"Integrity is a commitment to live consistently with what you know to be true about life." ~ Pam Farrel
Living true to your principles is easier said than done. It is a great goal to aspire to. We will certainly have more peace internally if we are living consistently within our value and belief system.
This is one of my favorite quotes of all time:
To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest. ~ Mohandas Gandhi
Unfortunately in life, many people take an easier path. They go to church every Sunday, look like the pillars of their community, but are deeply dysfunctional and troubled in their personal life - behind closed doors. Others look like clean cut, wholesome people, whom everyone admires and respects, but they are living double lives, deceiving people and acting in selfish and hurtful ways. People who would never think about stealing from another person, don't think much about taking office supplies from the company they work for. The list could go on and on.
There are few among us who don't have some inconsistencies in what we know to be 'right' and what we actually do in our lives.
Working to 'clean up our acts' and get the 'inside to match the outside' is a worthy goal!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Living By Example
"Your example is much more powerful than anything you can ever say." ~ Elisabeth Elliot
I always cringe when I think of a parent saying to a child, "Do as I say... not as I do." What kind of craziness is that?
We emulate and imitate people that we admire. Children admire their parents, and they should WANT to be like them. If we are doing something we don't want our kids to do... we should stop doing it!
This also extends outward beyond just the influence that we have over kids and young people in our lives.
When you are admired and respected by those around you... they watch what you do. They look at your behavior as a guide to what is right, wrong, desirable or undesirable.
It's powerful to have that sort of influence over each other. We should take it seriously.
Our life is an example of our beliefs and of our priorities. Others will notice what we do and how we do it.
One of my favorite people in history, St. Francis of Assisi said, "It is no use walking anywhere to preach, unless our walking is our preaching."
I couldn't agree more! Pay attention to the example you are setting!!
I always cringe when I think of a parent saying to a child, "Do as I say... not as I do." What kind of craziness is that?
We emulate and imitate people that we admire. Children admire their parents, and they should WANT to be like them. If we are doing something we don't want our kids to do... we should stop doing it!
This also extends outward beyond just the influence that we have over kids and young people in our lives.
When you are admired and respected by those around you... they watch what you do. They look at your behavior as a guide to what is right, wrong, desirable or undesirable.
It's powerful to have that sort of influence over each other. We should take it seriously.
Our life is an example of our beliefs and of our priorities. Others will notice what we do and how we do it.
One of my favorite people in history, St. Francis of Assisi said, "It is no use walking anywhere to preach, unless our walking is our preaching."
I couldn't agree more! Pay attention to the example you are setting!!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Weaving the Future
"We are weaving the future on the loom of today." ~ Grace Dawson
I love the concept of viewing ourselves as the weavers of our future! Seeing each day as an opportunity to weave and add to the tapestry of our life is powerful!
When we make choices about how to spend our time, we are selecting the thread or yarn that we are putting into our loom. Our perspectives and attitudes reflect the 'technique' that we employ in our weaving practices.
What we do today will affect our tomorrow. Small choices, over time, make a big difference! If we spend some time each day, weaving on a loom - we make progress. If we ignore the loom, and leave it idle in the corner, nothing happens. Nothing gets created.
The more time, attention and focus that we give to our weaving, the richer and more beautiful our tapestry will become.
Get busy on that loom! Today is the day to come fully to the weaving of your life!
I love the concept of viewing ourselves as the weavers of our future! Seeing each day as an opportunity to weave and add to the tapestry of our life is powerful!
When we make choices about how to spend our time, we are selecting the thread or yarn that we are putting into our loom. Our perspectives and attitudes reflect the 'technique' that we employ in our weaving practices.
What we do today will affect our tomorrow. Small choices, over time, make a big difference! If we spend some time each day, weaving on a loom - we make progress. If we ignore the loom, and leave it idle in the corner, nothing happens. Nothing gets created.
The more time, attention and focus that we give to our weaving, the richer and more beautiful our tapestry will become.
Get busy on that loom! Today is the day to come fully to the weaving of your life!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Looking Forward to Something
"When we give ourselves something to look forward to, no matter how great or small the event, we are giving ourselves the gift of hope. And where there’s hope built into tomorrow, there are all kinds of possibilities for overcoming whatever obstacle we face today." ~ Ruth Senter
I visited an elderly woman named Ethel in a nursing home for 13 years. She passed away in November 2009. In her final years of life, Ethel struggled with failing eyesight and a number of health challenges. She was in a fair amount of pain... pretty much all the time.
Even with all this going on, Ethel found joy in the simple things in life and she ALWAYS had something on her upcoming schedule to look forward to. Whether it was a visit from one of her sons, a family gathering or a church event, she always had something that she was thinking about and planning for.
Watching her motivate herself TODAY because of what she had coming up in her future was inspiring. She also had these events out in front of her... motivating her to continue, even when her daily life was sometimes painful and difficult.
I'm not advocating 'living in the future' but it really can be an inspiration to pick future events as tools to cultivate motivation and energy for today!
Ethel & having things to look forward to
I visited an elderly woman named Ethel in a nursing home for 13 years. She passed away in November 2009. In her final years of life, Ethel struggled with failing eyesight and a number of health challenges. She was in a fair amount of pain... pretty much all the time.
Even with all this going on, Ethel found joy in the simple things in life and she ALWAYS had something on her upcoming schedule to look forward to. Whether it was a visit from one of her sons, a family gathering or a church event, she always had something that she was thinking about and planning for.
Watching her motivate herself TODAY because of what she had coming up in her future was inspiring. She also had these events out in front of her... motivating her to continue, even when her daily life was sometimes painful and difficult.
I'm not advocating 'living in the future' but it really can be an inspiration to pick future events as tools to cultivate motivation and energy for today!
Ethel & having things to look forward to
Monday, April 19, 2010
Attitude Opens Doors
"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit." ~ Helen Keller
Our attitude really is a key component in how our life unfolds. I truly believe that our attitude can either open or close doors to us. The way we look at, and engage with life, is instrumental in crafting our actual experience.
Examining our persistent attitudes and deeply help beliefs can sometimes yield valuable information about the 'stuck' places in our life. When we start to whittle away at self defeating attitudes, we can change the course of our destiny!
Our attitude really is a key component in how our life unfolds. I truly believe that our attitude can either open or close doors to us. The way we look at, and engage with life, is instrumental in crafting our actual experience.
Examining our persistent attitudes and deeply help beliefs can sometimes yield valuable information about the 'stuck' places in our life. When we start to whittle away at self defeating attitudes, we can change the course of our destiny!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Take It Easy
Always take an emergency leisurely. ~ Chinese Proverb
I'm working on a new approach to life. I'm trying to not take anything too seriously. I'm building confidence in my ability to handle whatever happens. I want to not be so easily blown about by circumstance.
I love this quote because it speaks to the fact that we have the ability to handle even the most challenging of situation with ease, peace and grace.
We have a far greater capacity than we know... to handle things without panicking and making it into a catastrophe. We can react calmly, no matter what is happening around us. We have that capacity.
Relax, breath and do what needs to be done... in peace.
I'm working on a new approach to life. I'm trying to not take anything too seriously. I'm building confidence in my ability to handle whatever happens. I want to not be so easily blown about by circumstance.
I love this quote because it speaks to the fact that we have the ability to handle even the most challenging of situation with ease, peace and grace.
We have a far greater capacity than we know... to handle things without panicking and making it into a catastrophe. We can react calmly, no matter what is happening around us. We have that capacity.
Relax, breath and do what needs to be done... in peace.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Celebrate Your Originality
"Nature arms each man with some faculty which enables him to do easily some feat impossible to any other." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
When I was in seminary, I remember having a discussion with a classmate of mine. She worked as an anger management counselor in the prison system. She worked with men who had committed violent crimes. She was a tiny woman - very petite and extremely pretty. When I looked at her, I wondered where she found the nerve to work with these rough guys.
As she and I chatted, she let me know that she'd heard about how much time I spent working in the Middle East. She marveled at what I do, and said, "I could never do that! I would be so afraid to go there!"
Here I was looking at her, wondering how she found the strength and courage to do what she does... and she was thinking the exact same thing about me.
We laughed about how we each are 'fearless' about what we do, but couldn't imagine stepping in to each other's shoes.
God gives each one of us the special 'package' that we need in order to make the contribution we are supposed to make to life. We don't get what other people get. They don't get what we get. At least not in the same exact configuration.
We should celebrate and embrace our uniqueness and be grateful for all the people who do the things we can't. It makes the world go round!
When I was in seminary, I remember having a discussion with a classmate of mine. She worked as an anger management counselor in the prison system. She worked with men who had committed violent crimes. She was a tiny woman - very petite and extremely pretty. When I looked at her, I wondered where she found the nerve to work with these rough guys.
As she and I chatted, she let me know that she'd heard about how much time I spent working in the Middle East. She marveled at what I do, and said, "I could never do that! I would be so afraid to go there!"
Here I was looking at her, wondering how she found the strength and courage to do what she does... and she was thinking the exact same thing about me.
We laughed about how we each are 'fearless' about what we do, but couldn't imagine stepping in to each other's shoes.
God gives each one of us the special 'package' that we need in order to make the contribution we are supposed to make to life. We don't get what other people get. They don't get what we get. At least not in the same exact configuration.
We should celebrate and embrace our uniqueness and be grateful for all the people who do the things we can't. It makes the world go round!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The "DO IT" People
"Ideas are a dime a dozen, but the men and women who implement them are priceless." ~ Mary Kay Ash
Another way of saying this is... "Talk is cheap."
It is so easy to 'talk big.' It is not so easy to put words into action and persevere to actually accomplish the things we want to do.
I've known lots of big talkers in my day. Those people often didn't do any of the things they talked about. They didn't put muscle behind their words.
It is more important to do small things consistently, than to talk 'big' and take zero action.
Give me the "DO IT" people any day of the week. I'd rather see little tiny steps forward than to hear about the ever elusive 'someday.'
Get to it! Be a "DO IT" person!
Another way of saying this is... "Talk is cheap."
It is so easy to 'talk big.' It is not so easy to put words into action and persevere to actually accomplish the things we want to do.
I've known lots of big talkers in my day. Those people often didn't do any of the things they talked about. They didn't put muscle behind their words.
It is more important to do small things consistently, than to talk 'big' and take zero action.
Give me the "DO IT" people any day of the week. I'd rather see little tiny steps forward than to hear about the ever elusive 'someday.'
Get to it! Be a "DO IT" person!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Sweet Silence
"Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together." ~ Thomas Carlyle
We live in a world of noise. We are constantly bombarded with activity and stimulation.
I recently took a domestic cross country flight and was dismayed to see that the airline I fly had installed TV screens on the back of every seat. All the screens are on when you get on the plane, but they are just repeating a 'preview' of movie trailers and TV programs available. You have to pay (with your credit card) to actually watch TV, but ALL the screens are on when you board the plane. That means that the lights are flickering throughout the entire plane, unless people turn off their monitors!!
It amazes me that we are so used to constant stimulation that most people didn't even attempt to turn off the continuous, repetitive stream of images.
Humans need silence. Humans need stimulus free time! We have gotten so far away from natural rhythms of life. It isn't healthy or good for us!
Give yourself the gift of peace and quiet on a regular basis.We all need it!
We live in a world of noise. We are constantly bombarded with activity and stimulation.
I recently took a domestic cross country flight and was dismayed to see that the airline I fly had installed TV screens on the back of every seat. All the screens are on when you get on the plane, but they are just repeating a 'preview' of movie trailers and TV programs available. You have to pay (with your credit card) to actually watch TV, but ALL the screens are on when you board the plane. That means that the lights are flickering throughout the entire plane, unless people turn off their monitors!!
It amazes me that we are so used to constant stimulation that most people didn't even attempt to turn off the continuous, repetitive stream of images.
Humans need silence. Humans need stimulus free time! We have gotten so far away from natural rhythms of life. It isn't healthy or good for us!
Give yourself the gift of peace and quiet on a regular basis.We all need it!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Times Like These
"In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these." ~ Paul Harvey
Many people are having a tough time right now. The economic woes of the country are not yet completely behind us. People are struggling.
There is nothing new under the sun. People have always had tough times. The specific details might change, but adversity and struggle seem to be part and parcel of the human experience.
Sometimes I think we take it personally when things get tough.
The truth is... everyone has tough times. Everyone feels overwhelmed and burdened once in a while. Sometimes the 'dark night' lasts a long time. This too... is nothing new.
The trick is, to not take it personally. The art is to realize that the challenges and tough times are part of the deal and to handle them graciously and skillfully. That is our opportunity.
Use the opportunity of the 'tough times' to grow and develop spiritual maturity and personal strength and integrity.
Many people are having a tough time right now. The economic woes of the country are not yet completely behind us. People are struggling.
There is nothing new under the sun. People have always had tough times. The specific details might change, but adversity and struggle seem to be part and parcel of the human experience.
Sometimes I think we take it personally when things get tough.
The truth is... everyone has tough times. Everyone feels overwhelmed and burdened once in a while. Sometimes the 'dark night' lasts a long time. This too... is nothing new.
The trick is, to not take it personally. The art is to realize that the challenges and tough times are part of the deal and to handle them graciously and skillfully. That is our opportunity.
Use the opportunity of the 'tough times' to grow and develop spiritual maturity and personal strength and integrity.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Shed a Lot
"My dog and cat have taught me a great lesson in life… shed a lot." ~ Susan Carlson
Shed it
Release it
Let it go
Shake it off
Walk away from it
Be unattached
Freedom is achieved by learning to release and let go.
Practice this principle in all the areas that you can. Clean out a drawer or a closet. Get rid of things you no longer use or need.
Examine your thought patterns and belief systems. If it doesn't serve you any more... let it go!
Shed it
Release it
Let it go
Shake it off
Walk away from it
Be unattached
Freedom is achieved by learning to release and let go.
Practice this principle in all the areas that you can. Clean out a drawer or a closet. Get rid of things you no longer use or need.
Examine your thought patterns and belief systems. If it doesn't serve you any more... let it go!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Learning to Sail
"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." ~ Louisa May Alcott
We don't learn much when life is comfortable and easy. It is through the trials and challenges in life that we grow and develop.
Spiritual and personal growth come from going through things.
My teacher, Dr. Bruni, used to say that we are here in the "Earth School" to learn lessons and to grow spiritually. The easy, comfortable experiences of life are great, but that isn't where the great growth and evolution comes from.
It's in the 'tough stuff' of life that our muscles are stretched and strengthened.
I love this quote about storms and sailing. Storms cultivate the skills of a sailor. You need the wind in order to sail. The more wind... the faster and further you can sail!
We do not decide which way the winds blow, but we can set our sails and use the wind to propel us to our destination.
We don't learn much when life is comfortable and easy. It is through the trials and challenges in life that we grow and develop.
Spiritual and personal growth come from going through things.
My teacher, Dr. Bruni, used to say that we are here in the "Earth School" to learn lessons and to grow spiritually. The easy, comfortable experiences of life are great, but that isn't where the great growth and evolution comes from.
It's in the 'tough stuff' of life that our muscles are stretched and strengthened.
I love this quote about storms and sailing. Storms cultivate the skills of a sailor. You need the wind in order to sail. The more wind... the faster and further you can sail!
We do not decide which way the winds blow, but we can set our sails and use the wind to propel us to our destination.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
The Inner Glow
Taking joy in life is a woman’s best cosmetic. ~ Rosalind Russell
I love this quote.
Beauty is not about the external appearance of a person. There is nothing as attractive as the glow that comes from within a happy, confident, contented person.
I'm not against making the best out of our appearance, but I think far too little is placed on inner beauty, and how it radiates out through whatever we look like on the outside.
Twinkies look pretty good on the outside, but they are full of air and fluff.
I'd rather be full of juicy, authentic sustenance! I think that is beautiful!
Cultivate inner strength, happiness, and contentment. You will automatically be more appealing and attractive to those around you!
I love this quote.
Beauty is not about the external appearance of a person. There is nothing as attractive as the glow that comes from within a happy, confident, contented person.
I'm not against making the best out of our appearance, but I think far too little is placed on inner beauty, and how it radiates out through whatever we look like on the outside.
Twinkies look pretty good on the outside, but they are full of air and fluff.
I'd rather be full of juicy, authentic sustenance! I think that is beautiful!
Cultivate inner strength, happiness, and contentment. You will automatically be more appealing and attractive to those around you!
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
April 6th Birthday Bunch
Today is my birthday! Every year the president of the nation delivers the 'state of the union' address. I feel that it is important on the day of our birth to pause and reflect on the "state of our life." It's like our own personal 'new years' event. We have the ability to course correct at any time, but our birthday provides a powerful opportunity to accomplish this!
I attended the One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York City. My class had about 70 people in it. Each student was assigned to a Dean who reviewed and evaluated our work.
One day, after class, I was walking out of the building with my Dean, Stephanie. We had decided to go out for a drink after class. As we walked along the sidewalk in NYC, another classmate walked with us.
Stephanie and I had already gotten to know each other somewhat during the course of the school year. We were chatting about just how similar we were and she said, "I keep forgetting to ask you when your birthday is?" I told her it was April 6th, and her jaw dropped open. "So is mine!" she exclaimed.
The other student walking with us said, "It's mine too!!!!" The three of us women were walking shoulder to shoulder along the street and we all had the same birthday.
But it gets even better.
One of the male students in our class was walking behind us. He said, "SO IS MINE!!!!!"
All four of us had the same birthday. Three classmates and one of our class Deans!
The next day in class we told that story to our classmates during open sharing. At that moment, another Dean let us know that it was her birthday as well!
Later we learned that one of the distance learners in our class also had April 6th as a birthday!
That made 4 students out of 70 with the same birthday and 2 out of 4 Deans!
It was pretty amazing!!
I've heard that Mormons believe Jesus was born on April 6th. :)
All I know is that, to me, it is a special and important day. It's the day I came into this life.
On this day, I'm asking myself a lot of questions about the contributions I've made, the goals I've achieved and the experiences I've had. I expect to see and do a lot more before I'm done here.
Today is my personal "Happy New Year's Day!"
I attended the One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York City. My class had about 70 people in it. Each student was assigned to a Dean who reviewed and evaluated our work.
One day, after class, I was walking out of the building with my Dean, Stephanie. We had decided to go out for a drink after class. As we walked along the sidewalk in NYC, another classmate walked with us.
Stephanie and I had already gotten to know each other somewhat during the course of the school year. We were chatting about just how similar we were and she said, "I keep forgetting to ask you when your birthday is?" I told her it was April 6th, and her jaw dropped open. "So is mine!" she exclaimed.
The other student walking with us said, "It's mine too!!!!" The three of us women were walking shoulder to shoulder along the street and we all had the same birthday.
But it gets even better.
One of the male students in our class was walking behind us. He said, "SO IS MINE!!!!!"
All four of us had the same birthday. Three classmates and one of our class Deans!
The next day in class we told that story to our classmates during open sharing. At that moment, another Dean let us know that it was her birthday as well!
Later we learned that one of the distance learners in our class also had April 6th as a birthday!
That made 4 students out of 70 with the same birthday and 2 out of 4 Deans!
It was pretty amazing!!
I've heard that Mormons believe Jesus was born on April 6th. :)
All I know is that, to me, it is a special and important day. It's the day I came into this life.
On this day, I'm asking myself a lot of questions about the contributions I've made, the goals I've achieved and the experiences I've had. I expect to see and do a lot more before I'm done here.
Today is my personal "Happy New Year's Day!"
Monday, April 05, 2010
The Small Things Matter
“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” ~ Mother Teresa
I think we can get very caught up sometimes in believing that we need to do big things in order to make a difference in the world. This is a completely erroneous belief!
Some of the people who have made the biggest differences in my life have done nothing grandiose, but their impact on me has been profound.
I’ve written before about my next door neighbor lady when I was growing up. Lucy treated me with respect and kindness, even when I was a very young girl. I had tea and cookies at her house pretty much every night when I was growing up. A few minutes of her time each night, and she radically altered my life! Who I am today was heavily influenced by her strength and wisdom. All she did was visit with a little girl on a regular basis. She shared what she had to give. She shared her time.
I also think back to a yoga teacher of mine. All she did was show up faithfully and teach her class. I looked forward to her class twice a week for many years. It was constant presence in my chaotic life. Her willingness to show up and teach her class on a regular basis was a comfort to me.
Right now, I have a waiter at one of my favorite restaurants. All he does is serve me food and treat me kindly, yet he is one of the bright spots in my life. I look forward to seeing him. He enriches my life.
It doesn't take much. Give what you have to give in each moment. It doesn't have to be a big, profound gift. The small things add up and matter just as much, if not more than something grandiose.
I think we can get very caught up sometimes in believing that we need to do big things in order to make a difference in the world. This is a completely erroneous belief!
Some of the people who have made the biggest differences in my life have done nothing grandiose, but their impact on me has been profound.
I’ve written before about my next door neighbor lady when I was growing up. Lucy treated me with respect and kindness, even when I was a very young girl. I had tea and cookies at her house pretty much every night when I was growing up. A few minutes of her time each night, and she radically altered my life! Who I am today was heavily influenced by her strength and wisdom. All she did was visit with a little girl on a regular basis. She shared what she had to give. She shared her time.
I also think back to a yoga teacher of mine. All she did was show up faithfully and teach her class. I looked forward to her class twice a week for many years. It was constant presence in my chaotic life. Her willingness to show up and teach her class on a regular basis was a comfort to me.
Right now, I have a waiter at one of my favorite restaurants. All he does is serve me food and treat me kindly, yet he is one of the bright spots in my life. I look forward to seeing him. He enriches my life.
It doesn't take much. Give what you have to give in each moment. It doesn't have to be a big, profound gift. The small things add up and matter just as much, if not more than something grandiose.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Quick Transitions
Two weeks ago, I took my niece to the beach for a few days of her spring break. We had such a great time! One of the amazing things about our trip was how the weather cooperated with us.
On our drive to the beach, it sprinkled rain on us intermittently. I worried a bit about the next few days. Would we be able to get out on the beach at all? Did I bring enough indoor activity to occupy us if it rained the entire time?
As we pulled in to the little beach town where we were going to stay, the clouds began to break up and the sun came out. By the time we checked in to our condo, it was rather pleasant outside. We seized the opportunity to take a walk on the beach. I secretly thought to myself that this might be our only 'good weather' the entire time we were there. I had, after all, checked the weather report, and it looked pretty dreary for the duration of our stay.
After our walk, we went to dinner. The sun was still shining, and our drive to the restaurant, and walk around town was perfect. Once we got back to our condo, within seconds, it began to pour down rain! Then the wind began to blow! We had ourselves a full blown storm. We sat inside and enjoyed the raging storm as we did a jigsaw puzzle.
In the morning, we went out for breakfast, and watched buckets of rain pour down outside the restaurant window! I wondered if we would get bored being inside all day.
Once again, however, when we drove back to the condo, the clouds parted, the sun came out and it turned into a gloriously beautiful day! We took a long walk on the beach in the sunshine. It wasn't even windy!
It was amazing how each time we were 'ready' to do something outside, the weather cooperated and cleared up. Whenever we were safe and warm inside, we had rain and wind storms!
The transitions were incredibly rapid. The changes happened so quickly.
Each time the weather got bad, I worried a little about our next planned outdoor activity. That was wasted energy! The bad weather eventually passed, and we were able to get out and do what we wanted to do.
It reminded me of one of my all time favorite sayings, "This too shall pass."
Things change. Nothing lasts forever. Not the good things, and certainly not the 'bad' things.
When we're in the midst of a difficult time, we need to remember that it WILL pass.
On our drive to the beach, it sprinkled rain on us intermittently. I worried a bit about the next few days. Would we be able to get out on the beach at all? Did I bring enough indoor activity to occupy us if it rained the entire time?
As we pulled in to the little beach town where we were going to stay, the clouds began to break up and the sun came out. By the time we checked in to our condo, it was rather pleasant outside. We seized the opportunity to take a walk on the beach. I secretly thought to myself that this might be our only 'good weather' the entire time we were there. I had, after all, checked the weather report, and it looked pretty dreary for the duration of our stay.
After our walk, we went to dinner. The sun was still shining, and our drive to the restaurant, and walk around town was perfect. Once we got back to our condo, within seconds, it began to pour down rain! Then the wind began to blow! We had ourselves a full blown storm. We sat inside and enjoyed the raging storm as we did a jigsaw puzzle.
In the morning, we went out for breakfast, and watched buckets of rain pour down outside the restaurant window! I wondered if we would get bored being inside all day.
Once again, however, when we drove back to the condo, the clouds parted, the sun came out and it turned into a gloriously beautiful day! We took a long walk on the beach in the sunshine. It wasn't even windy!
It was amazing how each time we were 'ready' to do something outside, the weather cooperated and cleared up. Whenever we were safe and warm inside, we had rain and wind storms!
The transitions were incredibly rapid. The changes happened so quickly.
Each time the weather got bad, I worried a little about our next planned outdoor activity. That was wasted energy! The bad weather eventually passed, and we were able to get out and do what we wanted to do.
It reminded me of one of my all time favorite sayings, "This too shall pass."
Things change. Nothing lasts forever. Not the good things, and certainly not the 'bad' things.
When we're in the midst of a difficult time, we need to remember that it WILL pass.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Asking, "Where Did I go Right?"
I heard a song on the radio the other day that had a very profound line in it. The singer was looking back at his life and asking the question,
"Where did I go right?"
So often we are asking the question, "Where did I go wrong?"
The way the universe works, however, is that we get more of what we focus on. Shouldn't we be studying what we do that yields good results if we want more good results?
Now, I'm all for studying what has gone wrong in our lives, as a way of learning and growing (and hopefully avoiding repeated negative experiences), but I really was touched by this line in this song.
Let's give ourselves credit for what we have done right, and for the progress we've made. Let's study the relationship between what we've done 'right' and the results that have come from those actions.
Celebrate and replicate your successes!
Where have you gone 'right' in your life?
"Where did I go right?"
So often we are asking the question, "Where did I go wrong?"
The way the universe works, however, is that we get more of what we focus on. Shouldn't we be studying what we do that yields good results if we want more good results?
Now, I'm all for studying what has gone wrong in our lives, as a way of learning and growing (and hopefully avoiding repeated negative experiences), but I really was touched by this line in this song.
Let's give ourselves credit for what we have done right, and for the progress we've made. Let's study the relationship between what we've done 'right' and the results that have come from those actions.
Celebrate and replicate your successes!
Where have you gone 'right' in your life?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A Simple Smile
"A smile is the lighting system of the face and the heating system of the heart." ~ Barbara Johnson
It doesn't take much to help someone have a little bit brighter day. It's as simple as curling the edges of your mouth upward and giving them a little smile.
I love the above quote by Barbara Johnson. It really is hard to not feel a bit cheered and encouraged when someone gives you a smile. There is something comforting about seeing a smile on another person's face.
Give your smiles freely. Practice that moment when you smile at at someone and see a little glimmer of light flash across their face in acknowledgment.
It's a simple way to make a difference.
It doesn't take much to help someone have a little bit brighter day. It's as simple as curling the edges of your mouth upward and giving them a little smile.
I love the above quote by Barbara Johnson. It really is hard to not feel a bit cheered and encouraged when someone gives you a smile. There is something comforting about seeing a smile on another person's face.
Give your smiles freely. Practice that moment when you smile at at someone and see a little glimmer of light flash across their face in acknowledgment.
It's a simple way to make a difference.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Cost of Poor Choices
I listen to a lot of inspirational speakers and ministers. While I don't agree with 100% of her theology, I really love Joyce Meyer. Her no nonsense approach to the spiritual life appeals to me. One of the hallmarks of her perspective focuses on personal responsibility and doing our part to clean up our act, as an important part of our spiritual maturing process.
I've heard Joyce Meyer say this many times:
"We pay a high price for low living." – Joyce Meyer
This particular quote really struck me. To me, it isn't about 'right and wrong' or living by specific moral or religious standards. To me, this is common sense and basic spiritual law.
When we make good decisions, we will feel good about them. When we make poor choices, we will experience the consequences of those actions, eventually. No one really gets away with anything, no matter what it looks like.
It's not always easy to do the right thing, but when we make mistakes or take 'low' action, we will pay a price for that. We pay a price emotionally, mentally and often times physically - both in the toll it takes on our body, and in the material consequences in our lives - broken relationships, messed up work situations, school issues, failed projects and the list goes on.
Nothing in life is free... and the cost of bad choices is complication, frustration and pain! We don't need any person or religion to tell us those things are undesirable. When all else fails, life can be our teacher.
Consequences are called universal feedback. It's life teaching us lessons.
I've heard Joyce Meyer say this many times:
"We pay a high price for low living." – Joyce Meyer
This particular quote really struck me. To me, it isn't about 'right and wrong' or living by specific moral or religious standards. To me, this is common sense and basic spiritual law.
When we make good decisions, we will feel good about them. When we make poor choices, we will experience the consequences of those actions, eventually. No one really gets away with anything, no matter what it looks like.
It's not always easy to do the right thing, but when we make mistakes or take 'low' action, we will pay a price for that. We pay a price emotionally, mentally and often times physically - both in the toll it takes on our body, and in the material consequences in our lives - broken relationships, messed up work situations, school issues, failed projects and the list goes on.
Nothing in life is free... and the cost of bad choices is complication, frustration and pain! We don't need any person or religion to tell us those things are undesirable. When all else fails, life can be our teacher.
Consequences are called universal feedback. It's life teaching us lessons.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Earring Abundance Lesson
A few weeks ago, I spent a weekend with my extended family, celebrating a beloved uncle's 80th birthday. One of our events was a breakfast gathering at a local eatery.
One of my relatives makes beautiful earrings, many of them from 'found objects.' He has taken this up as a hobby and is getting quite good at it!
He makes a lot of earrings, and mostly just gives them away to the women in his life.
As we gathered around the breakfast table, he brought bags of earrings and laid them on the table in front of all of us women. He told us to take all we wanted!
I began to sort through earrings. There were so many there that I liked! I set aside the ones I liked the most, and was planning on narrowing it down to my one special pair.
I had 5 pairs of earrings on the table in front of me. My uncle, the earring maker, came by and started collecting all the 'unclaimed' earrings to put them away before our meals came.
I told him I was sorting through these 5 pairs that I liked to narrow it down. His response was, "I told you to take all you wanted! Keep them all!" I argued that I couldn't do that! I said I didn't want to be a piggy. He laughed and said, "This is why I make them... I'm just delighted that you like them so much!"
I still felt resistant. What would the other women in my family think? Earrings are one of my favorite things in the entire universe, but taking 5 pairs? I felt like I was doing something wrong, even though I was being offered 'all I wanted.'
There were enough earrings to go around. In fact, there were more than enough earrings to go around! He had at least 100 pairs of earrings there, and not very many women!
He was delighted to have me take the five pairs of earrings I had selected! Yet, I still felt I was doing something wrong by accepting what was being offered to me.
I spent some time reflecting on this, because I was a bit shocked at my reaction. Some part of me felt unworthy of accepting such a generous gift. One little pair felt acceptable, but I didn't feel deserving of 5 pairs of beautiful earrings.
I decided to graciously accept his gift, and work with myself around the feelings I had internally. I deserved those earrings. It was a gift freely offered, and I would practice accepting with open arms.
I felt a little better when I realized my mom and aunt had taken more pairs than I had!! We all ended up with a new 'ear wardrobe' that day.
I'm not advocating being selfish or greedy... not by a long shot. I am, however, suggesting that we should examine our relationship to the concepts of deservability and worthiness. Sometimes what we desire is right in front of us, and we are pushing it away because we don't feel its OK to receive it.
When life offers you a gift, freely given, grab it with both hands!
"I am open to receive. I deserve all the good that life has to offer me. I am worthy and deserving of all good things."
One of my relatives makes beautiful earrings, many of them from 'found objects.' He has taken this up as a hobby and is getting quite good at it!
He makes a lot of earrings, and mostly just gives them away to the women in his life.
As we gathered around the breakfast table, he brought bags of earrings and laid them on the table in front of all of us women. He told us to take all we wanted!
I began to sort through earrings. There were so many there that I liked! I set aside the ones I liked the most, and was planning on narrowing it down to my one special pair.
I had 5 pairs of earrings on the table in front of me. My uncle, the earring maker, came by and started collecting all the 'unclaimed' earrings to put them away before our meals came.
I told him I was sorting through these 5 pairs that I liked to narrow it down. His response was, "I told you to take all you wanted! Keep them all!" I argued that I couldn't do that! I said I didn't want to be a piggy. He laughed and said, "This is why I make them... I'm just delighted that you like them so much!"
I still felt resistant. What would the other women in my family think? Earrings are one of my favorite things in the entire universe, but taking 5 pairs? I felt like I was doing something wrong, even though I was being offered 'all I wanted.'
There were enough earrings to go around. In fact, there were more than enough earrings to go around! He had at least 100 pairs of earrings there, and not very many women!
He was delighted to have me take the five pairs of earrings I had selected! Yet, I still felt I was doing something wrong by accepting what was being offered to me.
I spent some time reflecting on this, because I was a bit shocked at my reaction. Some part of me felt unworthy of accepting such a generous gift. One little pair felt acceptable, but I didn't feel deserving of 5 pairs of beautiful earrings.
I decided to graciously accept his gift, and work with myself around the feelings I had internally. I deserved those earrings. It was a gift freely offered, and I would practice accepting with open arms.
I felt a little better when I realized my mom and aunt had taken more pairs than I had!! We all ended up with a new 'ear wardrobe' that day.
I'm not advocating being selfish or greedy... not by a long shot. I am, however, suggesting that we should examine our relationship to the concepts of deservability and worthiness. Sometimes what we desire is right in front of us, and we are pushing it away because we don't feel its OK to receive it.
When life offers you a gift, freely given, grab it with both hands!
"I am open to receive. I deserve all the good that life has to offer me. I am worthy and deserving of all good things."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
