expenses (ongoing payments that vary and could be controlled, including gifts, entertainment, travel etc.) Many tools are available to help you with this vital first step. Once completed, you'll be in an excellent position to begin taking control of your finances. Here are some great tips: 

Assessing the situation

• Add up your income from all sources, including take home pay, pensions, child support, alimony, rental income etc..
• Determine the fixed expenses you have to pay, including rent, mortgage, utilities, loan payments, insurance etc..
• Determine the variable expenses that you have some control over, including food, clothing, entertainment, travel, gifts etc..
• Track your daily pocket-change expenses for a week or more, including snacks, newspapers and spontaneous small purchases. These can add up!
• Add an amount for emergencies that may crop up over the year.
• Add an amount for savings for the future.

Balancing income and expenses

• Compare your income with the total expenses you listed above. If your income is greater than your expenses, reflect whether you could make better use of the surplus through saving or investments.
• If your expenses are greater than your income, it's time to trim your budget.
• Clearly identify the amount you need to trim from expenses.
• If debt load is overwhelming, consider credit counselling.

Trimming expenses

• Review fixed expenses. This is the hardest area to trim but savings are sometimes possible through better mortgage rates, loan consolidation etc.. In extreme cases, alternative housing options may need to be explored.
• Divide your variable expenses into 'needs' which would include basic food, clothing and utilities etc. and 'wants', which might include entertainment, hobbies and travel etc.
• Consider where savings could be made. There are many resources to help you with this.
• Set realistic targets that allow for small treats. If your budget is too harsh, you are more likely to give up.
• Be a financially wise food shopper

o   Slash your grocery bill (http://www.chatelaine.com/article.jsp?page=money&cid=294933

o   Save on purchases (http://www.ourfamilyplace.com/purchases.html)

o   Find saving coupons on the internet (http://www.save.ca/)

·         How to handle your debt load

o   Manage Debt Step by Step(http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/smartbuy/debt/contents.asp)

o   10 strategies to reduce your debt (http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/smartbuy/debt/1330.asp)

o   What Debt To Pay Off First (http://www.bankrate.com/dotp/news/cc/19980713.asp)

o   Dealing with debt: from the Office of The Superintendent of Bankruptcy Canada (http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/br01035e.html#Possiblesolutions)

Savings and Emergencies

• If at all possible, consider funds for savings and emergencies as budget 'needs'.
• Try to cut 'wants' before you cut into these funds.
• Consider automatic payroll deductions from your monthly salary into a savings account.

Helpful Resources

Household budget form

(http://www.ourfamilyplace.com/budget1.html)

How to budget

(http://www.bankrate.com/dotp/news/advice/20000511b.asp?keyword=)

Money Saving Tips

(http://www.ourfamilyplace.com/saving.html)

10 strategies to reduce your debt

(http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/smartbuy/debt/1330.asp)

The Canadian Coupon, Contest and Online Shopping Site

(http://www.frugalshopper.ca/)

Online Coupons

(http://www.insanecoupons.com)

Free things to do in the Greater Toronto area

(http://www.e-kidstoronto.com/ekids/freethings.htm)

For more information or to arrange an appointment for confidential counselling, contact FGIworld, your EAP/EFAP provider, (24 hours-a-day/7days-a-week) at: 1-800-268-5211 (English) © FGI          1-800-363-3872 (en français)

The Delusional-Genetic Programming: Are you a Blind Sheep?

I can't even recall how many times my dad would tell me: "Get with the Program!"
or something like, "It's all part of the Program!"


What we 'accept' as programming becomes our realities.

In the below video Part 2 of 9, Bruce Lipton speaks with Joe Rogan about consciousness and the effects it may have on the reality we perceive.

At about the 6:17 mark, Bruce Lipton dives in to the "programming" concept:


Programming References / Quotes:

"Give me a Child until he is 6 or 7 and he will belong to the Church for the rest of their lives." Jesuit People

I also read the book Bruce Lipton references, Rich Dad, Poor Dad:

“If you realize that you're the problem, then you can change yourself, learn something and grow wiser. Don't blame other people for your problems.”
― Robert T. Kiyosaki, Rich Dad, Poor Dad

The African Monkey with a Diamond - Searching for the Truth

Joe Rogan on Materialism and Technology --> a TRUTH conversation.



And the timing was impeccable... I understood what he was talking about when he spoke of the YUGA CYCLE since I just finished watching (the YUGA CYCLE is explained at about 22 minutes in):

Anxiety vs Stress

Stress isn't an illness and in itself isn't even necessarily harmful. It is defined as a physical, mental or emotional tension and can have vital positive effects when it provides the adrenaline we need to face genuine danger or to rise to meet challenges such as giving presentations or coping with life's deadlines and dramas. 

Unfortunately, reactions to stress can vary widely and can result in unreasonable, crippling anxiety for some. In fact, 25% of the population will suffer from some type of anxiety disorder during their lives, with women being particularly susceptible. If you are amongst this group, you may find it encouraging to know that anxiety disorders are the most treatable of all mental disorders. 80% who undergo cognitive behaviour therapy report recovery after a year. 

Tips and Tools You Can Use

It is essential to recognize that anxiety disorders are medical conditions that require diagnosis by a medical practitioner and subsequent treatment. Don't try to overcome the challenge alone - there are numerous resources to help you. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

Types of anxiety disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by chronic worrying, nervousness and exaggerated fears. It is usually accompanied by physical symptoms that may include headaches, shaking, twitching, hot flushes, breathlessness, dizziness, nausea or insomnia.
• Panic attacks involves panic attacks, which lead to a cycle of fear of future attacks. Panic attacks can be terrifying for the person afflicted and may include trembling or shaking, a choking sensation, racing heart beat, dizziness, tight chest, numbness or tingling and the fear that a heart attack or death is imminent.
• Social Anxiety Disorder is noted by an extreme fear of being humiliated or 'shown up' in front of others. Symptoms may include a severe fear of speaking, eating or writing in public; blushing, sweating and inappropriate anxiety during social interaction and difficulty making eye contact. Day to day living can become virtually impossible for some sufferers, with serious consequences on work, education and relationships.
• Phobias involve an irrational and exaggerated fear of specific situations or objects. Phobias can include agoraphobia (fear of going out) and claustrophobia (fear of being enclosed), amongst many others.
• Obsessive compulsive disorder results in continual unwanted thoughts and rituals that the sufferer has no control over. These can range from fear of germs or contamination with subsequent compulsive washing and cleaning, to compulsive touching, checking or counting.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder affects sufferers who have been through extreme mental or physical trauma. Symptoms can include traumatic flashbacks, emotional numbness and hyper-anxiety.
• Self assessment

Children and Anxiety

• Fears, Phobias and Anxiety in children
  (http://www.childanxiety.net/Fears_Phobias_Anxiety.htm)
• Helping your child deal with trauma
  (http://www.parents-talk.com/expertsadvice/ea_st_0005.html)

Treatment

• Your general physician may give you a thorough physical examination to rule out any physical medical conditions.
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is proving highly effective. You may be referred to a psychologist, counsellor or support group who will help you gain understanding of thinking patterns, gradual exposure to and mastery of situations that have provoked anxiety, and various strategies - including breathing and relaxation techniques - to reduce or cease unwanted reactions.
• Highly effective medications are available, which form a crucial part of the recovery process for many.
• A combination of medication and therapy is reported to be achieving highest success rates.
• Coping with anxiety
• Simple things you can do to control stress

(http://stress.about.com/library/weekly/aa112600a.htm)

o   Supporting someone with anxiety

·         Medications

o   Access to Health Canada medication related information (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/product.htm)

o   Health Canada drug product database  (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb-dgps/therapeut/htmleng/dpd.html)

o   What's this pill for again?

(http://www.50Plus.com)

o   Medication

(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/for_you/seniors.html#7)

Helpful Resources

Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM)

(http://www.adam.mb.ca/about.html)

For more information or to arrange an appointment for confidential counselling, contact FGIworld, your EAP/EFAP provider, (24 hours-a-day/7days-a-week) at: 1-800-268-5211 (English) 1-800-363-3872 (en français)

Coping With Change

It’s been said that the only thing constant in life is change. People change, circumstances change, things change. Change can be small, big, subtle or sudden. Sometimes it’s a breeze, other times it’s a painful process. Change may be a choice we make, or it may be imposed on us. A new job, getting married, starting a family, moving house – these are examples of life changes we may experience. Some people view change as a positive challenge, others fret and agonize over the consequences of new situations. Few of us deal with change without feeling unruffled, so here are some tips to help deal with it more effectively.

Don’t rush it

Change involves a transition from one set of circumstances to another. Give yourself time to adjust and settle down.

Expect a reaction

Emotions will be stirred up. Let yourself laugh, cry or feel moody about it. Change often involves a degree of loss, so it’s OK to grieve a little and feel nostalgic.

Don’t take it personally

Change happens. That’s life. It’s got nothing to do with you. Don’t obsess over who’s to blame or why it happened.

Go with the flow

Don’t resist or be too rigid. Be flexible, ride out the storm, and see how things turn out.

Don’t go it alone

Talk to your family and close friends. Share your problems with people you trust. Others may offer a different angle to the situation.

Don’t focus on the negative

If you keep looking at the bad side of things, you might miss the good. The glass is also half full, remember?

Break it up

A large problem will seem less insurmountable when divided into little ones. Work on them one at a time, and give yourself a pat on the back each time you overcome one.

Learn from it

With new experiences, we grow wiser and stronger. Wisdom helps us make better decisions in future.

Balance your life

It’s important to have a personal life to fall back on to help you through tough times. Take time to be with your friends and family.

Know that it will end

No matter how big or difficult, change comes to an end when the new circumstances are in place and become familiar. Normality will return. Keep this in mind.

Source: http://www.imh.com.sg/patient_education/cwchange.htm

Friendship and Your Health

Studies show that people with a strong support network – which is ultimately what good friends provide – are less prone to conditions such as depression and are in a better situation to fight back and recover from serious illness. 

Unfortunately, when we are juggling endless responsibilities and find ourselves in a crunch, time committed to friends is often the first thing we sacrifice. Next time you're tempted to cancel a friend, try to remember that the benefits of friendship go far beyond the welcome break they offer – cancel something else instead. 

Tips and Tools You Can Use

Given that friendships contribute to our sense of emotional wellbeing and overall good health, try to consider the time spent with friends as a priority. In other words, stop feeling guilty about the time you spend together and instead enjoy yourself with friends more often! Here are some great tips: 

How your health benefits

• Good friendships contribute to emotional well being, which makes us less susceptible to illness.
• People with a strong support network are less prone to clinical depression.
• Time spent with friends helps to relieve stress.
• It is easier to laugh when you are with friends – and laughter helps to release endorphins, which contribute to wellbeing.
• A strong support network can help to fight serious illness and speed recovery.

Setting healthy examples

• Spending time with healthy friends can increase your likelihood of staying healthy.
• It’s easier to eat healthy foods when your friends do.
• Your level of activity increases when you spend time with active friends.
• When you start a diet with a friend or join a fitness club together, you are more likely to stick with it.
• Healthy lifestyles are ‘catching’ – it’s easier to adopt healthy habits.
• If your friends consider regular medical check-ups part of life, you are more likely to include them in your life.

Providing support

• Focus on supportive friends who talk to you honestly and who are always there for you.
• Another person’s point of view can often help to clarify your own decisions about important issues.
• When you feel tense or upset before challenging or important events, chatting with a friend in person or on the phone can help to reduce stress levels.
• Never be afraid to ask for help in times of need – that’s what friends are for.
• Remember that friendship is reciprocal – be there for your friends as well.

Social benefits

• Socially adept friends can help build your own social skills.
• Friends introduce you to other friends who may become part of your support network or add to your career network.
• Socializing helps to stimulate us and keeps us feeling part of life.
• Even a five minute social chat on the phone can help you get through a bad day.

Helpful Resources

What makes a healthy friendship?
(http://www.loveandlearn.com/questions/q77/default.htm)
Making friends
(http://www.counseling.caltech.edu/html/MakingFriends.html)
Maintaining friendships
(http://www.cyberparent.com/friendship/maintain.htm)

For more information or to arrange an appointment for confidential counselling, contact FGIworld, your EAP/EFAP provider, (24 hours-a-day/7days-a-week) at: 1-800-268-5211 (English) 1-800-363-3872 (en français)

How to Avoid Burnout

'Burnout' is a stress condition brought on by being involved in an intense situation for a long period of time, without adequate rest and recreation. Although most commonly thought of in relation to a job, burnout can also occur in other situations, such as when we are a primary caregiver to small children or a sick elderly person. It is often the result of feeling overworked and underappreciated.

You can learn how to avoid burnout by knowing your own limits, taking care of yourself and learning from the ideas and strategies of others in similar situations. 

Tips and Tools You Can Use

Learning to understand burnout can help you to avoid it. Try to know your own limits and develop coping strategies for periods when stress overload seems unavoidable. Here are some great tips to help you stay on top of things: 

Know your limits

• Learn to control a situation that has the potential for burnout by recognizing it at the outset.
• Certain jobs, such as air traffic control, are known for their high incidence of burnout.
• Jobs that involve caring for the very ill or which require a great number of overtime hours are also known to have high burnout rates.
• Some people thrive on stressful situations, but others sacrifice their own needs when they get involved.
• Try to know yourself well enough to avoid situations of potential burnout.
• Dealing with stress
• Coping with job stress
• Understanding balance

Taking care of yourself

• When you ignore your physical and emotional needs during a period of constant or severe stress, burnout may result.
• Good self-care includes eating nutritious, well-balanced meals at regular hours.
• Regular exercise is important. Try walking or jogging around the block at lunchtime.
• Try to ensure you have adequate and satisfying sleep.
• Regular rest and recreation will help to avoid burnout. Recognize that you are not doing anyone a favour by depriving yourself in these areas.
• If you are in a stressful situation and realize that one or more of your self-care habits has gone by the wayside, it might be time to take a look at what is causing the stress and take action to change it.

·         Balancing work, family and fun:

o   Healthy lifestyle Canada's Food Guide  (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/lifestyles/food_nutr.html)

o   Canada's Physical Activity Guide  (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/paguide/) 

Talking with others

• Share your feelings with others in the same or a similar situation.
• Listen to what they say about the strategies they use to cope.
• Consider joining a support group for people in your situation. Eg. A support group for caregivers or for new mothers.
• Talk with someone from outside the situation who is objective and might also offer new ideas.
• Sometimes communicating with others about your own situation is a positive step away from stress and burnout towards greater health.
• If burnout is becoming severe and is affecting your ability to function properly, talk to your doctor or to a confidential EAP counsellor.
• Anxiety vs Stress

Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM)

(http://www.adam.mb.ca/about.html)

Helpful Resources

Simple things you can do today to control stress

(http://stress.about.com/library/weekly/aa112600a.htm)

Your great balancing act - tools and advice

(http://www.chatelaine.com/article.jsp?page=health&cid=661127)

 For more information or to arrange an appointment

for confidential counselling, contact FGIworld,

your EAP/EFAP provider, (24 hours-a-day/7days-a-week) at:

1-800-268-5211 (English) 1-800-363-3872 (en français)