How can I do what I teach and “preach”? As a coach and supervisor and as an educator with a Master’s in teaching, I “know” a lot. But do I practice what I know and how do I do it? What about you? Is there a disconnect between what you do and what you know (you should do)?

Last week at my Inter-Vision group discussed this topic, and we reminded ourselves that maturity is a life-long process. Hopefully, we are all better than yesterday and tomorrow we will be better still. We know a lot but practicing it is not always easy.

Let’s start with emotional regulation and integrity.

I posted a quote from Twitter this past week that is a “goal”, as my cousin Mary puts it – something to reach for:

“You can learn so much about a person by:

1. How they react when something unexpected happens or they don’t get their way.

2. How they speak about people when they’re not around.

3. How they behave when they’re stressed or uncomfortable.

4. How they respond when you share how you feel.

5. What they do when you don’t agree with them.”

@Dr.NicoleLePera on Twitter

I have often written about integrity (what I do and say is really what is inside me) and some about emotional regulation and I still highly recommend “Emotional Agility” by Dr. Susan David. There is a lot to say on this but let us leave it there for consideration.

AND there is also my personal reflection process – do I take the necessary time to reflect upon my work, learning and activities?

Then there is the healthy living question: do I follow what I challenge almost all of my clients to do when it comes to a better lifestyle?

Finally, do I put into practice my favorite healthy reflection activity, my PPF Model?

I DO try this, but need to practice, too. (just like everyone)

PPFs:

Past, Present, Future (PPFs) self-application for preventing burnout- for myself, for my clients, AND for you.

PAST: Remember the past and be grateful, PRESENT: savor what we have in the present and FUTURE:  anticipate the good things the future holds with hope.

PAST:

This past week has been one of fun and of challenges overcome. I went to a lovely 60th birthday party las weekend and am doing well after a hip replacement – walking more and having less pain.

Last night I was able to watch “Sweet Bean Paste” because a friend mailed me her DVD – and it is lovely (based on the book of the same name).

One of my clients this week totally had a difficult time because of work, life and crises. So we postponed the supervision meeting.

I can relate to having a lot to do while having other stressful situations at work (or home) to deal with at the same time. 

That’s why premortems are so helpful: they help you see possible future glitches in a plan and prepare for them.  More about that in a later blog will come, now we are focused on the PPFs of life to carry on with a good attitude.

My other BIG past to remember and be grateful for is my daughter’s wedding in March. I have a few (hard coy) photos and am LOOKING FORWARD with HOPE to more photos from the photographer.

PRESENT:

What can I savor and enjoy at this very moment?

My PRESENT right now is the beautiful sunshine streaming into my window, the sunny yellow buildings vis a vis from me, and the birds chirping.  I am savoring the color and the light, breathingin the smell of flowers from the garden and just enjoying my breath -  in the present moment and just being for a moment.  I am enjoying this moment and breathing.

My FUTURE for today is a near future activity:  I am meeting a friend for a wee outing – one of my first after my hip replacement.  I am also looking forward to holidays next month and in August, to the third wedding this year… It will take place next month. There is also another 60th birthday party in just under a week. Lots of  fun to look forward to in hope.

I also have a very very future plan to visit a dear friend who recently moved to Germany.  But that ishopefully summer/early fall future. 

Now it’s time for you to try PPFs: 

What can you remember from the past right now that brings you joy?  Where is that joy coming from? Let it come and enjoy the past experience once more.

Then what can you savor right now?  Maybe it’s a cup of coffee or tea during your mid-morning or afternoon break. 

Maybe you can go for a walk and enjoy the beauty surrounding you.

What can you look forward to? 

You need to make a plan to remember the past, savor the present and anticipate a hopeful future and practice it.  If you do make PPFs a habit, it will help you get through tough times.

Everyone knows it’s hard to make changes so I give you these three tips to plan a change:

·       Make a plan how you are going to set PPFs in motion

·       Tell a friend for support- and allow them to check up on you

·       Fix your environment for positive success (eg: turn off the news until further notice, or buy treats to enjoy in these next difficult days) – get a journal ready (or use your electronic device)

Whether you need help with PPFs, with doing what you know or if you want to talk more about the difficulties you are having and how to change your life for the better, just give me an email. 

Have a good week moving onward and upward!

Patricia Jehle                 patricia@jehle-coaching.com