Walking My Own Walk > November 2008

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Reflective Notes to Self

The holidays for me are often a time of reflection. A time when I take stock of all that I have and all that I have accomplished. They are also a time to prepare for the new year to come. So without further ado I wish to share a few thoughts that have been swirling around in preparation of my reflective time.

1) Always be true to yourself and your feelings. Doing anything less does not support complete forward moment.
2) Never EVER underestimate the power of love and never deny it. To deny it is to deny an important part of oneself; your heart.
3) Be in the moment always and have faith that whatever is meant to be will be. Doing so really takes the pressure off.
4) Always share and give from the heart with no expectations or strings attached. Sharing and giving with strings attached takes the joy and brillance out of what is being shared.
5) And last, a beautiful quote by Erica Jong that speaks volumes, "Love is everything it's cracked up to be…It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for."

Peace and love be with all of you.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Light A Candle, Don't Snuff It Out

"You've put on a few pounds."
"If your parents divorce it's your fault."
"You're nothing but a little slut who will be pregnant by the time she is 14."
"You're a slob. No one is ever going to want to marry you."

Those were things I heard growing up and re-reading them doesn't hurt any more. There is no emotional charge, no bitterness, or anger. There used to be a time when they hurt like hell, when they forced me to doubt my own worthiness. Today I think of them as a blessing; those words, albeit hurtful taught me a few things:

1) To never say anything remotely similar to my own child.
2) That I am a strong woman who can overcome even the most hurtful situations.
3) How important it is to be a loving and caring person.

Just recently I was reminded of my experiences, as I was having a conversation with a friend. We were discussing how sometimes we say things (whether we mean to or not) that really sting. My friend then shared the following; "It is our job to light people's candles, not to snuff them out".

WOW! She is absolutely right. Let's face it, you can say you are sorry for something said, but you can never take those words back. Once they are said, they are out there. As a coach, a mom, a friend, a daughter, it is my job to support others' candles to burn brightly, not to snuff them out. No, wait...it's not just my job, it's a heartfelt desire and commitment.

With that said, I am going to continue to:

1) Not say things out of anger or hurt, but rather step away and regroup.
2) Always come from my heart; that's where all the good stuff resides any way.
3) If I must share something difficult with someone, I will share it from a place of compassion and use constructive words, rather destructive ones.

I want to be a candle lighter, not a candle snuffer. Won't you join me in making this world a brighter place by lighting a few candles yourself?

Monday, November 10, 2008

I'm Still Here, Quietly So

Hello, dear friends and readers, it has been awhile, but not because I have forgotten to write just because I've been taking some time for reflection and rest. Over the course of the past few weeks I have been reminded/learned the following:

1) When the body is screaming "STOP", it's important to do so. It's often during times of rest when other opportunities present themselves.
2) Never gripe about an opportunity that didn't turn out as expected. An opportunity is still an opportunity and you never know what might come of it in the near future.
3) Gratitude holds so much power; the power to lighten a mood and to create more of the same.
4) Sometimes all one needs to do is just be, nothing more and nothing less.
5) It's true what they say, "Be careful for what you wish for, because you just might get it."

Have a fantastic week everyone!! I am going to go back to a little more reflecting.