Category: Uncategorized

Written by Stephanie Bucklin

In a world where time slips through our fingers, energy is often depleted by countless demands, and the essence of who we are is sometimes overshadowed by societal expectations, Lee Harris’s words serve as a powerful reminder: “Our value is our time, our energy, and the uniqueness of our being. When we learn to better value ourselves, we are better able to value others, and they too can better value us. It becomes a circle.”

At the core of this idea is a simple yet profound truth: valuing ourselves is the first step in creating a ripple effect of mutual respect and appreciation in our communities. This concept ties seamlessly into the cooperative values we’ve explored, where the success of one is intricately linked to the success of all.

Valuing Time and Energy in a Cooperative Framework

In any cooperative endeavor, time and energy are the most valuable resources. Each member’s contribution of these finite assets forms the backbone of the collective. When individuals recognize the worth of their time and energy, they can engage more meaningfully, not out of obligation but from a place of understanding their true worth.

This self-awareness fosters a culture where each person’s efforts are acknowledged and respected. It leads to a balanced exchange, where people give and receive in equal measure, ensuring that the cooperative thrives on a foundation of mutual respect.

The Uniqueness of Being: The Heart of Cooperation

Every person brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table. In a cooperative, these individual differences are not just welcomed but celebrated. The uniqueness of each member’s being is what drives innovation and creativity within the group.

When we learn to value our own uniqueness, we can better appreciate the diversity around us. This appreciation strengthens the cooperative, allowing it to evolve in ways that are reflective of the collective’s rich tapestry of identities. It’s this diversity that often leads to the most effective solutions, as different viewpoints come together to address challenges in ways that a homogenous group might miss.

Creating a Circle of Value

Lee Harris’s quote beautifully illustrates the cyclical nature of value within a cooperative. When we understand our worth, we naturally extend that recognition to others. This creates a continuous loop where everyone feels valued, leading to a more cohesive and supportive environment.

In a cooperative setting, this circle of value is essential. It’s the glue that holds the collective together, ensuring that no one feels overlooked or undervalued. As each member feels appreciated, they are more likely to contribute fully, knowing that their efforts are both needed and respected. This, in turn, fuels the collective’s success, as everyone is working towards a common goal with a shared sense of purpose.

Conclusion: The Power of Self-Valuation in a Cooperative World

In the grand scheme of things, our time, energy, and the uniqueness of our being are all we truly have to offer. By valuing these aspects of ourselves, we set the stage for deeper connections and a stronger sense of community. In a cooperative, this self-valuation is not just important—it’s vital.

As we continue to explore and live out cooperative values, let’s remember that the circle of value starts with each of us. By recognizing and honoring our own worth, we can create a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. And in doing so, we build a cooperative that is not just successful, but truly reflective of the unique individuals who make it up.

By Stephanie B Bucklin

In today’s fast-paced society, achieving a healthy balance between work and personal life can feel next to impossible. Entrepreneurs have even more of a struggle with this balance because running a business is often a 24/7 endeavor. By implementing these and other effective strategies, it’s possible to create a healthy lifestyle that promotes well-being, productivity, and fulfillment. In this blog, we’ll explore key practices for managing stress, enhancing time management skills, boosting motivation, and achieving a greater sense of balance in your daily life.

Managing Stress Techniques

Stress is an inevitable part of life. How we respond to it can make all the difference. Do you have stress management practices to deal with your stress? If not, you are likely allowing stress to rule your life and you may not be aware of it. Incorporating stress management techniques into your daily routine can help you navigate these challenges with greater ease. Practices such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, yoga or stretching, and regular physical activity can significantly reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm and clarity.

Benefits:

– Reduced levels of cortisol and other stress hormones

– Improved mood and emotional well-being

– Enhanced resilience in the face of adversity

– Greater mental clarity and focus

How to Bring It Into Daily Life:

– Set aside time each day for relaxation and self-care activities. If you struggle with this, add the activities of Relaxation or Self-Care Activity into your online calendar, with reminders built in.

– Practice mindfulness during everyday tasks, such as eating or walking. If you want more information about mindfulness practice, check out my video on Wellness Wednesdays with Stephanie about this subject here: https://youtu.be/v8-jGLy09ug

– Prioritize activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Focus on joy, happiness and bliss as often as possible and you will feel better, emotionally!

Build Time Management Skills

Effective time management is essential for maintaining work-life balance. By learning to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and minimize distractions, you can make the most of your time and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Benefits:

– Increased productivity and efficiency

– Reduced feelings of overwhelm and stress

– More time for leisure activities and personal interests

– A greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment

How to Bring It Into Daily Life:

– Use tools, such as to-do lists, calendars, and time-tracking apps to organize your tasks and schedule. My favorite time management practice includes writing a daily to-do list – I keep a notepad for all my business activities, and I document the day’s activities after the to-do list.

– Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Baby steps can make big goals much more achievable.Consider delegating the tasks you don’t want to do.

– Set boundaries around work hours and allocate time for breaks and relaxation. This is one of the most important aspects of Work-life Balance for entrepreneurs and business owners – set a work schedule for your business, so that you will have space in your schedule for personal life..

Increase Motivation and Achievement

Maintaining motivation is key to achieving your goals and aspirations. By identifying your values, setting meaningful goals, and cultivating a positive mindset, you can stay motivated and focused on what matters most to you.

Benefits:

– Greater sense of purpose and fulfillment

– Increased resilience in the face of obstacles

– Improved self-confidence and self-efficacy

– Enhanced performance and achievement

How to Bring It Into Daily Life:

– Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals that align with your values and priorities. Access a SMART Goals Worksheet on my website here:
https://stephaniebucklin.com/resources/

– Break goals down into actionable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. As indicated above, if you create a list of baby steps or task list around a goal, this can help put the goal into perspective. 

– Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and inspire you. Likewise, do you best not to listen to the naysayers and negative individuals who want to keep you small.

Build Attention and Focus

In today’s digital age, maintaining focus can be challenging amidst constant distractions. However, by practicing techniques such as mindfulness, single-tasking, and setting boundaries with technology, you can train your brain to concentrate more effectively.

Benefits:

– Improved cognitive function and memory

– Enhanced productivity and performance

– Reduced stress and overwhelm

– Deeper connections in personal and professional relationships

How to Bring It Into Daily Life:

– Practice mindfulness meditation for a few minutes each day to strengthen your attention muscle. One of my colleagues, Mecca Wagner-Brown posted a meditation for you to try here: https://youtu.be/md8yz6nugms

– Limit multitasking and focus on one task at a time. Mindfulness practice helps us stay focused on accomplishing one task at a time.

– Set boundaries around technology use, such as turning off notifications during designated work periods.You can use your online calendar to set these boundaries as well, as in, adding a calendar item that says “Shut Down All Technology for the Day” or something to that effect. 

Control Information Overload

In today’s digital world, we’re bombarded with information from various sources, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm and information overload. By curating your sources of information, setting boundaries with technology, and practicing selective attention, you can regain control over your mental environment.

Benefits:

– Reduced stress and overwhelm

– Increased focus and productivity

– Enhanced ability to absorb and retain information

– Greater clarity and discernment in decision-making

How to Bring It Into Daily Life:

– Limit your exposure to news and social media, especially during times of high stress or anxiety. Personally, I stopped watching the News more than a decade ago, and I’m much more peaceful as a result. 

– Curate your information sources to prioritize quality over quantity. Use mindfulness and discernment to choose what you take into your consciousness every day. .

– Schedule regular breaks from technology to give your brain a chance to rest and recharge. You could also set your cell phone to Airplane mode when you sleep – some people find it helps them sleep to not have the 5G and EMF so close to their bed.

Manage Interruptions and Chaos

Constant interruptions and unexpected challenges can disrupt your workflow and derail your productivity. By setting boundaries, establishing routines, and practicing effective communication, you can minimize disruptions and create a more conducive work environment.

Benefits:

– Increased productivity and efficiency

– Reduced stress and frustration

– Improved communication and collaboration

– Greater sense of control and autonomy

How to Bring It Into Daily Life:

– Set aside specific blocks of time for focused work without interruptions. Use the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work, 5-minute breaks) – the App, Forest, is a great resource for this practice.

– Communicate your boundaries and expectations to colleagues, friends, and family. If you are unsure of what these boundaries may be, do some journaling and self-introspection. Ask yourself, “Where in my life do I feel the most interruptions or chaos?” 

– Practice assertive communication techniques to address interruptions respectfully but firmly. If you use an office in your home, you could create a “Please do not disturb” Sign for the door, then express to your family or housemates that this means 100% of the time, unless there’s an emergency. You could also list what emergencies qualify for interruption, if it’s unclear.

Redesign Task Bottlenecks

Identifying and addressing task bottlenecks can help streamline your workflow and improve efficiency. By breaking down tasks into smaller steps, delegating responsibilities, and leveraging technology, you can overcome obstacles and achieve your goals more effectively.

Benefits:

– Increased productivity and efficiency

– Reduced feelings of overwhelm and stress

– Greater clarity and focus

– Enhanced collaboration and teamwork

How to Bring It Into Daily Life:

– Identify common bottlenecks in your workflow and brainstorm potential solutions. Personally, I find that food and drink can be quite a distraction. I keep snacks and an extra gallon of water in my office to prepare in advance for this issue. 

– Break tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps. This has been repeated because I can’t express the value of this enough. Turning just one big goal into smaller, actionable tasks is a powerful technique for managing bottlenecks.

– Delegate tasks when possible and leverage technology to automate repetitive processes. Consider using AI to help you write content. Collaborate with others. 

Build Wellness and Vitality

Prioritizing your physical and mental well-being is essential for maintaining work-life balance. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, nutritious eating, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques, this will support your overall health and vitality.

Benefits:

– Increased energy and resilience

– Improved mood and emotional well-being

– Enhanced cognitive function and productivity

– Reduced risk of burnout and illness

How to Bring It Into Daily Life:

– Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym. You can even get up and move every couple hours to avoid the afternoon slump. This could be as simple as doing a few chair yoga movements. The goal is to MOVE DAILY. 

– Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Eating a healthy plant-strong diet is a step towards greater health and well-being. It’s worth the effort. 

– Prioritize adequate sleep by establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. Turning the phone off a couple of hours before bed can have a profound effect on your sleep pattern.

In conclusion, achieving work-life balance is a journey that requires intention, commitment, and ongoing effort. By implementing these practices into your daily life, you can cultivate a lifestyle that promotes well-being, productivity, and fulfillment. Remember that balance looks different for everyone, so be patient with yourself and prioritize self-care along the way. With time and practice, you can create a harmonious equilibrium between your professional and personal life, allowing you to thrive in all areas of your life.

Be well.

Love, Stephanie

About the Author

The Self-Healing Specialist

Holistic Healing Arts Practitioner, with 15+ years of experience
Psychic Medium, Clairvoyant
Certified Yoga Instructor, 200+ Hour (2014)
Certified Reiki Practitioner, Master Attunement (2023)

As a Holistic Healing Arts Practitioner, Stephanie uses the healing tools of energy work, psychic mediumship and guided movement to help you heal your bodymind and spirit. Stephanie teaches about optimal wellness in the East Valley, Arizona. She is available for in-person or online healing sessions. Stephanie relocated to Arizona in 2019 and has been working towards her dream business ever since. In the Spring of 2023, she started a new podcast called Wellness Wednesdays with Stephanie on YouTube.

What makes Stephanie unique is that she is an inquisitive self-taught student of Philosophy (Human Thought), Nutritional Science & Kinesiology (Human Advancements) who will never stop learning. As a result, she has a deep understanding about the human condition. Stephanie graduated from Ventura College with honors in 2014, acquiring two associate’s degrees in Holistic Health Studies & Natural Science with a minor in Kinesiology. She completed training as a 200 hour Yoga Teacher in 2014, and received certification in Reiki Master Energy Healing in 2023. Her continuing education has been in plant-based nutrition, yoga philosophy and higher consciousness.

Stephanie is highly intuitive. She is a clairvoyant and psychic medium. She offers Intuitive Readings and Reiki Energy Sessions, as well as Spiritual Coaching. Stephanie calls herself a “Love Warrior” – the deepest message she shares with her clients is her primary purpose in life: 

“Self-love is the key to transformation in our healing journey.”

”Love is one of the highest vibrations on our planet and it creates peace and healing in the body-mind. Love creates the perfect energetic environment for self-healing, and helps us open pathways to new awareness and a deeper bodymind connection. Stephanie is blissfully guided to heal humanity, through sharing proven techniques to access this love vibration. Her smile is contagious. Stephanie will guide you to create the circumstances in your own life to transform. She is a Catalyst for Change.

Schedule a Consultation with Stephanie