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Motivation Mondays: Do Not Disturb

15/10/2018

“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.”  Marcus Aurelius

Motivation Mondays: Do Not Disturb

Motivation Mondays: Do Not Disturb

Don’t disturb me, I am disturbed enough already.
Never let your best friends get lonely… keep disturbing them.
Do not allow any thought to disturb your inner poise. Sri Chimnoy

What comes to mind when you see a Do Not Disturb sign?  Could it be a sign to step back because the person is in need of rest? Could it be an indirect cry for help because the person doesn’t want to be a burden by asking for it? Could it be a reminder to stop and take stock of the din around us and re-calibrate our own noise level? It is all of the above and more.  Is it Visible or Invisible? There are times when we need to put up that fence so we can rest, refocus, and refuel ourselves and get back to work.  There are times when we use that message in a symbolic way to hide away from the world, from our troubles, and even from our responsibilities because enough has become too much. Take stock of when your invisible Do Not Disturb sign goes up and reflect on why it is there and whether a new approach is needed. We all need timeout to rest and relax but, we also need to pay attention to when that sign becomes a wall shutting everyone and everything out that could nurture and support us.

Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend who bemoaned the fact that the last hotel she stayed in, the cleaning service staff ignored her Do Not Disturb sign. It was time for her to checkout anyway. What were they supposed to do? Besides, they were concerned that the person in the room was not responding to the knocks on the door so, what would you do? Frankly, there are times when a knock on our visible or invisible Do Not Disturb sign could save our lives. There are times when we are so spent that we feel too wiped to ask for support. Our Do No Disturb sign might go up but, it might also be sending the wrong message… Leave me to rot is never a great option. That is why I added the quote above about never letting those you care about feel abandoned, lonely or lost.  Don’t ignore all the invitations to give and receive support from others… Do You?

 

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock BY T. S. ELIOT
(Redacted)
Do I dare
Disturb the universe?
In a minute there is time
For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.

For I have known them all already, known them all:
Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,
I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
I know the voices dying with a dying fall
Beneath the music from a farther room.
So how should I presume?

And I have known the eyes already, known them all—
The eyes that fix you in a formulated phrase,
And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin,
When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall,
Then how should I begin
To spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways?
And how should I presume?

 

“If small things have the power to disturb you, then who you think you are is exactly that: small.” Eckhart Tolle

Motivation Mondays: Do Not Disturb

Motivation Mondays: Do Not Disturb

 

When do you put up your invisible Do Not Disturb Sign? Are you aware of its presence? Our Do Not Disturb sign can be both visible and/or invisible and sometimes we are not even aware that it is there.  Some of us use our invisible sign as a shield against the unknown or as a weapon against those we despise. We give them the cold, silent treatment because we don’t want them to know how much we are hurting, and we feel justified in our silent rage. Some put up big, huge, noisy signs in visual, verbal and symbolic relief, and use them to bully, discriminate against or terrorize others while denying their own guilt in their rage. Yet others, escape the world of pain and suffering by hiding behind their invisible signs.

This is an invitation to examine the reasons for your sign and consider an alternative option or approach. Even though escapism seems the ideal approach, it never solves any problems. It packs problems away until they return strengthened and emboldened, ready to straddle you and give you more grief. Try a new way; talk to someone you trust, choose a new form of exercise or hobby; reach out to others who wish you well and make a connection; contemplate the progression of what led to the sign and, if necessary, seek professional help. Above all, give it to the Creator/Universe as an act of freeing yourself from that bondage. It is not easy for so many of us to do but, it is worth embracing the affirmative so we can keep breathing and appreciating the life in our being. Can we at least try?

Love and the Novice by Thomas Moore
“Here we dwell, in holiest bowers,
Where angels of light o’er our orisans bend;
Where sighs of devotion and breathings of flowers
To heaven in mingled odour ascend.
Do not disturb our calm, oh Love!
So like is thy form to the cherubs above,
It well might deceive such hearts as ours.”

Love stood near the Novice and listen’d,
And Love is no novice in taking a hint;
His laughing blue eyes soon with piety glisten’d;
His rosy wing turn’d to heaven’s own tint.
“Who would have thought,” the urchin cries,
“That Love could so well, so gravely disguise
His wandering wings, and wounding eyes?”

Love now warms thee, waking and sleeping,
Young Novice, to him all thy orisons rise.
He tinges the heavenly fount with his weeping,
He brightens the censer’s flame with his sighs.
Love is the Saint enshrined in thy breast,
And angels themselves would admit such a guest,
If he came to them clothed in Piety’s vest.

 

The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for SEPT 2018/OCT 2018 are:

SEPT

09/01   –  03 Labor Day, 5 International Charity Day,  8 International Literacy Day
09/09   –  9 Rosh Hashana, 10 Suicide Prevention Day, 11 Patriot Day,
09/16  –  17 Emmy Awards, 19 Yom Kippur, 21 International Day of Peace,  22 Fall, 22 Oktoberfest
09/23   –  23 Padre Pio Day, 24 – 30 Sukkot,  27 World Tourism Day
09/30 –    30 Sukkot Ends

 

OCT

10/01   –  01 Nigeria Independence Day, International Coffee Day
10/07   –  08 Columbus Day
10/14  –  16 World Food Day
10/21   –  21 World Mission Day, 24 UNO Day
10/28 –    28 National Chocolate Day, 31 Halloween

 

Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2018?

– Check out the Daily Post for Inspiration. Resources. Idea
Checkout Your Daily Word Prompts

— Check out SheKnows for  SheKnows Living

 

More Below!

“My goal as a writer is more to comfort than to disturb.” Joni Mitchell

Motivation Mondays: Do Not Disturb

Motivation Mondays: Do Not Disturb

Motivation Mondays: Do Not Disturb

Motivation Mondays: Do Not Disturb

Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices. St. Teresa of Avila

When is it Imperative to have that Do Not Disturb sign Up? Is it ever? Yes. Sure, a Do Not Disturb sign could be, at the most basic level, a sign to let us be. But, let’s delve deeper. The world is not so basic is it? When we come up against toxicity or manipulative people, it is wise to create a barrier to prevent the spewing of hate to reach us. Our invisible walls can be both beneficial and detrimental so, we need to be vigilant about knowing the difference. Come back for More!

10 Things I hate About You poem by Unknown?
I hate the way you talk to me
And the way you cut your hair
I hate the way you drive my car
I hate it when you stare

I hate your big dumb combat boots
And the way you read my mind
I hate you so much that it makes me sick
It even makes me rhyme

I hate the way you’re always right
I hate it when you lie
I hate it when you make me laugh
Even worse when you make me cry

I hate the way you’re not around
And the fact that you didn’t call
But mostly I hate the way I don’t hate you
Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.

Any Zen Antics stories via

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Positive Motivation Tip: Be vigilant about your Do Not Disturb sign… cast your cares to the Creator

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM

Related Posts

 


PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS:All Photos: Do not Disturb, DisturbedSHIELD via Pixabay
,  AND/OR via  Wikipedia

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

202 Comments leave one →
  1. Nina permalink
    15/10/2018 2:54 pm

    Love your motivation! I am a very introvert person and I noticed that I need a lot of peace whenever I am writing. I don’t mind a little noise but too loud surroundings distract me.

  2. incalexandra permalink
    15/10/2018 6:32 pm

    I really love your posts. You are a beautiful writer, and I love how you delve into thoughts that perhaps have not occurred to other people. Thank you for sharing 🙂

  3. amayszingblogs permalink
    15/10/2018 9:46 pm

    In my opinion about this Do Not Disturb sign is we give time to others enjoy their life or they nee to take care their selves without disturbance. “IN MY OPINION ONLY!”

  4. Aditi permalink
    15/10/2018 11:00 pm

    This was so inspiring. The more I let myself be disturbed by thoughts of future the more I am affected and stressed in my present.

  5. Karen Monica permalink
    15/10/2018 11:12 pm

    Do not disturb may mean that the person needs a little space or privacy. It can also mean that someone is preoccupied.

  6. Sania Ahmed permalink
    15/10/2018 11:45 pm

    I love the idea of cutting off negative people from our lives who do nothing but will pull you down.

  7. Lyosha Varezhkina (@lyoshathegirl) permalink
    16/10/2018 12:57 am

    Yes it’s the hardest part to me. When person really needs some space and when he or she is looking for help but isn’t ready to say directly.. I still don’t have a key to it. I doubt I ever will

  8. Monidipa Dutta permalink
    16/10/2018 1:19 am

    Some things are within our power, while others are not. Within our power are opinion, motivation, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever is of our own doing; not within our power are our body, our property, reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not of our own doing.

  9. Kristine Nicole Alessandra permalink
    16/10/2018 1:34 am

    In a hotel rules ” Do not Disturb” signs are hanging if the occupants are don’t want to be disturbed by anyone maybe they are having an important meeting or they just want to have a rest.

  10. fashionandstylepolice permalink
    16/10/2018 1:43 am

    I like this post a lot. I am not afraid to get out of situations or ask for timeout when I need it. Life is too short to feel drained every time.

  11. maartjevansandwijk permalink
    16/10/2018 2:21 am

    Wonderful post 🙂 The things I hate about you reminded my of the 7 Things song by Miley Cyrus 🙂

  12. Tom Turner permalink
    16/10/2018 2:28 am

    This was a great read, I love your blog and always look for tips to help my clients who need loads of motivation.

  13. Alfonzowords permalink
    16/10/2018 2:35 am

    thanks for the tips shared.
    my mom and sister would love this!

  14. angel permalink
    16/10/2018 3:12 am

    we should always learn to live at the moment and not worry about the future. by the way, love the “10 things i hate about you” poem. reminded me of julia stiles and heath ledger 🙂

  15. Kate permalink
    16/10/2018 3:16 am

    I absolutely love your motivation Mondays! It is a great way to start the week. Thanks ! 🙂

  16. Terri Steffes permalink
    16/10/2018 3:23 am

    I loved the Eckhart Tolle quote about being small. I love that I have a choice here. Intriguing thought.

  17. Stacie permalink
    16/10/2018 3:38 am

    I love everything about this. Too many people want to hide from the future. Or they worry about the future. So they hide. The future finds you either way, though

  18. Yeah Lifestyle permalink
    16/10/2018 3:55 am

    I think I put my invisible Do Not Disturb sign up when I am around people I know to be toxic. I would try to avoid them completely if possible but sometimes it doesn’t always work out that way.

  19. Nidhi Fouzdar permalink
    16/10/2018 4:04 am

    I dont why it happens with me that I am not able to on do not disturb mode for myself. I feel like helping others, listening to them, and maybe the problem with me I am not able to ignore any one. Please suggest something for it?

  20. Ruth permalink
    16/10/2018 5:08 am

    A very interesting read! I love all the stuff about the do not disturb sign that we can put up physically and mentally. Very deep. I love it 🙂

  21. stacey permalink
    16/10/2018 5:19 am

    Sometimes putting up a do not disturb sign is just that. A desire to be alone.

  22. Downtown Money permalink
    16/10/2018 7:06 am

    Love these quotes! I especially like the one about not worrying about the future, that is always the toughest.

  23. Geraline Batarra permalink
    16/10/2018 7:45 am

    This is such a great post and I do love the sense that you gave a different meaning of the words Do not Disturb. We have a lot of disturbance in life but it is up to us if we are allowing them to disturb our peaceful life.

  24. Coombe Mill permalink
    16/10/2018 7:49 am

    Funny how a face can say so much with no words at all. These statues all shout ” Do not disturb”. Some very peaceful scenes to be left well alone too.

  25. rhianwestbury permalink
    16/10/2018 8:12 am

    I think do not disturb is something you need to respect as you don’t know why people may need some peace x

  26. Christa Anne permalink
    16/10/2018 10:13 am

    Oh wow, that Eckhart Tolle quote is bought provoking. Things only have power to disturb us if we empower them.

  27. annerbananer1 permalink
    16/10/2018 10:40 am

    You make great points here. While we might want to wallow alone in times of strife, it’s best to let people help us if they can.

  28. THE JOYOUS LIVING permalink
    16/10/2018 11:11 am

    chocolate day? oh yeah nice reminder! 😀

  29. Melissa Bradbury permalink
    16/10/2018 11:19 am

    You have made some great points here and I can see from both sides.

  30. passthesushi permalink
    16/10/2018 11:47 am

    This is a hard subject to tackle. Thank you for your thoughtful insight.

  31. vivirewellness permalink
    16/10/2018 12:21 pm

    Love your articles they are always so motivational. I agree we should not let others disturb our inner peace.

  32. Reese permalink
    16/10/2018 12:43 pm

    I think that there are times to put up a Do Not Disturb sign and times to leave it down. If you leave it up all the time, you could miss out on opportunities. If you ever put one up at all, you could leave yourself too open or vulnerable. There needs to be a balance.

  33. Nina permalink
    16/10/2018 12:52 pm

    I am also a firm believer that whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices. It is easy to long for something that we don’t have but we need to remind ourselves that it’s what in our heart that matters. Thank you for this motivation. 🙂

  34. ashleynicolerice permalink
    16/10/2018 1:04 pm

    Sometimes I put up a do not disturb sign. Sometimes I mean to do it and sometimes I do. Great advice to look at why.

  35. mamaofthedrama permalink
    16/10/2018 2:30 pm

    I love this motivational post ts Elliott is a great author and the poetry really just makes Monday much more bearable.

  36. Eli, The Partying Traveler permalink
    16/10/2018 3:21 pm

    I love getting in the zone. When I’m motivated to work on something, I definitely do not like being disturbed!

  37. Melissa permalink
    16/10/2018 4:37 pm

    Another great motivational Monday post. I always look forward to these!

  38. Enjoyfreebies permalink
    16/10/2018 5:18 pm

    Sometimes I really need to put up a do not disturb sign. In fact, wish I had one for my husband! 🙂

  39. bellalimento permalink
    16/10/2018 5:18 pm

    Do not disturb. 3 little words that can mean a lot.

  40. Jasmine - LoveLifeLaughMotherhood permalink
    16/10/2018 5:54 pm

    i am a big believer in keeping negative energy away. when i can accomplish this, I can do better. I hate letting the bad get the best of me.

  41. Laura (@RedirectLife) permalink
    16/10/2018 6:48 pm

    For me ‘Do not Disturb’ means I need rest. I need some isolation to recharge. But I think it is different for everyone and it is also in the manner that you utilize this message as an individual. When it comes to family and friends it is important to learn what it means to them.

  42. Christina permalink
    16/10/2018 8:28 pm

    Escapism doesn’t solve problems. This sentiment really stuck out to me because it’s so true!

  43. Preet permalink
    16/10/2018 9:21 pm

    Oh wow, The poem is very well written. It is all depend on our own perception on how we describe Do Not Disturb sign. It’s a matter of how we give meaning to it

  44. acraftymix permalink
    16/10/2018 9:52 pm

    Mmmmmm, you make some very interesting points Elizabeth. I tend to take “do not disturb” signs very literally. Probably because I value my “me time” so much and I usually say exactly what I mean. The thought didn’t even cross my mind that for others it could be a cry for help.

  45. Aiai Damigo permalink
    16/10/2018 10:20 pm

    ignoring a “DO NOT DISTURBED SIGN” for me in the hotel is a big NO. They should respect that you dont want to be disturbed. Unless the housekeeping ddnt notice the sign!

  46. Azlin Bloor (@AzlinBloor) permalink
    17/10/2018 12:33 am

    That’s a very interesting point of view. I’ll never look at a Do Not Disturb sign the same way! The only time I “put one up” was when my dad died after a sudden illness and with an ill husband here too, I’d made the decision not to fly over to Malaysia. The sadness and guilt was overwhelming. I’m a little more open to asking for help as I’ve got older though.

    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      20/10/2018 6:19 pm

      That must have been very difficult… my condolences to you. Hugs/

  47. Ellie Plummer permalink
    17/10/2018 1:05 am

    This is a really interesting read. I think Do Not Disturb is really good but it’s not the end of the world is hotel staff ignore it

  48. maartjevansandwijk permalink
    17/10/2018 1:28 am

    Very interesting to read about the invisible “don’t disturb sign” that people sometimes put up…

  49. Non Stop Family permalink
    17/10/2018 2:26 am

    I loved your post. I totaly agree with the fact that we haveto make a chance for better, but depends of us that change.

  50. Stacie permalink
    17/10/2018 2:27 am

    I think too many of us are content to stay put in our little bubbles. We love it there because it’s nice and safe. But we never leave, and so we never stretch ourselves and grow.

  51. Felecia Monique permalink
    17/10/2018 2:52 am

    This is so true!!! Sometimes letting little things bother you shows how you really feel about yourself. Great post!

  52. Alexis permalink
    17/10/2018 3:13 am

    Finding peace and calm in our lives is so incredibly important. I’d love a personal do not disturb sign!

  53. Helen Neale permalink
    17/10/2018 3:16 am

    There are times that I get discourage easily. Negative thoughts are coming my way and it disturbs me so much. But one thing I learned. Don;t let disturbance fight my thoughts ad distract my minds. Just keep positive and stay focused.

  54. Queen Tourmaline permalink
    17/10/2018 5:16 am

    This is interesting. I am in a stage of my life where solitude is needed . It is through this that I discover more about how all is connected. Life ebbs and flows all we can do is honor our energy.

  55. Dana Brillante-Peller permalink
    17/10/2018 5:52 am

    Unfortunately, if we didn’t wear our invisible Do Not Disturb sign, we’d be “bothered” often by others. There are people who like to waste your precious time. You shouldn’t let them.

  56. Czjai Reyes-Ocampo permalink
    17/10/2018 6:04 am

    I dislike being disturbed when I have a deadline to beat. At times like these, I would literally put a do not disturb sign on the door of my study at home, haha.

  57. Catherine Santiago Jose permalink
    17/10/2018 6:34 am

    Do not disturb sings not only apply in the hotel rules it also apply in our lives that sometimes other people doesn’t see it. As a human being we tend to disturbed ourselves in thinking about what future hold for us instead of thinking about this present times hold for us.

  58. MichelleV permalink
    17/10/2018 6:46 am

    I think I most often put up my Do Not Disturb sign when I am very tired. It mostly means I just don’t have the energy to process the responses of others. It’s a good thing to be aware of, though.

  59. Chad permalink
    17/10/2018 6:52 am

    Thank you so much for the great motivation, this actually helped!

  60. Lisa Rios permalink
    17/10/2018 7:00 am

    It’s our attitudes that impact how much things affect us. It’s so important to keep ourselves in check!

  61. loveforlacquer permalink
    17/10/2018 9:15 am

    I totally need a do not disturb sign sometimes! I try my best to stay in the zone and keep motivated but sometimes you just need to block people out

  62. Sydney | A World in Reach permalink
    17/10/2018 9:27 am

    I’m definitely guilty of leaving my invisible “do not disturb” sign up for too long. Sometimes I need to step back to see if I need a new approach.

  63. Accidental Hipster Mum permalink
    17/10/2018 10:03 am

    That poem by Thomas Moor is really good. I also love that poem off 10 things I hate about you too, it’s such a good film!

  64. Astrid Oxford permalink
    17/10/2018 12:01 pm

    I ought to be more consistent with putting up my “Do Not Disturb” sign. I really needed to read this today. Thank you

  65. toastycritic permalink
    17/10/2018 12:41 pm

    I never think about an internal sign much. But it makes a lot of sense. We do have a sign we put up internally which tries to get people to stay away. We do need to take stock of why it’s up and when it’s up.

  66. Ben Butler permalink
    17/10/2018 1:02 pm

    I was guilty for years of hiding behind my own do not disturb sign. It took me a long time to finally realize that I had to come out.

    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      20/10/2018 6:16 pm

      Same here…

  67. Wendy Polisi permalink
    17/10/2018 1:03 pm

    This actually used to be a big problem for me. Little things took my peace all the time.

  68. mamabee1981 permalink
    17/10/2018 1:16 pm

    when I see Do Not Disturb, what I think depends on where the sign is to be honest. I usually think that someone needs down time, private time or there is a meeting in place. I also tell my kids DO NOT DISTURB if I am going to relax for my own time before cooking dinner, that way I always remain a calm mother.

    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      20/10/2018 6:16 pm

      Yeah…it means that first.

  69. Crystal (@BusyMomDiary1) permalink
    17/10/2018 4:12 pm

    Lovely photos and great message to share.

  70. Jess permalink
    17/10/2018 4:16 pm

    So powerful. I love the analogy to the do not disturb sign at a hotel. I think this is a great article and it’s really got me thinking.

  71. Garf permalink
    17/10/2018 4:27 pm

    That pic of kitty really looks cute. My Monday was just like that of kitty position.

  72. Nina permalink
    17/10/2018 4:40 pm

    Yes, sometimes I feel like that ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign is not always visible. I get so much in deep thoughts sometimes that I almost have this sign telling people that I must not be disturbed.

  73. terristeffes permalink
    17/10/2018 5:32 pm

    “Do not disturb because I am disturbed already…” that caught my eye and I reread that over and over. Love this so much.

  74. lisa fucci permalink
    17/10/2018 7:48 pm

    Some people just arent people persons. Lol. DND is definitley helpful for some..

  75. Sara Welch permalink
    17/10/2018 8:24 pm

    I love this. I see it all the time; people getting bothered by the smallest things and losing focus.

  76. mrhappywork permalink
    17/10/2018 8:40 pm

    In my opinion, I need a do not disturb sign more often than not. People love to take your time.

  77. Create. Play. Travel. permalink
    17/10/2018 9:50 pm

    Lots of people like their privacy, but too much isolation can get in the way of relationships. I think it can be important to strike a balance. My kitty however, doesn’t like being disturbed. 🙂

  78. Karen Monica permalink
    17/10/2018 10:06 pm

    I remember commenting on this but I don’t see my comment. So I will leave another comment. and hopes it goes through this time. Do not disturb means someone needs space or need some time to get something done

  79. Surekha Busa permalink
    18/10/2018 3:25 am

    I sometimes using this term every time when I want to be alone and if I am working with something important.

  80. Amanda Yorton permalink
    18/10/2018 3:43 am

    I kind of agree with your friend that the cleaning crew should have respected the Do Not Disturb sign. But since it was check out time and they knocked it made a ton of sense to go in. You are right, something could have been wrong. I am guilty of putting up a do not disturb sign when I really need someone to reach out to me.

  81. melissa cushing permalink
    18/10/2018 4:43 am

    Thank you for sharing another lovely post. It is so important to surround yourself with friends and family as there is seriously nothing better and it always makes me feel better even if I think I am too busy.

  82. melisvida permalink
    18/10/2018 5:07 am

    It’s a Thursday but today felt like a Monday lol great post!

  83. Chad permalink
    18/10/2018 5:53 am

    Thanks a lot for the great article, love the post at the beginning “Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” Very insightful.

  84. happyandbusy permalink
    18/10/2018 5:57 am

    Thank you for motivating my monday again 🙂
    Continue to inspire people

  85. Victoria @ CrazyCharizma permalink
    18/10/2018 6:02 am

    I love Motivation Mondays! And your choice of poems is perfect 🙂

  86. Christie Moeller permalink
    18/10/2018 8:11 am

    So much to think on here. for me Do Not Disturb means I need to recharge.

  87. Catherine permalink
    18/10/2018 8:13 am

    What a great quote from Marcus Aurelius! Very inspirational and a great reminder.

  88. Kristina @ Spirit of the Soul permalink
    18/10/2018 8:44 am

    This is really thought provoking. What do we do when we see a do not disturb sign literally and figuratively? Many just walk away when help is needed.

  89. Nina permalink
    18/10/2018 10:20 am

    Enlightening and powerful words of encouragement. Often times, we are so worried of the future that we fail to live at the present. We should definitely not let the future disturb the peace of the present!

  90. Sue-Tanya Mchorgh permalink
    18/10/2018 10:58 am

    Such a wonderful post. Some really great gems. Thanks for sharing.

  91. Nati permalink
    18/10/2018 12:01 pm

    This is such a great topic, in fact I’ve never thought about it in this way, I do have periods when I need some peace of mind and I put that invisible sign.

  92. Lisa permalink
    18/10/2018 12:22 pm

    I love the idea of not being disturbed. I took so much inspiration from this and will try and incorporate it into my life!

  93. Megan permalink
    18/10/2018 12:28 pm

    I love this! The 10 things I hate about you poem is from the movie 10 things I hate about you 🙂 It’s awesome!

  94. Frankie permalink
    18/10/2018 1:31 pm

    Sometimes do not disturb just means you wan5 a bit of “me” time

  95. alittlechinwag permalink
    18/10/2018 3:25 pm

    A very thought-provoking post here. The visible and invisible do not disturb sign. Your post has challenged me to look into the deeper meaning!

  96. Jana permalink
    18/10/2018 3:29 pm

    Hahaha! Love the do not disturb sign! I need to put mine up more often! Oh, and by the way, I love the layout of your blog!

  97. Ale permalink
    18/10/2018 5:45 pm

    Love your posts! They are the perfect combination between good images, poems and and great thoughts.

    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      20/10/2018 6:14 pm

      Thank you…appreciated.;)

  98. Nikki permalink
    18/10/2018 6:36 pm

    My invisible do not disturb sign is generally in the form of headphones on my ears or me completely tuning someone out. At that point I definitely preferred to be left alone.

  99. Kisha permalink
    18/10/2018 7:43 pm

    I use my headphones when I’m out in public as a ways of saying “Do Not Disturb”, and just like with your friend, I always have people who disregard or ignore the sign. I know that we shouldn’t isolate ourselves or shut ourselves off from the world, but there are times when it’s truly needed. It’s all about finding balance.

  100. vidyatiru permalink
    18/10/2018 9:01 pm

    Wow! I loved this post; all the poems you have included in between the T.S.Eliot is my favorite., the concept of putting up an invisible ‘do not disturb’ sign (i am guessing i have done it a few times when i wanted to be along, but i definitely have seen it constantly with some people..), and motivation provided.

  101. Noor permalink
    18/10/2018 10:21 pm

    I like the poems associated with this topic. I haven’t been successful getting my peace or quiet time. I don’t think my Don’t disturb sign is not visible at all to them or I haven’t make it clear to them.

  102. Abira Nasir permalink
    18/10/2018 11:19 pm

    I read your article on Friday so I can say that it is my motivated Friday. Love your article. The way you ask questions and give answers, I just loved it. I also like the last poem “10 things I hate about you”.

  103. Easter Babe permalink
    19/10/2018 12:38 am

    Thanks for sharing your motivational Monday schedule. I agree that you should never let those you care about feel abandoned or lonely. One day they may not be around and you may wish you would have spent more time together.

  104. Woodeline Pierre permalink
    19/10/2018 5:20 am

    “Do not not disturb sign could be visible and invisible “. Wheeew. I felt that. Thanks for sharing

  105. Marcie permalink
    19/10/2018 6:38 am

    I love putting up the Do Not Disturb sign in hotel rooms when I’m by myself because it’s like unplugging from the world and I can just rest and relax.

  106. Eloise permalink
    19/10/2018 7:25 am

    interesting read! It’s hard to know whether or not to disturb or not… Alone time is important for people to unwind and find their inner peace to keep their sanity. But some people may put the sign up even when they truly want and need someone to enter and give attention. You can’t really tell until you choose to knock and enter. hmmm
    Human connection/bond is as important as alone time, I guess you just have to take an educated guess to disrupt.

    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      20/10/2018 6:13 pm

      Indeed…. I say knock on the door anyway

  107. Tasha at Lady Boss Studio permalink
    19/10/2018 9:48 am

    Love all of these poems! Thank you for sharing!

  108. Dana Vento permalink
    19/10/2018 12:14 pm

    I’ve had to make myself come out from behind my do not disturb sign more than once. It’s so easy to seclude yourself where it’s nice and safe, but you never make any great things happen that way.

  109. Liz Squires permalink
    19/10/2018 12:32 pm

    I love this and absolutely agree. I know it’s vital for my own mental health and self care to put up that Do Not Disturb sign sometimes! And the people who know and love me don’t judge me for it.

  110. Nicole permalink
    19/10/2018 1:01 pm

    I had never thought of the ‘do not disturb’ sign in a way like this before. I usually put mine up when I am not in the mood to talk or just want to be left alone, such as when you would put the actual sign up. Definitely got me thinking though, thanks for sharing!

  111. Hola Cheska permalink
    19/10/2018 1:34 pm

    Ok I identify myself with this posts. I am a lonely wolf, I have always been and I really need my space to feel re connected with the world once I need to be at it again. Yes. I do disappear, but it is just because that is my personality. I don;t hate being social or the fact that people come to me to talk, but I am that kind of person that really needs to be alone specially when something is wrong and I need to make it right. My don’t disturb sign is not me trying to keep people away, but people translate this as a fact.

    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      20/10/2018 6:12 pm

      I hear you…

  112. Khushboo permalink
    19/10/2018 1:36 pm

    I agree with quote. Do not get disturbed by anything in life but sometimes it becomes difficult to not to get disturbed. It’s good to keep moving in life.

  113. Christopher Mitchell permalink
    19/10/2018 2:55 pm

    I could barely get past that quote at the beginning without some serious thought. Marcus Aurelius is one of my favourites, and that quote in particular has always sparked my interest!

    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      20/10/2018 6:11 pm

      Yes, it spoke to me

  114. lavandamichelle permalink
    19/10/2018 4:12 pm

    What an inspiring post! I love the poem, it was lovely. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  115. omgpale permalink
    19/10/2018 4:21 pm

    These descriptions of a Do Not Disturb sign hit close to home. I loved each section. Especially when you speak about the invisible Do Not Disturb Sign. Thanks for sharing!

  116. Claudia H. Blanton permalink
    19/10/2018 6:37 pm

    I am fully aware that sometimes I have a “do not disdurb sign” around me, but that is most often very deliberate, as I am not only a private person, but also someone who cherrishes their alone time, and actually needs it. Therefore I also respect it in others – however, if I see this imaginary sign around for too long, in someone I know, I tend to go check in anyway, because you never know if someone needs help, and just does not have the energy, or knowhow to ask for help. That is why I liked the story about the hotel sign – up to the point of check-out, I would not allow anyone to disturb me either, and would be upset, if I had that sign up, but if it was time to check out anyway, I actually appreciate it. Something could have happened. It would not be the first time.
    Great post – blessings!

    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      20/10/2018 6:11 pm

      Yes, I feel the same way. It was for her benefit that they came in anyway. Plus, she could have been charged for an extra night.:)

  117. Queen Tourmaline permalink
    19/10/2018 6:50 pm

    I feel like I am having deja vu. I need a do not disturb shirt for when I am mediating.

  118. incalexandra permalink
    19/10/2018 7:15 pm

    I admire and respect your blog and posts very much.
    They are inspirational, and full of quality content.
    All the best,
    Alex

    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      20/10/2018 6:09 pm

      Thank you for your kind words…

  119. Courtney permalink
    19/10/2018 8:47 pm

    Ooooo definitely makes me think! I’ve been in such a rut lately. I blame it on the seasons changing. I shouldn’t let little things disturb me since I’m not a little thing 😉

  120. HilLesha permalink
    19/10/2018 9:11 pm

    What a powerful post and everything you wrote is so true. I couldn’t agree more, especially with that escapism isn’t always the answer.

  121. Jennifer L permalink
    19/10/2018 9:38 pm

    REally could connect with this post. I definitely think we need a balance of taking time for ourselves and giving ourselves space and also not pulling away from people either.

  122. Kate permalink
    19/10/2018 11:00 pm

    It’s the modern life I suppose, we don’t want to be disturbed, we don’t want to talk to the strangers, we just want to be left alone because there are too many things happening to fast, too much

  123. hollysbirdnest.com permalink
    20/10/2018 2:29 am

    Very inspiring…sure gives me a lot to think about! Thank you!

  124. Amanda Yorton permalink
    20/10/2018 4:40 am

    10 Things I hate about You sounds just like the movie! I loveit! So inspiring!

  125. Rylla permalink
    20/10/2018 6:36 am

    I think when everyone sees a do not disturb sign we all go away because we think someone doesn’t want to talk or someone is sleeping or they are busy. its our natural way of thinking. and if little things in our day can bother us then we aren’t happy. I love the poems you shared!

  126. Diana Tidswell permalink
    20/10/2018 7:26 am

    I agree with your that this words used by other people as tend to be their barrier for all manipulative people around them.

  127. aisasami permalink
    20/10/2018 7:59 am

    “Do Not Disturb” is my motto for Saturday when I want to just rest and relax from a long work week.

  128. Danielle permalink
    20/10/2018 8:47 am

    I for sure need to think about when I put up my visible do not disturb sign. I’m sure there are times when my aura just gives off the vibe do not come and talk to me. Sometimes this is good, sometimes this is bad.

  129. stacey permalink
    20/10/2018 9:33 am

    I love your motivation Monday series. Keep on motivating us all.

  130. dearmummyblog permalink
    20/10/2018 10:01 am

    My mummy needs to rest and refocus and sometimes wished that she had a do not disturb sign on her door x

  131. Kate permalink
    20/10/2018 11:53 am

    I always enjoy these , and this time was no difference. Thank you !

  132. Eileen Mendoza Loya permalink
    20/10/2018 1:49 pm

    I only hope that my family will recognize my invisible “Do Not Disturb” sign. I really crave for some peace and quiet, not only physically, but emotionally and mentally as well. My world has gone topsy turvy and I feel I am about to give in.

  133. sincerelymissj permalink
    20/10/2018 3:56 pm

    Such an interesting read. I think it is super important to reflect constantly and one of those things is to see if there is an invisible Do Not Disturb sign.

  134. stylelifebysusana (@susana__lopes) permalink
    20/10/2018 4:22 pm

    I absolutely love LOVE this post! It is so inspirational, thought provoking and poetic!!

  135. Nina permalink
    20/10/2018 5:00 pm

    This is powerful; Even though escapism seems the ideal approach, it never solves any problems. It packs problems away until they return strengthened and emboldened, ready to straddle you and give you more grief. If we don’t face our problems, we just bottle all the negativities inside.

  136. Chloé Hamard permalink
    20/10/2018 11:36 pm

    I love how inspired you are when writing. Really nice poem as well. Thanks for sharing

  137. Vance Madrid permalink
    21/10/2018 1:14 am

    Thanks for this post. This is truly a great motivation for many. We just have to look positively at things.

  138. akamatra permalink
    21/10/2018 1:37 am

    Well some times you just need some time away from everyone and everything. I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all.

  139. wayfarerkate permalink
    21/10/2018 2:48 am

    Love this. Such an inspiration! We should always face our problems head on.

  140. remo permalink
    21/10/2018 3:32 am

    I really like the idea behind this post. “Always Live In The Present”- Words to live by!

  141. Renata Feyen permalink
    21/10/2018 4:44 am

    Love that first poem – I tend not to let little things disturb me 🙂

  142. kumamonjeng permalink
    21/10/2018 5:56 am

    I like coming to your blog and each time I learn something and giving me so much energy. Love the poem.
    Don’t disturb me, I am disturbed enough already.
    Never let your best friends get lonely… keep disturbing them.
    Do not allow any thought to disturb your inner poise

    I will just do what I like and stop worrying what others think of me. Once again, you have help me to stay focus on what I am doing. Thanks Mirth and Motivation.

  143. Andrea Warren permalink
    21/10/2018 7:06 am

    I love reading your Motivation Monday posts. Thomas Moore is one of my favorites

  144. Candy permalink
    21/10/2018 7:34 am

    Means leave me along I need some space and quiet time for myself. Enjoyed reading different things you posted

  145. waitingforrain28 permalink
    21/10/2018 8:06 am

    I always love your Monday Motivations- they always seem to apply. This time it’s definitely something that applies to me. I just got a rejection for a job that I had applied to and really thought I had a shot at. Better not to worry about the future and stay hopeful! Otherwise it is tempting to just give up.

  146. nbosken permalink
    21/10/2018 10:28 am

    Your invisible do not disturb sign … that’s definitely something interesting to think about. I think that right now in my life, I only have it up about some things. I really do not want to have it up … I want to come off as friendly and approachable.

  147. Michele C permalink
    21/10/2018 6:38 pm

    Self reflection is a necessary evil. Many people don’t realize that. Time to reflect, are we putting up walls unnecesarily?

  148. tizzysays permalink
    21/10/2018 7:18 pm

    I remember working as a maid in a hotel and a do not disturb sign was not used and I caught a couple in a certain way if you know what I mean. Some people need to remember to use their sign sometimes as well.

  149. Danielle W. permalink
    21/10/2018 8:08 pm

    I really enjoy reading your posts. You always leave me with something to think about! xoxo

  150. Aditya permalink
    22/10/2018 5:14 am

    Great start for my Monday! Very motivating 🙂

  151. Sharon Chen (@StSmartKitchen) permalink
    22/10/2018 5:53 am

    Awesome post, so many insights. Yes privacy really matters.

  152. Pooja Kumari permalink
    22/10/2018 7:00 am

    It is definitely one of the most thought provoking post I’ve ever read. You have brought up the point that could not have been thought otherwise I think. Who can imagine the DND sign could also be an indirect cry for help. Great writing!

  153. Clarice permalink
    22/10/2018 7:33 am

    I totally agree. I have been dying to take a break and be free of all distractions. This DO NOT DISTURB sign on my mind is definitely a must-have. Thank you for all your post. You just don’t know how you have help me express what I truly feel.

  154. luciwest permalink
    22/10/2018 8:52 am

    Hadn’t ever really thought about the “do not disturb sign” (literally or figuratively) as a cry for help. It’s something to really think about…

  155. Lauren permalink
    22/10/2018 9:13 am

    Omg girl! I love this. I’m gonna have to follow you for your motivation Monday ! What a cool concept that others should take part in

  156. Jesusa Gilliam permalink
    22/10/2018 9:55 am

    Great read. I feel like I should put up my ‘don’t disturb sign’ more often. Lately I feel as if I’ve been taking care of other peoples needs more than my own.

  157. elenasts permalink
    22/10/2018 10:56 am

    This is very thought provoking. I never even thought that there can be so many meanings behind just one sign.

  158. blair villanueva permalink
    22/10/2018 5:39 pm

    Whenever I see that “Do Not Disturb” sign, my brain would tell me “respect”.
    Of course everyone of us needs this.

  159. lexi permalink
    22/10/2018 5:52 pm

    wow this is something that i’ve never really even thought about in the past. who knew the do not disturb sign could be a cry for help! also it could be used literally, if you’re busy doing something. but i guess it is just a person to person based thing

  160. suchi permalink
    22/10/2018 8:05 pm

    You always have such thought provoking posts!You are right, we need to start living more in the moment!:)

  161. Surekha Busa permalink
    23/10/2018 1:37 am

    I always hide myself into my do not disturb sign most especially if I don’t want someone to know what is really happening to me.

  162. Mahima permalink
    23/10/2018 2:10 am

    Do not disturb for me is simply asking for some “me time”…time that is my own to spend as I please…no questions asked and no conditions applied.

  163. nicol permalink
    23/10/2018 4:45 am

    last time i was in a hotel, i did have a do not disturb sign on and they still came in. i wasn’t happy for sure. in general, every will need a “do not disturb” sign no matter how long. it’s natural to get yourself away from the world every now and again

  164. Joanna permalink
    23/10/2018 11:14 am

    I guess I am guilty of putting an invisible do not disturb sign up from time to time, especially when I am tired or when I am feeling low. I wish there were more people who would ignore it and try to see what’s up.

  165. Rikki Ridgeway | MommaMatters.blog permalink
    24/10/2018 7:36 am

    I have to say that I disagree with this post, which is a bit surprising to me since I normally agree with you. I’m the type of person that says what she truly means. You can’t expect to say “I’m fine” in a convincing manner, when in actuality you’re torn up inside and expect people to know that you’re not okay. If you need privacy, or time to yourself then just say it. If you need help, or a shoulder to cry on, say it.

    • Eliz@MirthandMotivation permalink*
      25/10/2018 8:00 pm

      Not everyone views the world through that lens. Some have a hard time asking for what they need… our compassion is to respect the difference.

  166. Daphne permalink
    28/10/2018 8:22 pm

    I love this. As a person in a leadership position, I have to keep an open door policy. Sometimes I feel like putting a do not disturb sign up but I have learned that is important to be available to my staff even if I am not all up to it myself which in turns allows them to follow up on my progress.

  167. DrKLeeBanks permalink
    29/10/2018 6:06 pm

    As always, a very thought-provoking post. I can relate on a few different levels. After over a decade of working from home, I think I often have that invisible “Do not disturb” sign up because I’ve become somewhat of a hermit, accustomed to my solitary, isolated lifestyle. Sometimes I think I should have a physical sign up, though, on my outside door – because certain relatives don’t seem to understand that I really am working and can’t stop in the middle of my day for unannounced visitors.

  168. Khushboo Motihar permalink
    02/11/2018 11:40 am

    I feel that there are times when telling or asking people to not disturb you is important. It is important to enjoy one’s own company. However, during times of need one should definitely not shy away from asking for help from friends and family

  169. Anshula permalink
    13/11/2018 8:27 am

    I love your Monday motivation posts! I sometimes put up an invisible Do Not Disturb sign and I’m not even aware of it. Sometimes, it’s good to open up and open the doors we’ve closed.

  170. Razena permalink
    19/11/2018 4:12 am

    I have an actual Do Not Disturb sign on my office door when I have a deadline and can do without unnecessary interruptions. The invisible Do Not Disturb sign is the look on my face when I am busy or deep in thought. My late mum used to say I looked warlike 🙂

  171. Bindu Thomas permalink
    02/12/2018 7:36 pm

    I love this. You always have such thought provoking posts! It is important to enjoy one’s own company.

  172. Gladys Parker permalink
    02/12/2018 10:03 pm

    So many times I wished I had a do not disturb sign to hang around my neck! This usually occurred when I was deep in thought or working at my desk at an especially hard task—-but I never did, Those times when friends would show up unannounced at my door? I never refused them entry–thry usually had a good reason. Lately I have learned to put up that sign–if only for my own sanity.

  173. Liz Bayardelle permalink
    15/03/2019 5:28 am

    Such a cool perspective! I especially like the quote used at the beginning. So fitting and inspirational!

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