In Stephen Covey's book from yesteryear, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, the seventh habit is Sharpening the Saw. I always thought that was a great one. One about refreshment in our lives before going out and chopping down more trees by sharpening that old axe. With some down time for many of us with Thanksgiving, some refreshment is in order.
Sharpening the saw has to do with rest, doing some additional reading or study in our field, essentially polishing ourselves up before venturing out into the world again with its ups and downs and stresses. But if you know me, here I go again having
Another Take on Sharpening the Saw.
I've often laughed that we need good physically fit bodies in life. Why? To carry our brains around. But our brains are more than just thinking. Our brains house our emotional and spirit sides. How we feel. The baggage we carry from the past. How confident we are. In this sharpening of the saw, work very hard at "boosting" those emotional and spirit sides. You know you have succeeded because you feel good "despite" your circumstances.
Be around lots of good people. Laugh. Play. Be around pets. Be silly. Have fun. Give warm hugs and kisses. Be generous with your love and time. Say I love you, a lot. Smile. Make warm eye contact. Write those notes and emails to friends.
Don't forget to pray or meditate or immerse yourself in nature.
With focus on your spirit, and pumping yourself up with music, or inspirational readings, events, or activities, it will do even MORE for you than recharging that thinking side of your life. Spiritual and emotional boosting will add MUCH ENERGY to your life. Try it. See the difference a BIG LAUGH will make in your day and in the life of another. Make that connection And remember another take on sharpening YOUR saw.
Gary,
Thanks for some great BUZZ words!!! LOL, Thanks, Fran
Hi Gary, as I read this post I am surrounded by my three kitties who like to help me with my computer work. They make me smile and feel good everyday. Thanks for the reminder of how important it is to take care of your emotional well-being and how essential that is.
Gary - great post about sharpening the saw. It is important to take care of your body because it does carry your brain around - I have not heard that but it is an excellent reminder to take care of yourself. And being around positive people, nature, thanks for this today!
Gary—Excellent message. Laughter is one of our greatest gifts. I'm pretty healthy since I make myself laugh most of the time. Activiites one enjoys invariably help invigorate the body as well as the soul. I take myself out to the lake often... the water calms me and it's a great place to meditate. I'm sharpening my saw as I take a mid-morning break contemplating the goodness in my life. Thanks.
I am sharpening my saw by doing a little organic gardening at home today. This is something I have loved doing my whole life. Planting seeds or seedlings and re-potting plants that have outgrown their homes is something fun to me. Some consider it a chore, but not me! I feel sharper already! I just came in for a water break and saw your post. Thanks for another great reminder that we all need to recharge by doing what brings us joy! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Betina
Hi Gary- I'm having a good laugh right now. Having just read the comments with Ann's helpful kitties...well here come my 2, one's on my lap doing circles as I mis-type...the other pawing my leg looking left out. Awww, they are just too cute. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
So true about taking care of your body, when I exercise I feel so much better and think clearer than when I don't. I have more ideas and more courage to branch out to try new things.
:::::APPLAUSE:::::APPLAUSE:::::
You always know the right thing to say. :)
Hi Gary -I think s.lee.p needs this most of all. She already is around some. Now she is around a very special one who lifts her up and makes her smile. I think s.lee.p. is relaxing even more than her acronym suggests by taking baby steps and little bites. Each day will be a little better. Thank you for being the warm caring fellow who has a pretty special way of melting the huge iceblock of s.lee.p's heart. Happy Thanksgiving Gary. <big smile> P.S. Congrats on the gold star.(on the blog Pre-emptive touches blog) You shine brighter than the brightest star in the heavens.
Be around lots of good people. Laugh. Play. Be around pets. Be silly. Have fun. Give warm hugs and kisses. Be generous with your love and time. Say I love you, a lot. Smile. Make warm eye contact. Write those notes and emails to friends
Gary.......And of course the other reason for good physical attention to our bodies is that it house our spirit and that is the essence of who we are. When we are sick the spirit has a very difficult time concentrating on its purpose. When the house is falling apart the inhabitants /residents can not live.
Great post
Bo
Gary: It is most definitely time for rejuvenation! It's been an exhausting year for all of us. Now it's time to push the pause button and take some time for us.
Fran: Great buzz there. I hear your saw sharpening from here.
Ann: Three kittens. Well you have that pet action completely covered. Good for you.
Sharon Paxson: I know you are a great example for us for taking care of yourself. I know you do the bike riding too.
Linda: Taking breaks, being near water, laughter, all tremendous rejuvenation techniques.
Betina: Gardening is great for the recharge. I probably need to do some of that this week. Happy Thanksgiving to you Betina.
Gail: Great photos of the two kitties. Even if they interfere with your typing. Happy Thanksgiving.
Christina: I call that post exercise effect the oxygenated brain. It helps me with the ideas too.
Carol: I love that sound of clapping hands.
s.lee.p: With your acronym "handle" the rest is quite appropriate. No iceblock hearts allowed around these parts ;) Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!!
Bo: Great point about the body (our temple) housing the spirit.
Chris Ann: Push that pause button and chill.
Gary - I believe in mind over matter! When our heads are in the game of life, we find ourselves in a better place mentally and physically!
Gary - great reminder about a great book! It time to sharpen... Now if I can just move my cat