... For Ringing In The New Year with JOY on The Brain!
[I owe this simple little practice to an amazing friend (Jesser) who gave me an amazing handmade (professionally-so, of course) card for Christmas one year]
FAVORITE THINGS!
Yep ... that's it. I told you it was simple!
Get out a sheet of paper and start the list, baby. (do alone or with friends/family)
A few of mine:
*leaves crunching under foot
*smell of garlic and onion sauteing in olive oil
*Ruby's LAUGH
*solve the world chats with a friend
*hiking, biking in the mountains
*Cheesy 80's rock
*Telluride Bluegrass Festival
*hosting dinners with Guillermo
*sunlight or moonlight cast on water
*smiles from a stranger
You get the idea.
Just keep going/listing ...
WARNING: authentic smiling and happy-juiced-up-on-life feelings may result!
Ahhhhhhhhhhh. (take the time)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Step Outside the Circle ... (Dec. 27)
... and Into Your Truth.
Hmmmmmm. Gets you thinking, hey?!
Step Outside the Circle and Into Your Truth.
I'm crystal clear on what I mean as I write the above, and yet still swirling on the idea a bit.
So, I'll merely begin by beginning ...
A conversation with a valued and trusted friend, and a read of another friend's book (Fat is not a four-letter word) got this brain of mine humming. I found myself contemplating the self-implied dichotomy of "reaching the masses," all the while "owning my truth."
(the thing is ... I feel I'm still creating my truth, and will continue to do so as I make my way through this life. But that is a whole other topic indeed!)
Anyway, as I swirled around with these ideas I found myself challenged (in a good way). It was the idea of stepping out of the circle and stepping into my truth that got me first.
This concept of dancing to the beat of your own drum regardless of what the majority is doing. I've done it successfully (and quite messily) on numerous occasions in my past. I've been complimented for "being myself." (now isn't that an interesting compliment!) And yet ... the words on the page and the feelings they evoked STOOD OUT.
There are still areas of my life, interests, career-passion fulfillment where I play it safe (aka. keep it under wraps for fear of being more of a satellite, for fear of what it will do to my existing world) And even as I write this, I'm smiling a knowing kind of smile. The smile that says: Go! Do! You'll create "it" in a manner that's truly perfect for you (and thus all). Still, it does require fear-management and self-awareness so as to ACT and DO from a place that is my truth. (cause darn it! ... things, conversations, etc., ALWAYS go better when coming from your truth with a capital T ... rather than from defensiveness/ego)
Okay ... so I swirled that to an acceptable-to-me-for-now state, and came back to the idea of reaching the masses in conjunction with the above. Seems easier to manage the before-thought dichotomy now.
BALANCE it. Holding TRUE to Me.
For me it means I embark upon the path I've already set for myself ...
MOVE and ACT in the direction of my heart's career! Coaching/consulting/writing/ETC. (that etc. tends to be a catch-all)
Set up my 2011 schedule with activities that SUPPORT this ... and communicate them to those around me! (the setting-up is a fun process in and of itself!)
And, create a more seamless and "wider-reaching" web presence that includes my vibe/energy by way of profile and blog and writing style .... but includes verbiage/language and services list with the intent to reach WIDER. Plus the other necessary bells and whistles. (Hmmmm? Think I'll need some assistance and feedback to make that happen?! Yes! And, rightfully so if my goal is to branch out)
So, in the 'end' ... these contemplations brought me HOME again. Confirmation of my chosen path.
Thank you to my two friends (conversation and book) that sent me down this path. The destination - a familiar yet sometimes elusive place.
And as I close this blurb, I am holding space for MY stepping out of the circle and into my truth!
Perhaps you do the same for you?!
LOVE.
Hmmmmmm. Gets you thinking, hey?!
Step Outside the Circle and Into Your Truth.
I'm crystal clear on what I mean as I write the above, and yet still swirling on the idea a bit.
So, I'll merely begin by beginning ...
A conversation with a valued and trusted friend, and a read of another friend's book (Fat is not a four-letter word) got this brain of mine humming. I found myself contemplating the self-implied dichotomy of "reaching the masses," all the while "owning my truth."
(the thing is ... I feel I'm still creating my truth, and will continue to do so as I make my way through this life. But that is a whole other topic indeed!)
Anyway, as I swirled around with these ideas I found myself challenged (in a good way). It was the idea of stepping out of the circle and stepping into my truth that got me first.
This concept of dancing to the beat of your own drum regardless of what the majority is doing. I've done it successfully (and quite messily) on numerous occasions in my past. I've been complimented for "being myself." (now isn't that an interesting compliment!) And yet ... the words on the page and the feelings they evoked STOOD OUT.
There are still areas of my life, interests, career-passion fulfillment where I play it safe (aka. keep it under wraps for fear of being more of a satellite, for fear of what it will do to my existing world) And even as I write this, I'm smiling a knowing kind of smile. The smile that says: Go! Do! You'll create "it" in a manner that's truly perfect for you (and thus all). Still, it does require fear-management and self-awareness so as to ACT and DO from a place that is my truth. (cause darn it! ... things, conversations, etc., ALWAYS go better when coming from your truth with a capital T ... rather than from defensiveness/ego)
Okay ... so I swirled that to an acceptable-to-me-for-now state, and came back to the idea of reaching the masses in conjunction with the above. Seems easier to manage the before-thought dichotomy now.
BALANCE it. Holding TRUE to Me.
For me it means I embark upon the path I've already set for myself ...
MOVE and ACT in the direction of my heart's career! Coaching/consulting/writing/ETC. (that etc. tends to be a catch-all)
Set up my 2011 schedule with activities that SUPPORT this ... and communicate them to those around me! (the setting-up is a fun process in and of itself!)
And, create a more seamless and "wider-reaching" web presence that includes my vibe/energy by way of profile and blog and writing style .... but includes verbiage/language and services list with the intent to reach WIDER. Plus the other necessary bells and whistles. (Hmmmm? Think I'll need some assistance and feedback to make that happen?! Yes! And, rightfully so if my goal is to branch out)
So, in the 'end' ... these contemplations brought me HOME again. Confirmation of my chosen path.
Thank you to my two friends (conversation and book) that sent me down this path. The destination - a familiar yet sometimes elusive place.
And as I close this blurb, I am holding space for MY stepping out of the circle and into my truth!
Perhaps you do the same for you?!
LOVE.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Holiday Giving (Dec. 22)
Do you celebrate Christmas?
And, do you find there's a bit of worry/obligation/stress around gift giving?
A pretty natural feeling this time of year ... whether you're a 'Santa Claus' or a 'Scrooge!'
Remember:
*BREATHE
*Put a half-smile on that lovely face of yours
*And, perhaps ... think outside of the gift-box!
Giving Ideas:
* Plan a Get-Together (instead of presents)
* DO something ... instead of buying something. (Do you have a service to offer? (and time to offer it, which is a key question to ask prior to giving) Could you offer to watch a friend's kid(s)? (no, this isn't a shameless ploy to get Ruby-care. wink and smile!), Shovel snow? Make a meal? Other?
* A simple bottle of vino, coffee gift card, or a chocolate bar may be appropriate.
* A book or magazine subscription
* Pot-luck Party, anyone? Share the love! And the food preparation!
* Other Ideas? Share away! We could all use some creative ideas around the holidays!
Regardless ... take a moment or two to GIVE from a good place. (with that smile on your face and warmth in your heart). And, always, always honor YOU when giving.
Doesn't feel right or good? Pause.
Perhaps you fore go traditional giving if it feels appropriate. Try thinking outside the 'gift-box.'
The season IS upon us ... so might as well be mindful to enjoy it. Your choice. Your terms.
Warmth and HUGs to You and Yours this Holiday Season!
And, do you find there's a bit of worry/obligation/stress around gift giving?
A pretty natural feeling this time of year ... whether you're a 'Santa Claus' or a 'Scrooge!'
Remember:
*BREATHE
*Put a half-smile on that lovely face of yours
*And, perhaps ... think outside of the gift-box!
Giving Ideas:
* Plan a Get-Together (instead of presents)
* DO something ... instead of buying something. (Do you have a service to offer? (and time to offer it, which is a key question to ask prior to giving) Could you offer to watch a friend's kid(s)? (no, this isn't a shameless ploy to get Ruby-care. wink and smile!), Shovel snow? Make a meal? Other?
* A simple bottle of vino, coffee gift card, or a chocolate bar may be appropriate.
* A book or magazine subscription
* Pot-luck Party, anyone? Share the love! And the food preparation!
* Other Ideas? Share away! We could all use some creative ideas around the holidays!
Regardless ... take a moment or two to GIVE from a good place. (with that smile on your face and warmth in your heart). And, always, always honor YOU when giving.
Doesn't feel right or good? Pause.
Perhaps you fore go traditional giving if it feels appropriate. Try thinking outside the 'gift-box.'
The season IS upon us ... so might as well be mindful to enjoy it. Your choice. Your terms.
Warmth and HUGs to You and Yours this Holiday Season!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Accepting Help (Dec. 21)
My brain is swirling on a number of blog entries that are knocking (aka. begging to be written)
This often happens when away from writing for a while.
Throw in a pre-holiday trip to visit family and friends, and the topics are a-flowing!
Alas, I'll begin with what felt like a bit of a theme over the past week.
In my encounters with friends and family, I found that three separate life-situations got me thinking back to the last months of my grandma's life ... and the lessons I took from her dying process. (lessons I'm still integrating, by the way)
All three situations were entirely unique/different (as you would expect being related to three unique individuals) ... but the theme that presented itself was that of our ability to ask for and accept help - in it's myriad forms.
I'll start by sharing what I wrote many years ago after my grandma's death (the last few months of her life spent in hospice care):
A Lesson From Gram (on the soap box once more)
I stand behind Grandma at the bathroom sink to ensure that should she loose her footing I'll be there to catch her. Watching her brush her teeth - a most mundane task for the majority of us - brings with it a barrage of thoughts and feelings.
I'm aware of the immense amount of energy she is expending. Aware of her frustration and determination as her hands shake severely. Aware of my discomfort watching her struggle.
At the same time, aware of the sacredness of this ... the dying process.
We are a strong people. Independent. Recluse, even. Who do we let in? To what level? Who knows our fears, faults and challenges? And, who knows what makes our hearts sing?
Never before now has it so struck me just how much surrender and beauty is involved in relying on each other. Just how much compassion comes with caring for each other. And, regardless of the sacred connection between ALL, how rare it is that we consciously practice this compassion with those whom we come into contact each day.
Allowing others to truly help - the surrender and vulnerability involved. There is great courage and grace in that. Most often we would choose to avoid this. It isn't until we are in a position where it is necessary that we come to a place of comfort with it (and maybe we don't come to a place of comfort). We have no other choice.
My Grandma - a gift to me for so much of my life - in her dying continues to give. She served as a beautiful mirror, if you will ... reflecting an irrational fear of mine. She helped me to see my tendencies to avoid relying on others, to perhaps shy from true closeness and connection. Most importantly, she taught me how sacred that really is.
A precious gift. Teaching acceptance, grace and compassion.
Thank You, Grandma
I'll close by adding the following:
* I would never give back the experience of being present to my grandma's dying process ... while difficult indeed ... I think there is more to learn than to fear!
* Asking for and accepting help not only seems to lift the one in need of help ... but perhaps even more the one(s) giving help.
* We are ALL on this human journey together. And yet, oh-so-unique (and seemingly separate) just the same. The later point is where compassion is key.
* Sometimes, help comes by honoring your own path, YOUR HIGHEST-SELF COUNCIL, if you will.
* I feel a sense of GRACE and heart-warming LOVE when contemplating (watching and experiencing) such universal human experiences from this 'all-encompassing' level. The "bird's-eye-view" / we-are-all-connected level, that is.
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
- Mother Teresa
This often happens when away from writing for a while.
Throw in a pre-holiday trip to visit family and friends, and the topics are a-flowing!
Alas, I'll begin with what felt like a bit of a theme over the past week.
In my encounters with friends and family, I found that three separate life-situations got me thinking back to the last months of my grandma's life ... and the lessons I took from her dying process. (lessons I'm still integrating, by the way)
All three situations were entirely unique/different (as you would expect being related to three unique individuals) ... but the theme that presented itself was that of our ability to ask for and accept help - in it's myriad forms.
I'll start by sharing what I wrote many years ago after my grandma's death (the last few months of her life spent in hospice care):
A Lesson From Gram (on the soap box once more)
I stand behind Grandma at the bathroom sink to ensure that should she loose her footing I'll be there to catch her. Watching her brush her teeth - a most mundane task for the majority of us - brings with it a barrage of thoughts and feelings.
I'm aware of the immense amount of energy she is expending. Aware of her frustration and determination as her hands shake severely. Aware of my discomfort watching her struggle.
At the same time, aware of the sacredness of this ... the dying process.
We are a strong people. Independent. Recluse, even. Who do we let in? To what level? Who knows our fears, faults and challenges? And, who knows what makes our hearts sing?
Never before now has it so struck me just how much surrender and beauty is involved in relying on each other. Just how much compassion comes with caring for each other. And, regardless of the sacred connection between ALL, how rare it is that we consciously practice this compassion with those whom we come into contact each day.
Allowing others to truly help - the surrender and vulnerability involved. There is great courage and grace in that. Most often we would choose to avoid this. It isn't until we are in a position where it is necessary that we come to a place of comfort with it (and maybe we don't come to a place of comfort). We have no other choice.
My Grandma - a gift to me for so much of my life - in her dying continues to give. She served as a beautiful mirror, if you will ... reflecting an irrational fear of mine. She helped me to see my tendencies to avoid relying on others, to perhaps shy from true closeness and connection. Most importantly, she taught me how sacred that really is.
A precious gift. Teaching acceptance, grace and compassion.
Thank You, Grandma
I'll close by adding the following:
* I would never give back the experience of being present to my grandma's dying process ... while difficult indeed ... I think there is more to learn than to fear!
* Asking for and accepting help not only seems to lift the one in need of help ... but perhaps even more the one(s) giving help.
* We are ALL on this human journey together. And yet, oh-so-unique (and seemingly separate) just the same. The later point is where compassion is key.
* Sometimes, help comes by honoring your own path, YOUR HIGHEST-SELF COUNCIL, if you will.
* I feel a sense of GRACE and heart-warming LOVE when contemplating (watching and experiencing) such universal human experiences from this 'all-encompassing' level. The "bird's-eye-view" / we-are-all-connected level, that is.
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
- Mother Teresa
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Little Things (Dec. 8)
My husband and I had a great conversation last night that covered many-a-base ... but the overwhelmingly obvious gist of it was the reminder to place some focus on all those things in our day-to-day for which we are blessed and grateful.
The wondrous holiday season often brings with it some stresses ... be they travel-, schedule-, money-, gift-, diet- or relationship-related.
So ... today ... I feel pulled to send out this little reminder to us ALL:
Each day:
* pause, BREATHE, and be present to the moment - the day - that you are LIVING.
* perform a little mental inventory (or write it out) of all those things (big and small) for which you are truly blessed and grateful!
My short list:
*Healthy, happy child and family!
*Up-coming travel to spend time with more loved-ones (doesn't get much better!)
*Knowing and being GRATEFUL that ALL our basic needs are taken care of and then some!
*All the get-togethers that come with the season ... RICH in friendships :)
DONE.
Happy and Merry ...
The wondrous holiday season often brings with it some stresses ... be they travel-, schedule-, money-, gift-, diet- or relationship-related.
So ... today ... I feel pulled to send out this little reminder to us ALL:
Each day:
* pause, BREATHE, and be present to the moment - the day - that you are LIVING.
* perform a little mental inventory (or write it out) of all those things (big and small) for which you are truly blessed and grateful!
My short list:
*Healthy, happy child and family!
*Up-coming travel to spend time with more loved-ones (doesn't get much better!)
*Knowing and being GRATEFUL that ALL our basic needs are taken care of and then some!
*All the get-togethers that come with the season ... RICH in friendships :)
DONE.
Happy and Merry ...
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Creative Juices ... (Dec. 2)
... are a-FLOWING!
Are you feeling this too?
In the last 24 hours, I have experienced a 'hat-trick' of the best, most creative, goose-bump-giving ideas from friends and acquaintances. Really "Divine-with-a-capital-D" ideas, if I may be so bold! Ideas that are so 'perfect' and authentic for the person sharing/presenting them.
Ah, the angels are singing.
I love being surrounded by such juicy creativity for a number of reasons.
One, it is mirroring the creativity that I'm feeling bloom inside me. (how nice is that?!)
Two, it serves to amp up this juicy feeling even more (YES!) ... allowing space for GREAT things to arrive.
Three, that genuine feeling of "way to go YOU," "you kick serious arse" support of others in their endeavors feels oh-so-'right,' and wonder-FULL.
Finally, all of the above make me think of, and marinate in, the exact opposite of scarcity! ...
... Creative ABUNDANCE for All, Baby!
Mmmmmm. Mmmm. Mmm!!
Are you feeling this too?
In the last 24 hours, I have experienced a 'hat-trick' of the best, most creative, goose-bump-giving ideas from friends and acquaintances. Really "Divine-with-a-capital-D" ideas, if I may be so bold! Ideas that are so 'perfect' and authentic for the person sharing/presenting them.
Ah, the angels are singing.
I love being surrounded by such juicy creativity for a number of reasons.
One, it is mirroring the creativity that I'm feeling bloom inside me. (how nice is that?!)
Two, it serves to amp up this juicy feeling even more (YES!) ... allowing space for GREAT things to arrive.
Three, that genuine feeling of "way to go YOU," "you kick serious arse" support of others in their endeavors feels oh-so-'right,' and wonder-FULL.
Finally, all of the above make me think of, and marinate in, the exact opposite of scarcity! ...
... Creative ABUNDANCE for All, Baby!
Mmmmmm. Mmmm. Mmm!!
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