Values in Reno

I'd told Russ I'd accompany him to National Bowling Championships in Reno. Have you ever been to Reno? Whoa. I hadn't, but it turns out what you hear about it is true.

Our departure date rolls around and I realize I'm not looking forward to it - for a variety of reasons. But it didn't feel good to cancel, so there was only one thing to do.

Change my attitude and intention about the experience.

Here's a little trick I learned a few years ago to transform unpleasant situations and experiences. Identify one or two of your core values, and set the intention that you will experience these values in action during the event.

Well, it was Reno, and it was a bowling tournament, so I didn't want to leave anything to chance. I picked FOUR of my top values, and held the intention that I'd experience all four during the trip. Connection, Inspiration, Learning and Nature.

That oughta do the trick.

So I held the intention lightly but with confidence as we left, and didn't think on it again.

Get this ...

It was one of my best weekends EVER! All four of my values came into play, to combine into a fabulous experience. Spending the whole time together created a really nice Connection for us (instead of being annoying, which would normally be the case when I spend that much time with any one person). Plus, I connected with other people as well.

If you read my April 3 ezine issue you'll know I was Inspired by Cody the bowler (aka Tigger). We also shopped in Tahoe (which is where I experienced my Nature value!! woo hoo!! That place is gorgeous! Huge pine cones on a beautiful trail by a lake so blue you can't believe it's real!) Anyway, that was Nature. But also in Tahoe we walked into an art gallery to find the painting I've been intending come into my life to inspire me. It was the kind of experience that gives me goose bumps. The story about the painting is a whole 'nuther post - but trust me, it was Inspiring with a capital "I"! Wow!

Last but not least was Learning, which I experienced from beginning to end as I finally had time at the airports to dive into a book that's been on my shelf for some time: "This Year I Will .. " by MJ Ryan. Very cool book about incorporating change in life once and for all.

So that's how that works. When you're headed for something you're not looking forward to, remember to pick out a value or two to honor and it'll transform your experience of it. This stuff works like magic. : )