Look Elsewhere

What does looking elsewhere have to do with transition? Sometimes we focus too much on inner selves that we neglect to take a good look at the environment and people around us.

Here is a reminder:


Look at People
Who are the people who make your day special? They can be your family members, friends, neighbors and of course your pets. People can also be the providers of service we routinely count on. By focusing on them instead of our "self" we can change our attitude, learn new things and move forward.   

Look at Places
Take some time to observe where you are. Look at the buildings, trees and sky. Our visual senses can bring us great relief from every day sameness. Look with new "eyes" and really see where you are. 



Look at Things
Spend some time looking at your surroundings with deeper vision. Really look at the mug on your desk. Observe the stapler. Contemplate your phone. When we look with intent we often see things in a brand new light.


Looking elsewhere is one of the ways to make a transition in your thoughts, attitude and  mindset.

Another method is by listening. You may find this previous post about sound helpful. Stillness and Silence.


Let me know how some of these exercises go in transitioning your mind.

Transition Your Thinking

Your thinking determines your mood, attitude and your choices. How are you thinking today?


Cloudy or Clear Thinking

Thinking Outside the Box

Bottom Up Vs. Top Down

Non Thinking as a Strategy

Under thinking

Over thinking


For more thoughts on thinking visit Terry's Thinking - A blog about thinking.

Being Positive in a Negative World

It is hard to stay positive when we are filled with negativity. Recently I've noticed more negative conversations around the world's water coolers. How can we remain or become positive?

Choose Positive Media and Messages
Avoid watching too much daily television news. Look instead at situational comedies. Seek out positive television shows or series. Stop watching so much television and read an uplifting book instead.

Smile more
Individuals who smile are more likely to be received in a positive light. In others words, we get what we give.

Be Positive where you can
Say thank you, your welcome and really mean it . Work on your inflections.

Appreciate and Play with your Pets
Pet's are great stress relievers. Spend some time watching or hanging out with them.


Realize you can't necessarily change the world but you can change yourself and your attitude.

Books on Transition

Books on transition are very diverse and cover a wide range of topics. Here is a suggestion:

Changing Jobs or Careers
Between Trapezes by Gail Blanke is an excellent book on making changes between jobs, careers or life stages. This book highlights eight individuals going through major life transitions, primarily in mid stream in their careers. This book has a few good takeaways. Give it a try if you are thinking about changing your line of work.

Forgiving Oneself

Last week I had an unwelcome surprise. While walking my dog, I slipped and broke my ankle. At the onset, while I was in a good amount of pain, I also spend a fair amount of time, internally scolding myself for my foolishness.

Looking back, I see that I may have experienced twice as much "pain", more than I really needed. My "slip slide" on the pavement was a mistake, not by intention. Sometimes we let our guard down and things just happen.

The ankle is healing, and I am hobbling along. From this experience, I know I will again be more wary of the puddles in my path and the way I treat myself when I make a mistake.

Transitioning to Having Children

One of life's biggest transitions is going from being without a child to having one. Having a child changes many things:

1) No longer is there just "you" to plan for. You have another life to care for and cherish.

2) Having a child often makes you more aware of your mortality.

3) Having a child changes some of your perspectives, outlook and choices

4) No matter how old your child becomes, they are still your child in your heart.


Enjoy parenthood. Realize and accept there will be many challenges and changes in your life.

900 Days at Sea

Do you ever feel you are adrift in the ocean of your life? Sometimes when we get lulled in the complacency of everyday waves of life we lose sight of where we are headed. We are usually most often adrift when we are out of touch with who we are and where we are going.

Going out drifting can be unwise if we do not have a map or a chart. Sure, we can enjoy a few days of "just being" but if we venture into waters unknown we can be pushed upon the rocks and shoals of life.

To get redirected and back on course, we need to stop and take careful inventory. The four questions we need to begin asking is:

Who are we?

What have we to give?

Where shall we spend our days upon this planet?

Who would be good and interesting passengers on our boat of life?

For the last 900 days, a sailor has been on an ocean voyage without resupplying or stopping.The original destination day 1000 - However the planned return to New York harbor in April of 2010 may be extended a few more weeks or months due to winter weather. It has been fun being a visitor to the 1000 day at sea blog and tracking this unique and interesting journey.

If you like to read and want to take another sea journey you can read the classic book Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum.