Today marks the occasion of two important dates in my life: 15 years ago, I was married; 5 years ago, I filed for divorce. Each of the past five years on this date, I think about how time has changed me and yet, how I am the same. I choose to write today about how we can celebrate these milestones in our lives by seeing the blessings that they brought, and knowing that the future lies before us to create whatever our heart desires.
I choose to let the past be in the past. I am grateful for all the experiences that I have brought me to the present moment. As I sit here at the computer, the words flow easily today because I know I am creating a powerful new chapter in the book of my life. One of my favorite songs is “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield. When I first heard the lyrics four years ago, they were resounding: “Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lFXy5bIiSA
One thing that I have gained with the passage of time, is clarity about who I am, the protagonist, and I accept and love her for all that she is and all they she may be. I am also looking at the other characters who will play a role in the beginning of this new chapter. Without knowing how long they will stay, I am grateful for their presence and the richness they add to my story. I am very conscious of who I will allow to take up space in my life. Many of my relationships are changing as they have fulfilled their original purpose. What I LOVE is that the depth of the relationships is enabling them to be recreated so that we can continue into the future to build something that takes us to a higher place.
Knowing that your presence has helped elevate the spirit of another to a more conscious level is something worth celebrating! I give credit to those in my life who have done this for me. I am truly blessed. I live each writing a new page and I am so happy to have you to share it.
I thought when I started to write this, that I would spend more time talking about who I was “back then” and how I have changed, but I realize that in letting go of the past, I can spend my energy on TODAY and creating a wonderful place to be in this moment. Enough said. Lesson Learned.
Professional Motivator, Lisa Payne, finds inspiration in everyday events to help others embrace their potential.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Making Connections
When asked to describe what I do in 30 seconds or less, I say, “I take people off the treadmill of life, help them accept what is, see what is possible, and create a life of success as defined by them.” As a Professional Motivator, that’s what I do whether it is through individual coaching, workshop facilitation, conference keynotes or in corporate consulting. Making connections with people is what I do every day. It is what fuels me and always has been. That’s why I named my company, Connections for Success Inc.
Every conversation I have is about making a meaningful connection with another person. It may be a simple exchange of “hello” with a neighbor or a three-hour long excavation with someone I love; just like in my professional affairs, the notion of success comes from touching the heart and soul of another person, regardless of method of delivery.
The irony of this week’s events is not lost on me. I may have missed my flight, but the connections that I made already this week (with faith that more are to come) have been so profound, that I may as well be grateful to Air Canada. Of course, I am always grateful to the Universe for putting the most wonderful opportunities in front of me. I have to acknowledge my own part here, too. I am so much more conscious than I have ever been, and now fully participate in making meaningful connections even when I am alone.
It is easy to imagine how to make time with your family and friends (at home and at play) more meaningful. You pay attention – be present – to what is happening, turn the cell phone off, engage in activities you enjoy, have fun. Although it may seem more difficult, it is really quite conceivable that you can also improve your connections at work by taking a vested interest in your organization’s success. When we think about “connection” it is normal to assume we are talking about connections OUTSIDE of ourselves, with other people. How do we make connections WITHIN? That’s what we do when we are at peace.
These four elements of ourselves – at home, at work, at play and at peace – and what we choose to create in those spaces don’t always reflect what we value. To live in possibility, it is important that all areas of our lives are in alignment with our higher purpose. In order to do this, we must first GO INSIDE and make the most important connection of all, to understand what it is we want to create – how we define success. This is an ongoing process; one that rejuvenates the soul. It can unleash latent talents and get you in touch with deep desires that may have been repressed for a long time. Making a connection with yourself is necessary to heal old wounds and dispel limiting beliefs that have stopped you in the past from creating the life of your dreams. Making the INSIDE connection is necessary to develop self-love; the kind of love needed to take risks and invest in your future happiness because you are worth it. Knowing that, and feeling that within, will fuel you to create success beyond your wildest dreams.
As a Professional Motivator, I help others define and execute their vision of success. It is part of MY vision of success. I am embracing my potential in this moment. Thank you for allowing me to share this Lesson Learned.
Check out my new website: http://embracingpotential.com
Every conversation I have is about making a meaningful connection with another person. It may be a simple exchange of “hello” with a neighbor or a three-hour long excavation with someone I love; just like in my professional affairs, the notion of success comes from touching the heart and soul of another person, regardless of method of delivery.
The irony of this week’s events is not lost on me. I may have missed my flight, but the connections that I made already this week (with faith that more are to come) have been so profound, that I may as well be grateful to Air Canada. Of course, I am always grateful to the Universe for putting the most wonderful opportunities in front of me. I have to acknowledge my own part here, too. I am so much more conscious than I have ever been, and now fully participate in making meaningful connections even when I am alone.
It is easy to imagine how to make time with your family and friends (at home and at play) more meaningful. You pay attention – be present – to what is happening, turn the cell phone off, engage in activities you enjoy, have fun. Although it may seem more difficult, it is really quite conceivable that you can also improve your connections at work by taking a vested interest in your organization’s success. When we think about “connection” it is normal to assume we are talking about connections OUTSIDE of ourselves, with other people. How do we make connections WITHIN? That’s what we do when we are at peace.
These four elements of ourselves – at home, at work, at play and at peace – and what we choose to create in those spaces don’t always reflect what we value. To live in possibility, it is important that all areas of our lives are in alignment with our higher purpose. In order to do this, we must first GO INSIDE and make the most important connection of all, to understand what it is we want to create – how we define success. This is an ongoing process; one that rejuvenates the soul. It can unleash latent talents and get you in touch with deep desires that may have been repressed for a long time. Making a connection with yourself is necessary to heal old wounds and dispel limiting beliefs that have stopped you in the past from creating the life of your dreams. Making the INSIDE connection is necessary to develop self-love; the kind of love needed to take risks and invest in your future happiness because you are worth it. Knowing that, and feeling that within, will fuel you to create success beyond your wildest dreams.
As a Professional Motivator, I help others define and execute their vision of success. It is part of MY vision of success. I am embracing my potential in this moment. Thank you for allowing me to share this Lesson Learned.
Check out my new website: http://embracingpotential.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Wonder of the Universe
Have you ever scratched your head in wonder how particular situations befall you? On a number of occasions in the past six months, I have been completely baffled in response to my circumstances and have even said out loud, “This makes no sense. How could this have happened?” A bit of drama in the wee hours of a Magnificent Monday got me thinking about the wonder of the Universe.
Yesterday I was unable to board my flight to Halifax because I had not arrived more than 30 minutes ahead of departure. This “made no sense” because I had plenty of time to make it. I felt great waking up at 4:30AM and didn’t feel rushed or concerned about the time. As I drove to the airport I felt completely on purpose and divinely connected to my Higher Power. But when I arrived too late to board my flight, I found myself saying, “How could this have happened?” I was supposed to be in Fredericton for meetings all day and night; Moncton the next two days, then back to Fredericton. I had a full agenda and my initial thought was that my whole week of business was out the door. As I felt the fear rise, I consciously gave myself permission to release the emotion I was feeling at what I saw as a lack of empowerment and compassion of the Air Canada staff. I expressed my dissatisfaction with the available options, regained my composure, and drove myself home, determined that by the time I got there – 15 minutes later – I would have let go of the emotion, the judgment and the blame, and would be ready to PAUSE.
Whenever I am faced with challenges, I think about the process of PAUSE that I teach in my workshops and walk myself through it to ensure it can be effective in general situations. I now have a great example to share, thanks to Air Canada!
P
Pause, breathe, stop the treadmill of life or the whirring of your brain
A
Accept what is, what is in your control, and our role in the current reality
U
Understand the lessons to be learned from this situation/problem
S
See what is possible that wasn’t possible before, seek alternative solutions
E
Embrace your potential
I went through the process. It looked something like this:
P
I took a deep breath and detached myself from the circumstance. I released the judgment and blame and focused my thoughts inward, determined to find a better way, in expression of my Higher Power.
A
I accepted the fact that I had missed my flight and took responsibility for not being on time. I also accepted that this was happening for a reason, although the reasons that I should either not be going to New Brunswick, or the reasons for staying in St. John’s were not yet clear.
U
I vowed to never be late again, not get ‘sidetracked’ with emails that show up in the morning of travel or spend too much time on my hair. My lesson was to accept what is and create something new.
S
I worked all morning to make contact with my clients and staff, rearrange my plans and accomplish my original objectives. I was creative as I generated effective solutions and gave myself the space in this new reality for abundance to flow.
E
Satisfied with the results and pleased to have a restful week at home, I spent time with an old friend who needed me and a new friend who wanted to get to know me better. I shared authentic conversation and felt truly inspired to be right here right now. I was embracing my potential, living in possibility and feeling truly blessed and in awe of the Universe.
With great wonder and reflection, I really feel like it WAS all part of a grander plan, as if I had any doubt! You see, before I left for the airport, I opened a page from Doreen Virtue’s book, Daily Guidance from your Angels entitled, Trust that your Prayers are Being Answered. What an amazing thing to think as you head off to another province and plan to “network like nobody’s business” (my facebook status from the day before). But then I missed my flight???
The Universe does have a way of making us scratch our heads in wonder. The answers aren’t always plain but I do believe they exist. I created a wonderful day on that long, Magnificent Monday and in then, in the wee hours of this Terrific Tuesday, I was given a true gift. The gift of a second chance. My lesson learned here is that when you are fully self-expressed and living your life on purpose, you open yourself up to miracles every day. I am grateful for all of life’s lessons and for having the chance to build something new that serves me very well as I embrace my potential.
Yesterday I was unable to board my flight to Halifax because I had not arrived more than 30 minutes ahead of departure. This “made no sense” because I had plenty of time to make it. I felt great waking up at 4:30AM and didn’t feel rushed or concerned about the time. As I drove to the airport I felt completely on purpose and divinely connected to my Higher Power. But when I arrived too late to board my flight, I found myself saying, “How could this have happened?” I was supposed to be in Fredericton for meetings all day and night; Moncton the next two days, then back to Fredericton. I had a full agenda and my initial thought was that my whole week of business was out the door. As I felt the fear rise, I consciously gave myself permission to release the emotion I was feeling at what I saw as a lack of empowerment and compassion of the Air Canada staff. I expressed my dissatisfaction with the available options, regained my composure, and drove myself home, determined that by the time I got there – 15 minutes later – I would have let go of the emotion, the judgment and the blame, and would be ready to PAUSE.
Whenever I am faced with challenges, I think about the process of PAUSE that I teach in my workshops and walk myself through it to ensure it can be effective in general situations. I now have a great example to share, thanks to Air Canada!
P
Pause, breathe, stop the treadmill of life or the whirring of your brain
A
Accept what is, what is in your control, and our role in the current reality
U
Understand the lessons to be learned from this situation/problem
S
See what is possible that wasn’t possible before, seek alternative solutions
E
Embrace your potential
I went through the process. It looked something like this:
P
I took a deep breath and detached myself from the circumstance. I released the judgment and blame and focused my thoughts inward, determined to find a better way, in expression of my Higher Power.
A
I accepted the fact that I had missed my flight and took responsibility for not being on time. I also accepted that this was happening for a reason, although the reasons that I should either not be going to New Brunswick, or the reasons for staying in St. John’s were not yet clear.
U
I vowed to never be late again, not get ‘sidetracked’ with emails that show up in the morning of travel or spend too much time on my hair. My lesson was to accept what is and create something new.
S
I worked all morning to make contact with my clients and staff, rearrange my plans and accomplish my original objectives. I was creative as I generated effective solutions and gave myself the space in this new reality for abundance to flow.
E
Satisfied with the results and pleased to have a restful week at home, I spent time with an old friend who needed me and a new friend who wanted to get to know me better. I shared authentic conversation and felt truly inspired to be right here right now. I was embracing my potential, living in possibility and feeling truly blessed and in awe of the Universe.
With great wonder and reflection, I really feel like it WAS all part of a grander plan, as if I had any doubt! You see, before I left for the airport, I opened a page from Doreen Virtue’s book, Daily Guidance from your Angels entitled, Trust that your Prayers are Being Answered. What an amazing thing to think as you head off to another province and plan to “network like nobody’s business” (my facebook status from the day before). But then I missed my flight???
The Universe does have a way of making us scratch our heads in wonder. The answers aren’t always plain but I do believe they exist. I created a wonderful day on that long, Magnificent Monday and in then, in the wee hours of this Terrific Tuesday, I was given a true gift. The gift of a second chance. My lesson learned here is that when you are fully self-expressed and living your life on purpose, you open yourself up to miracles every day. I am grateful for all of life’s lessons and for having the chance to build something new that serves me very well as I embrace my potential.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
PAUSE the Treadmill of Life
Does it ever happen to you that your world seems to be spinning out of control and you can barely breathe? Perhaps it is because you have too much on your plate, or because you are in a job or relationship that hasn’t been working for a while. It may be that your daily routine is hectic and allows no time for rejuvenation or recuperation.
“Busy.” It seems an all familiar response to the question, “How are you?” I find that to get a real sense of how someone is, you must evaluate the body language that comes with that response. We are all busy to some degree, but I think what matters more is how you feel about what you are busy doing. If your days are full but clearly reflect your values, you will feel quite differently than if you are spinning like a top just to survive each day that is filled with people and activities that do not serve you. The reality for most is somewhere in the middle.
I have made a conscious effort to create a world that reflects my purpose and my vision of success. At times, however, my choices result in overwhelm and my mind plays like a fast-forwarding video despite my efforts to remain in balance. Just last week, my head was spinning because of the number of commitments on my plate. By the time Thought-full Thursday rolled around, I knew I had had enough. I needed to PAUSE and regroup. I allowed myself some space from family, friends, work and other obligations to clear my head and slow down. (Sometimes, taking a PAUSE is just that, and it only takes 5 minutes to get clear and gain some perspective, but last week was particularly taxing on a number of levels for me, so I took three hours.)
Stopping the treadmill of life is therapeutic for the body, mind and spirit. In that space, you grant yourself permission to breathe and get present. All of a sudden, things do not appear as urgent. You can see possibilities, alternate solutions to crises. The weight of the world that you are carrying can disappear in minutes if you slow down enough to see what that burden is doing to you and those around you. Taking time to evaluate your circumstance and accept responsibility for your part in its creation is a great Lesson Learned. “Accepting what is” is the next phase in this process of Embracing Your Potential. Stay tuned.
Check out my new website: http://www.embracingpotential.com
“Busy.” It seems an all familiar response to the question, “How are you?” I find that to get a real sense of how someone is, you must evaluate the body language that comes with that response. We are all busy to some degree, but I think what matters more is how you feel about what you are busy doing. If your days are full but clearly reflect your values, you will feel quite differently than if you are spinning like a top just to survive each day that is filled with people and activities that do not serve you. The reality for most is somewhere in the middle.
I have made a conscious effort to create a world that reflects my purpose and my vision of success. At times, however, my choices result in overwhelm and my mind plays like a fast-forwarding video despite my efforts to remain in balance. Just last week, my head was spinning because of the number of commitments on my plate. By the time Thought-full Thursday rolled around, I knew I had had enough. I needed to PAUSE and regroup. I allowed myself some space from family, friends, work and other obligations to clear my head and slow down. (Sometimes, taking a PAUSE is just that, and it only takes 5 minutes to get clear and gain some perspective, but last week was particularly taxing on a number of levels for me, so I took three hours.)
Stopping the treadmill of life is therapeutic for the body, mind and spirit. In that space, you grant yourself permission to breathe and get present. All of a sudden, things do not appear as urgent. You can see possibilities, alternate solutions to crises. The weight of the world that you are carrying can disappear in minutes if you slow down enough to see what that burden is doing to you and those around you. Taking time to evaluate your circumstance and accept responsibility for your part in its creation is a great Lesson Learned. “Accepting what is” is the next phase in this process of Embracing Your Potential. Stay tuned.
Check out my new website: http://www.embracingpotential.com
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Counting Blessings
When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing that you think about? Do you groan, roll over and hit “snooze”? Do you cover your head up with the blankets and wish it was the weekend? Or do you jump out of bed with a spring in your step, feeling happy to be live and excited about your next opportunity to spread a little sunshine? I would like to think that, most days, I choose the latter but like everyone, I have those moments where staying in bed has seemed like the best option compared to whatever negative circumstance I felt I had to face that day.
The truth is that bad things happen to good people and it isn’t easy to pick sense out of it all. Having faith that all is as it should be can be very difficult during sorrowful times and it is even necessary to have a good cry and get the grief out of your system in order to let the light shine again and embrace the potential of the future. One of the most powerful lessons I have learned in recent years is that of GRATITUDE. When I start my day thinking of all the great things in my life, it invariably sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and lands me in an excellent spot for processing whatever comes my way. One of the bedtime rituals I started with my children when I was first living on my own with them was to ask when I was tucking them in: “What was your favorite part of the day today?” This question often developed into a conversation about events that happened – goo d and bad – at daycare or school, but the key was that it got them thinking about how they spent their day and what good there was to be found. Our conversation would always end with a reminder to be grateful for all the blessings that we have.
Practicing this with my children was a great tool for me, again, especially in the early years after the divorce when I wanted to make them feel safe and secure in a new environment. Regardless of how the evening at home had gone with them – homework, activities, and baths often requiring more patience than I could summon after working and studying all day – this bedtime ritual of gratitude always brought me into the present moment and melted away any shadow of a doubt that I was where I was meant to be and that I have many, many blessings to celebrate.
Just yesterday, a fire claimed most of my colleague’s home and her family’s possessions. The newspaper headline stated: Couple counts their blessings. While I have been thinking grateful thoughts on a regular basis and particularly this week , this story reminded me that in every tragedy we can still find faith and recognize that the gifts in our lives are not material things but the people in them and the contribution we choose to make in this world. One of my greatest blessings is this Lesson Learned.
The truth is that bad things happen to good people and it isn’t easy to pick sense out of it all. Having faith that all is as it should be can be very difficult during sorrowful times and it is even necessary to have a good cry and get the grief out of your system in order to let the light shine again and embrace the potential of the future. One of the most powerful lessons I have learned in recent years is that of GRATITUDE. When I start my day thinking of all the great things in my life, it invariably sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and lands me in an excellent spot for processing whatever comes my way. One of the bedtime rituals I started with my children when I was first living on my own with them was to ask when I was tucking them in: “What was your favorite part of the day today?” This question often developed into a conversation about events that happened – goo d and bad – at daycare or school, but the key was that it got them thinking about how they spent their day and what good there was to be found. Our conversation would always end with a reminder to be grateful for all the blessings that we have.
Practicing this with my children was a great tool for me, again, especially in the early years after the divorce when I wanted to make them feel safe and secure in a new environment. Regardless of how the evening at home had gone with them – homework, activities, and baths often requiring more patience than I could summon after working and studying all day – this bedtime ritual of gratitude always brought me into the present moment and melted away any shadow of a doubt that I was where I was meant to be and that I have many, many blessings to celebrate.
Just yesterday, a fire claimed most of my colleague’s home and her family’s possessions. The newspaper headline stated: Couple counts their blessings. While I have been thinking grateful thoughts on a regular basis and particularly this week , this story reminded me that in every tragedy we can still find faith and recognize that the gifts in our lives are not material things but the people in them and the contribution we choose to make in this world. One of my greatest blessings is this Lesson Learned.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Finding Solutions in Overwhelm
What a week!! Have you ever questioned WHY you choose to jam so much into a short period of time? As a chronic over-achieving Type A and recovering perfectionist, I am quite familiar with this position. Now, in my new-found awareness, I can be fully conscious of the fact, that I have created this situation that has resulted in less patience and increased back pain and headaches!
Yes, it’s true. From time to time, I allow myself to get caught up in the insanity of trying to fit it all in, being ruled by time and a to-do list the size of your arm! In an effort to create balance, I actually put pressure on myself to achieve more with less. I can even ‘predict’ when it is going to happen, and the first week of August is traditionally it for me. Of course, I realize now that the mere fact that I believed this week was going to be nuts, proves how powerful the mind is at manifesting what you think about! While this has been a very balanced week, my plate truly runneth over with engagements and responsibilities at home, at work, at play and at peace. Here’s how it looks for me:
At home, this is birthday week for Joel. We have had special outings and visits each day. He is my quiet introvert who demands very little in terms of attention or material things. When he shows interest in something, I therefore, do what I can to give him pleasure. This week has been full of those types of gestures on my part. I believe it will make memories to last and explains why it is so important to me.
At work, this is a short week because of the civic holiday, but also a week where I prepare for an exciting road trip to New Brunswick. It has always been the busiest week of the year for administration work – admittedly the part of my job that I like the least. Being tied to the computer, especially when the weather is nice is a chore nobody enjoys but, alas, a necessary component of my work.
At play, I have missed the George Street Festival and the Gander Day celebration, ‘adult’ fun times which always take place at the same time each year and hold a certain appeal for me. However, I have infused every day with joyful times as I embrace my inner child at the beach, park, mall, and theatre. I can’t say that I’ve been all work and no play this week, for sure.
At peace, I have been meditating twice daily for a week. Before I get out of bed in the morning, I listen to a CD that helps me visualize the day ahead. I am going for walks each day for exercise and to clear my head. At bedtime, I listen to another that helps relax my mind and body.
You may be thinking, this seems quite well balanced. What’s her problem? It is true that this is a week of balance. The sad part about my current reality is that my physical energy level is low, and my level of patience has been even lower. In an effort to ensure balance, I have committed to doing too many things without paying attention to what I really need. As I said to a friend and colleague, “At times like these, I really need to take my own advice.”
Moving to solution for me is to block out a certain amount of time for home, work, play and peace and stick to it. Assess what I am trying to accomplish in the allotted time and prioritize those items. Whatever doesn’t get done will get done the next day. At these busy times, I must remain focused within those blocks of time so I can easily move from one task to another without concern or guilt. Each task will get my full attention as I will be present. This is my challenge. There are three more days left to my week at work and with the children and I will make the most of them!! And it won’t kill me J
I will take care of myself physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. I will also enlist help to clean my house and do the paperwork that is piling up. Child labour laws don’t exist in my house and nothing says family-togetherness than sorting training materials for Mommy’s workshops!! I have committed to some rewards at the end of the week, too: a barbecue with friends and perhaps a jaunt to the Brigus Blueberry Festival. The truth is that I’m finding what works, living in possibility so that I can embrace my potential. Lesson Learned.
Yes, it’s true. From time to time, I allow myself to get caught up in the insanity of trying to fit it all in, being ruled by time and a to-do list the size of your arm! In an effort to create balance, I actually put pressure on myself to achieve more with less. I can even ‘predict’ when it is going to happen, and the first week of August is traditionally it for me. Of course, I realize now that the mere fact that I believed this week was going to be nuts, proves how powerful the mind is at manifesting what you think about! While this has been a very balanced week, my plate truly runneth over with engagements and responsibilities at home, at work, at play and at peace. Here’s how it looks for me:
At home, this is birthday week for Joel. We have had special outings and visits each day. He is my quiet introvert who demands very little in terms of attention or material things. When he shows interest in something, I therefore, do what I can to give him pleasure. This week has been full of those types of gestures on my part. I believe it will make memories to last and explains why it is so important to me.
At work, this is a short week because of the civic holiday, but also a week where I prepare for an exciting road trip to New Brunswick. It has always been the busiest week of the year for administration work – admittedly the part of my job that I like the least. Being tied to the computer, especially when the weather is nice is a chore nobody enjoys but, alas, a necessary component of my work.
At play, I have missed the George Street Festival and the Gander Day celebration, ‘adult’ fun times which always take place at the same time each year and hold a certain appeal for me. However, I have infused every day with joyful times as I embrace my inner child at the beach, park, mall, and theatre. I can’t say that I’ve been all work and no play this week, for sure.
At peace, I have been meditating twice daily for a week. Before I get out of bed in the morning, I listen to a CD that helps me visualize the day ahead. I am going for walks each day for exercise and to clear my head. At bedtime, I listen to another that helps relax my mind and body.
You may be thinking, this seems quite well balanced. What’s her problem? It is true that this is a week of balance. The sad part about my current reality is that my physical energy level is low, and my level of patience has been even lower. In an effort to ensure balance, I have committed to doing too many things without paying attention to what I really need. As I said to a friend and colleague, “At times like these, I really need to take my own advice.”
Moving to solution for me is to block out a certain amount of time for home, work, play and peace and stick to it. Assess what I am trying to accomplish in the allotted time and prioritize those items. Whatever doesn’t get done will get done the next day. At these busy times, I must remain focused within those blocks of time so I can easily move from one task to another without concern or guilt. Each task will get my full attention as I will be present. This is my challenge. There are three more days left to my week at work and with the children and I will make the most of them!! And it won’t kill me J
I will take care of myself physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. I will also enlist help to clean my house and do the paperwork that is piling up. Child labour laws don’t exist in my house and nothing says family-togetherness than sorting training materials for Mommy’s workshops!! I have committed to some rewards at the end of the week, too: a barbecue with friends and perhaps a jaunt to the Brigus Blueberry Festival. The truth is that I’m finding what works, living in possibility so that I can embrace my potential. Lesson Learned.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Have Courage! Go Barefoot!
Two weeks ago I started this blog, sitting in a new Quiet Space, barefoot, under a tree in Victoria Park on a sunny Terrific Tuesday afternoon. How I found myself in this position was quite ‘by chance’ and since, I believe that everything happens for a reason, I took this as a sign that I should dedicate today’s blog to Going Barefoot! It is now a Magnificent Monday and no better day that to talk about COURAGE.
The landscape of St. John’s, being quite hilly, can pose a challenge for people like me who wear high heels and park on 45-degree angles. When faced with the grassy terrain of the park, I decided that my best option was to carry my shoes in one hand and cross the park barefoot while scoping out the best place to enjoy the sunshine, my tuna sandwich and my notebook in hand. This daring act made me think about how often I have gone barefoot in public and why it seemed so significant to me.
Going barefoot is exhilarating, on many levels. I like the feel of the cool grass between my toes. I am aware how it soothes the soles of my feet. It keeps me present. I like to think of going barefoot as a symbol of freedom and courage. Today I felt safe and secure enough in my own skin and in my environment to be myself, expose myself (my feet, that is) and hence, demonstrate courage by putting myself at risk.
Barefoot. Carefree. Joyful. At peace. Think about how often you were barefoot as a child, when you were fearless. Imagine that world again – where you feel safe and secure enough to walk around unprotected, you can be yourself, expose yourself and hence put yourself at great risk. Of course, the risks multiply as you get older and your sense of self in tied to external measures of success.
I have recently gone Barefoot and exposed myself by entering the world of the blog and sharing intimate details of my experiences and philosophies with the public. I have launched a new business which puts me “out there” front and centre from the world to judge. While I have always considered myself an “open book”, this has been a huge step in the courage department for me. I am embracing my potential, moving beyond my comfort zone and making choices that support my vision of success, even though I do so at great personal risk.
Starting your own business is one example of a significant life event that will test your courage. Moving to a new town, getting married, getting divorced, having children, leaving work to take care of your children or parents… none of these decisions are made lightly, we usually weigh the pros and cons but when all is said and done, they can evoke a sense of exhilaration as you embark on a journey into the unknown. Like free-falling, you have to trust in yourself. You must have faith in your own wisdom and your ability to create a new great reality.
As the butterfly trusts that nature will guard and protect her as she moves from one phase of her life to another, I don my symbol of transformation around my neck – a gift bestowed by my mother, a woman who demonstrates quiet courage in her daily life – and step into my courage today to make my life one of possibility, one of courage!! I am going barefoot in an unknown world. I have faith in me. Lesson Learned.
The landscape of St. John’s, being quite hilly, can pose a challenge for people like me who wear high heels and park on 45-degree angles. When faced with the grassy terrain of the park, I decided that my best option was to carry my shoes in one hand and cross the park barefoot while scoping out the best place to enjoy the sunshine, my tuna sandwich and my notebook in hand. This daring act made me think about how often I have gone barefoot in public and why it seemed so significant to me.
Going barefoot is exhilarating, on many levels. I like the feel of the cool grass between my toes. I am aware how it soothes the soles of my feet. It keeps me present. I like to think of going barefoot as a symbol of freedom and courage. Today I felt safe and secure enough in my own skin and in my environment to be myself, expose myself (my feet, that is) and hence, demonstrate courage by putting myself at risk.
Barefoot. Carefree. Joyful. At peace. Think about how often you were barefoot as a child, when you were fearless. Imagine that world again – where you feel safe and secure enough to walk around unprotected, you can be yourself, expose yourself and hence put yourself at great risk. Of course, the risks multiply as you get older and your sense of self in tied to external measures of success.
I have recently gone Barefoot and exposed myself by entering the world of the blog and sharing intimate details of my experiences and philosophies with the public. I have launched a new business which puts me “out there” front and centre from the world to judge. While I have always considered myself an “open book”, this has been a huge step in the courage department for me. I am embracing my potential, moving beyond my comfort zone and making choices that support my vision of success, even though I do so at great personal risk.
Starting your own business is one example of a significant life event that will test your courage. Moving to a new town, getting married, getting divorced, having children, leaving work to take care of your children or parents… none of these decisions are made lightly, we usually weigh the pros and cons but when all is said and done, they can evoke a sense of exhilaration as you embark on a journey into the unknown. Like free-falling, you have to trust in yourself. You must have faith in your own wisdom and your ability to create a new great reality.
As the butterfly trusts that nature will guard and protect her as she moves from one phase of her life to another, I don my symbol of transformation around my neck – a gift bestowed by my mother, a woman who demonstrates quiet courage in her daily life – and step into my courage today to make my life one of possibility, one of courage!! I am going barefoot in an unknown world. I have faith in me. Lesson Learned.
Birthdays and the Passage of Time
Each year, with the passing of my son’s birthday, I find myself on a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride. I reminded Joel today that he should expect the annual sniffle-fest from me on Tuesday when he turns 11. He is enjoying a week-long celebration with a party at my house Saturday, dinner at grand-parents’ Sunday, spending spree with party cash on Monday, REAL birthday on Tuesday that includes a long-awaited trip to see Happy Potter 6, Regatta Day civic holiday on Wednesday, who-knows-what on Thursday (detox from sweets, for sure) and party at his dad’s on Friday! Come to think of it, this is almost EXACTLY the way I have been celebrating my birthdays for the past 5 years!! I love it!
I have always been a big celebrator. I love planning parties and hosting them, especially birthday parties. My family was very supportive of this when I was living at home and, while we weren’t extravagant by any means, there were always gifts to be opened, decorations to be hung, and Mom’s cake to be eaten. Now that I’m caught up in Joel’s annual gala, even amidst all the hooting and hollering, I get all sentimental about his getting older (for some reason, Sydney’s birthday doesn’t affect me the same way). While I have never been one to worry about getting older or fear the number of candles on the cake, the occasion of Joel’s birthday always makes me reflect on the passage of time. I remember with particular detail, the events of the week leading up to his birth: he was 6 days late and it seemed he grew 10 pounds heavier each day in the July heat! I also think back to how my life was at that time and find myself amazed at what can change. He is only 11 but I feel like I was living a different life when he born and each year, I spend some time thinking about the time that has passed and the choices that I have made to shape my current reality. In my reflection, I count my blessings and marvel at how much we have all grown and learned from our experiences.
How do you view time? Do you count down to events? To 5:00? Thank God it’s Friday or dread the upcoming Monday? Do you look at each birthday as a new beginning, a celebration of what you have accomplished over the past year or try to pretend it’s not happening and pray nobody remembers? In the past (ok, just a few month ago), I could never understand people who don’t want to celebrate their birthdays… it seems odd that all of the men in my life have been like that (of course, nothing is ‘odd’, it just is). Everyone has their reasons, just as I have my own wanted to shout it from the rooftops… I’m 39!! Woo-hOO!!!! Wait until next year! This afternoon while I was hanging with the kids at the beach, I thought about how I would celebrate turning 40… the plan may start early and will likely last months instead of just a week.
The fact is, I am in a perpetual state of celebration, and I am not ashamed to say so. I feel that each day is worthy of a party, one of gratitude, to be shared with those you love. And if you happen to be alone, sing and dance with reckless abandon! Let us view the passage of time as a conscious celebration of growth and learning. Every day there are new opportunities to explore and successes waiting to be realized.
Be on purpose in all of your choices and time won’t fly, it won’t stand still, it won’t exist. But you will be existing in possibility as you embrace your potential! That’s what I will tell Joel on the occasion of his 11th birthday and every year thereafter. He and his sister are my daily inspirations and the reason I choose to celebrate life!! They gave me the gift of this Lesson Learned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)