Iowa Specialty Hospital

Amy's Reflections

January 7, 2016

Learn to say no to demands, requests, invitations, and activities that leave you with no time for yourself. Until I learned to say no, and mean it, I was always overloaded by stress. You may feel guilty and selfish at first for guarding your down- time, but you’ll soon find that you are a much nicer, more present, more productive person in each instance you do choose to say yes. - Holly Mosier

I had the opportunity last week to spend time with my aunt and uncle that live in Missouri. Because the weather was rainy and overcast we spent a lot of quality time inside playing cards, dice and board games. Shaila and I baked and we had great conversations. I impressed my kids with my ability to make “wine” (mixing grape juice and Sprite like when I was little). It was a great way to start 2016 spending time with family and focused on being present in the moment.

I am always amazed to hear about everything that my aunt and uncle have gone through in their 63 years of marriage and how those life events shaped them. It was fun to listen how they started out and married young, my uncle went to war, they started farming and struggled to make ends meet. They raised pigs and then later cattle as they continued to build their family all while living a state away from their family. It was not just interesting but also reinforced how important it is to work together and communicate. They are great role models for Rick and I and we learn something from them every time we visit. 

As we look forward into 2016 there will be the inevitable change that comes every year. Although change can be difficult, it can also be good. These changes are what lead us on to the next step and these moments are what shape us. So, as we approach this New Year, please take a deep breath and just try to be present in the moments. Put down your phone, look someone in the eye when you talk to them and truly be present. It is a gift that will give back to you in ways you can’t yet imagine. 

Mindfulness is not a mechanical process. It is developing a very gentle, kind, and creative awareness to the present moment. - Amit Ray

-Amy McDaniel, Belmond CEO

 

 

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