GET YOUR LIFE ON THE WRITE LINES

Sep 28 2008 by Pauline Holt, Sunday Sun

I ALLOWED myself to take just one personal development book with me on holiday this year. One question from the book really leapt out at me and I find that I just can’t budge it . . . I keep thinking about it. The question was: “If I REALLY had my way I would . . .”

There’s something wonderful about this question. It leads you into a land of infinite possibilities — of dreams — it takes you back to being in that childlike state where everything feels completely possible.

Too often it can feel as if life in the 21st century is swamping and constricting us. We’re just all too busy to dream and certainly too busy to act on our dreams. So, as we enter the final quarter of the year, here’s an exercise which will allow you to carry on the optimism of the summer and dream a little. . .

STEP ONE: Take a pen and paper and write “If I REALLY had my way, I’d . . . ” at the top of the page. Then write as many responses to it as you can. Just scribble anything and everything that comes to mind.

STEP TWO: It’s our natural inclination to throw up all kinds of objections. So, to bypass this, for each item you’ve written ask yourself: “How COULD this be possible?” .

STEP THREE: Choose at least one item from the list (more if you like) and formulate five action steps to make it a reality.

V ANNABEL SUTTON is a life coach and author of 52 Ways to Handle It — a Life Coaching Year, available from Neal’s Yard Remedies — www.nealsyardremedies.co.uk — at £6.50. To contact Annabel, email annabel@life-designs.co.uk or visit www.life-designs.co.uk