Uncategorized
Small steps to big Change
Published
7 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Jackie Rainford Corcoran
EBS Health Columnist
With age often comes increased responsibility. Even in healthy communities like Gallatin Valley, many of us struggle to make time for self care. As we juggle careers and relationships, daily routines can feel overwhelming. Eating well and exercising regularly might seem like niceties for people without a care in the world.
But as we repeatedly put self care off, the scale starts creeping up, inflammation flares, energy flattens and stress mounts. So what do we do? Often, we resort to good old wishful thinking—hoping that big changes will happen on Jan. 1, or on our next decade birthday, or Monday.
While we all know that Monday always comes, we’re also painfully aware that lasting changes to habits rarely do.
On Aug. 21, 2017, I was pumped up to watch the total solar eclipse in Rigby, Idaho. I didn’t understand the magnitude of the visual splendor that was about to unfold, but I was excited about the big change that astrologers reported would come with it. I hoped that the closer I was, the greater my chances of basking in these effects.
I was ready for magical transformation with my wish list of new habits mentally rehearsed.
As I witnessed the blue bird day turn to night in minutes, I was reminded of how quickly time is passing, and then the reality sank in that there was no big magic change on the horizon.
Sure, the potential for change might be strengthened by this cosmic phenomenon, or the momentum that the New Year brings, or the inspiration of celebrating a new decade of life, but the only thing that makes lasting change is action. Not wishful thinking. Not reading a book. Not watching a video.
Lasting change starts with self-reflection. We can prompt this by answering questions like these: Why is this change important now? What are my roadblocks? What have I already tried? Why has or hasn’t it worked? How do I lie to myself around this habit—what excuses do I make to condone it? Where am I successful in life? Can I apply the strategies I use to be successful in one area to another where I’m trying to make change?
Second, create a simple plan. Start with the end in mind and work backward. Consider making small action steps and having an accountability partner. As you map out a plan, keep in mind the changes that come with each month and season. If you find yourself falling back on the same strategies you’ve tried in the past but haven’t been successful at, seek new ways to reach your goal.
Third, execute your plan. Action is key. Have a weekly check-in day. If you fall off the wagon, ask yourself why and course correct from there. Don’t give up. Revisit why this is important at this time. If you find that it’s not really that important after all, great, let it go and move on. No need to keep traveling down that road. If you feel terrible about giving up on the goal, reexamine your why—perhaps it needs strengthening.
And finally, find joy in the process. The emotional part of the brain, the pleasure seeker, needs to be fulfilled as well. Treat it like a puppy in training. We know they need discipline to be safe and have a stress-free life but we also know they need to play and express their unbridled joy.
Jackie Rainford Corcoran is an IIN Certified Holistic Health Coach, culture consultant and public speaker. For a complimentary health consultation, reach her at rainfordcorcoran@gmail.com.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
more
Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome
Event Details
Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome to come, if you don’t know who to bring come alone this is a great mixer event! This is an event hosted by Big Sky OUT as we work to provide queer safe spaces throughout the community.
Time
(Sunday) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Cowboy Coffee
25 Town Center Ave. Big Sky, MT 59716