(verb) 1. to be solicitous 2. to be concerned 3. to make a provision or look out for 4. to have a liking, fondness or affection.
Thanks to Dictionary.com
For those of you who are new to this website, I’ll start by telling you a little bit about myself. I’m a 43 year old wife, mother, artist, writer, speaker, volunteer extraordinaire. In between doing laundry, dishes and floors, I work with the Welcome Wagon, the Ortonville DDA and Occupy Ortonville, not to mention I’ve just finished writing a book called You’re the Boat and I’m in the process of learning how to self-publish. I write on this website twice a week to practice becoming a better writer and more enlightened human being.
I do all of these things because I care.
I care about helping my community.
I care about being a good role model for my son and nieces.
I care about building a better, healthier community for my family and friends to live in.
I care about giving people something fun to look forward to.
I care about having a lasting positive influence with the time and energy I’ve been blessed with.
As you may have noticed, I have a lot of energy. Too much, some might say. And a few years ago, I would have agreed. All of this energy was causing me to feel anxious, stressed out and worried that I was making a mess of things. I felt like I couldn’t control my mind and it was driving me kinda crazy.
It all finally came to a head when I was home-schooling my son, in preparation for our year long adventure to live in Brazil. Home-schooling wasn’t nearly as much fun or as easy as I had hoped it would be. To be kind, I was making a mess of it and I knew it. As I was hooking up my dog to take our walk one day, I asked God (the Universe, the Source, the Force, the Divine….) How am I supposed to get through this!? The very next thought that came to my mind was… “You know, your attitude is a lot like the rudder on a ship. If you keep it adjusted appropriately, you can get where you need to go, but if it gets stuck, then your just going in circles, frustrating yourself and everyone else around you.” For the first time in weeks (months) I felt good, open and hopeful. My curiosity was peaked, so as I took my walk, the rest of the Boat came to me. Everything on the Boat stands for a part of my life. Of course, my attitude is my rudder, my heart is the ship’s wheel, the sail is my soul, the mast is my strength and the Crow’s nest is my forethought (just to name a few).
I went back home and drew out the Boat with my color crayons.(see it in the picture above) It showed it to my husband and son and they liked it. I taped it up above my desk where I could see it every day, as a reminder to keep my attitude adjusted.
We moved to Brazil and the analogy helped me get through the day to day. It wasn’t always easy, or fun, but I didn’t ever get back to feeling like I didn’t have control over my mind. Whenever I got overwhelmed, I would practice adjusting my rudder. I would take a walk, get a drink of water, have a snack, turn on some music and dance, or make some art. It really, truly helped.
While living in Brazil I finally quit smoking. (Yeah!!!) After 20 plus years, it was pretty tough but it gave me an opportunity to do something different with my hands, so I took up writing. At first, it was just lists and inspirational quotes, but then I thought it would be a good idea to practice by writing out the Boat analogy into words.
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I used that as my goal. It took me almost a week to write it, but I soon realized that I had missed a couple of pieces when I first wrote out the analogy. My first Boat didn’t have a Captain or ropes. The Captain is our guide. The Universe, the Source, the Force, God, Allah, whatever we call it doesn’t matter. Just knowing we’re loved and supported does. The Ropes are our self-discipline. It connects the Sail to the Mast, just like our self-discipline helps connect our Souls to our Strength. If we don’t have self-discipline and faith in ourselves, our souls can’t propel us forward in life.
The very best thing the Boat analogy has taught me is that I’m never done learning. Ever since I first started writing about the Boat, I’ve discovered more about life as well as about myself. In the analogy, the ship’s wheel symbolizes our heart. In order to be guided toward the life we’re looking forward to, we need to be open-hearted. When I asked “How am I supposed to get through this?” that first day, I was opening up my heart and asking for guidance. That was the single best lesson I have ever learned in my life. To be open-hearted is to be open to learning and guidance. It was only when I thought I knew it all that I was frustrated and freaking out.
Writing the analogy into a book has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. It’s taken over a year and proven to be very eye-opening because there are more pieces that have come as I’ve continued writing. The Anchor, the Safe Harbor and the Cannons, just to name a few.
The book is written and now I’m working with a graphic designer to finish putting it together. I’ll be publishing it into an e-book within the next couple of months. Then I’ll start doing inspirational presentations again, spreading the world that there is hope, we are not alone and that our Captain loves us and wants us to feel supported and happy.
If I could give you one piece of advice today, my friendly blog reader, it would be to stay open to guidance. Ask for help. Don’t think you are all alone in your troubles. Your life is God’s gift to the world. God cares how you feel and wants to help you live a happy, fulfilling life. Open yourself up to the possibility that you do have control over your own attitude. Every day is another chance to try. You deserve happiness, peace and success.
I hope you’ve enjoyed todays post.
What do you care about? Why do you do what you do?
I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below!
xoxo Pam
p.s. My family and I are heading out to New Jersey to attend the funeral of Grama Betty, my husband’s grandmother. I’ll be back later next week with the Inspirational song of the week.
(verb) 1. to calculate the monetary value 2. to consider with respect. 3. to regard or esteem highly.
(Thanks to Dictionary.com for the definitions)
photo credit google images
I got this note from a gentleman named Walter Simmer that I met at the Occupy Ortonville meeting last week.
“When I think of the 99%, I think of dandelions. A tough scrappy little flower that grows where the 99% live and is excluded from posh gated communities of the 1%. Perhaps its universality could be morphed into the symbol of unity for all the 99%. Again, from me, a passive but powerful message like special credit union checks and special license plates. Imagine the symbol of dandelions outpacing the peace sign everywhere. Take a bouquet of dandelions to any meeting in a makeshift jar. What a message!”
I absolutely love his analogy. It makes perfect sense to use it to describe the 99%.
According to Wikipedia, this tough, scrappy little flower is found all around the world and used for culinary and medicinal purposes. They’re extremely healthy to eat and even beneficial for gardens.
The dandelion plant is a beneficial weed, with a wide range of uses, and is even a good companion plant for gardening. Its taproot will bring up nutrients for shallower-rooting plants, and add minerals and nitrogen to soil. It is also known to attract pollinatinginsects and release ethylene gas which helps fruit to ripen.[19]
Dandelions are beautiful and rugged, not afraid to bloom, even in the harshes environments. No matter how hard some folks try to kill them off, every year they keep coming back, as bold as ever.
photo credit to google images
I want to be more like the dandelion. Tough, scrappy, bold and resilient to what anyone else thinks of me. I want to remember to get rooted in how truly valuable I am and to reminder everyone else around me (including and especially the folks of the Occupy Movement) that we are all worthy of respect. Our place on this planet is a gift from God. We’re honoring God when we acknowledgeand appreciate that gift and use our energy to have a lasting positive influence. Instead of getting overwhelmed at how big our challenges are, we need to remember to have faith that just doing our best is enough to make a real difference.
Tell you what, I’ll remind you if you help remind me, okay?! Good!
Speaking of having a lasting positive influence, the next Occupy Ortonville meeting is scheduled for next Sunday, April 29th at 10am at the Old Town Hall. (Here’s an article that went into the local newspaper about our first meeting.) We’ll be working on building our committees and planning our direct actions. If you’re interested, feel free to contact me thru this website or come on down to the meeting.
I’m also still helping to put on CreekFest and the Beets, Beats & Eats farmers market starting up in June. If you’re a vendor who sells hand-made, home-made local Michigan products, or you know of someone who is, please contact me thru this website or e-mail me at pambelding at gmail dot com. If you or someone you know has a small or home-based business and you’re interested in promoting it, consider being a part of the Coffee Club Expo at the Clarkston Methodist Church on May 31st from 4pm until 8pm. Click the link to find more info.
And last but not least, we’re having another Cash Mob!! If you are in the South East Michigan area and would like to be a part of something really fun and rewarding, let me know and I’ll contact you with more information about when and where our next Cash Mob event is going to be. (It’s still a secret to the store owner, that’s why I’m not posting it yet!)
So what do you think, my friendly blog reader?
What helps you remember how valuable you are?
I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below!
Have a great week and I’ll be back later with the Inspirational song of the week.
(I’ve been very busy putting together the Occupy Ortonville training this week. We held it this morning at the Old Town Hall. Overall it went very well. We had 32 people show up, despite the stormy weather. I couldn’t get the training video to work, but my darling husband managed to pull up a movie that helped illustrate what we were trying to get across. Basically, I just had to completely wing it. There were a couple of rough spots, like when a gentleman walked out because he was just so frustrated that we were all completely wrong and that if we would just listen to him, he already had all of the answers. And we did have a tendency to get distracted with the details, problems and drama. But in the end, most everyone feel heard and hopeful to be working with a group of people toward a common goal; to help restore the economy and the morale in this country. Thanks to my girlfriend Molly for helping me bring everything together and keeping it going smoothly. And a special thanks to my darling husband for his technical wizardry and moral support. I really do love you both. xoxo)
Home (noun) 1. residence of a person, family or household. 2. the place in which one’s domestic affections are centered.
Where our domestic affections are centered. What a nice way to say it!
I was trying to think about what is really worth fighting for. What is worth going out beyond my comfort zone, putting myself and my reputation on the line. What is it that I’m protecting when I decided to host the Occupy movement?
Well, I can tell you it’s not the oil companies or the banks or even the politicians. Especially the politicians.
What I’m fighting for most of all is my home. Not just my domicile (although I love my house, don’t get me wrong). I’m fighting for my home. My darling husband and wonderful son. My friends and family. My community filled with people, businesses and events that I look forward to being a part of every single day. When I go to a meeting at the DDA to help put together an event, I know that I’m not the only person who gets to have something fun to look forward to because of it. Hundreds of people get to come out and share their skills and talents, their products, and their families. Everyone gets to have fun and be a part of something wonderful.
It’s that feeling of being loved and accepted. That’s the feeling that I’m fighting for. That’s what makes Ortonville my home.
photo credit google images
I love my life. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth fighting for.
Just ask any soldier who’s gone off to war. They’re not fighting for the Republicans or the Democrats. Their fighting for the best interests of their families. Their fighting to protect their home.
The Occupy movement is about holding politicians and corporate interests accountable. How we do that is what our next step is all about. (In case your interested, the next meeting is April 29th at 10am at the Old Town hall)
I don’t know how all of this is going to turn out. I just know I want a happier, more stable country for my son and future grandchildren to grow up in. After all, this is their home too.
Have a wonderful week. I’ll be back on Wednesday with the Inspirational song of the week.
xoxo Pam
p.s. In case you haven’t seen it, here’s the video of Caine’s Arcade. A short movie about a brilliant kid and the people who came together to make him feel special.
I don’t want to go into specifics about what he said or even why he said it. That would just bring him more attention and that’s the last thing he needs.
Earlier this week, I signed a petition asking our local talk radio show to remove Mr. Limbaugh from their regular programming. Like usual, I posted on FaceBook a link to that petition with a quick note saying simply, “I signed this.”
A couple of people commented back, one of which was a neighbor lady friend of mine asking “Isn’t radio, T.V. and all forms of media free speech? We also have the right and CHOICE to change the channel? Right?”
Now, I guess I could have just let it go.
And I did for a while.
Well, at least I tried to.
But the more I thought about it, the more it bugged me that this woman, someone I’ve had in my home, who is seemingly intelligent and good-hearted, would rather defend his ‘right’ to maliciously attack a woman, (in fact all women who use birth-control) than stand up and demand respect for her. For us.
So, after a few hours of stewing on it, I came back to FaceBook and saw that another friend of mine had agreed with me. YEAH! It was nice to see my friend write I agree with you Pam. People like Rush Limbaugh should not be allowed on radio or tv. Negative freedom of speech is part of the reason there’s so much hatred in the world. Everything that comes from his mouth encourages the negativity!!!!!!!
Now I realize we live in a country where we are supposed to be allowed to say anything we want, to anybody, about anything, right?! But what about slander, or libel or defamation of character? Where is the line? Who draws it?
Well, my friendly blog reader, I can’t just sit by and allow Rush to abuse his position by maliciously slandering and insulting Sandra Fluke, who showed tremendous courage and character, testifying about something she had a great deal of knowledge about. So I finally posted….
Thanks. Although I absolutely agree that we have the right to change the channel, Rush shouldn’t be allowed to abuse his position. We need to hold him accountable for his words and actions. He’s malicious, slanderous and demoralizing to the people (especially women) in this country. His only agenda is to be hateful, divisive and vulgar.
BTW if this makes you uncomfortable, I’m sorry. However, I can’t in good conscience allow Rush and the people like him to blatantly disrespect me, my gender and my country. (end rant)
“That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right, than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong.” William J. H. Boetcker
Sure, It’s easier to just shut up and let them talk, but if we don’t stand up for ourselves and demand respect, we’re encouraging them to keep talking.
You might disagree with me. This post might even make you uncomfortable, so uncomfortable that you decide to stop reading my blog.
Instead of fighting over Rush’s insulting repetoire, we need to start to bringing our citizens back around to speaking to each other. That’s how we can make our country stronger. And that’s inspiring.
I’ll leave you with this quote I found on FaceBook this morning…
“I was going to die, sooner or later, whether or not I had even spoken myself. My silences had not protected me. Your silences will not protect you…. What are the words you do not yet have? What are the tyrannies you swallow day by day and attempt to make your own, until you will sicken and die of them, still in silence? We have been socialized to respect fear more than our own need for language.”
I began to ask each time: “What’s the worst that could happen to me if I tell this truth?” Unlike women in other countries, our breaking silence is unlikely to have us jailed, “disappeared” or run off the road at night. Our speaking out will irritate some people, get us called bitchy or hypersensitive and disrupt some dinner parties. And then our speaking out will permit other women to speak, until laws are changed and lives are saved and the world is altered forever.
Next time, ask: What’s the worst that will happen? Then push yourself a little further than you dare. Once you start to speak, people will yell at you. They will interrupt you, put you down and suggest it’s personal. And the world won’t end.
And the speaking will get easier and easier. And you will find you have fallen in love with your own vision, which you may never have realized you had. And you will lose some friends and lovers, and realize you don’t miss them. And new ones will find you and cherish you. And you will still flirt and paint your nails, dress up and party, because, as I think Emma Goldman said, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution.” And at last you’ll know with surpassing certainty that only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth. And that is not speaking.”
~ Audre Lorde
What do you think, my friendly blog reader?
Are you still with me?
As long as they are respectful, I would LOVE to read your thoughts in the comments below.
xoxo Pam
p.s. BTW, I’ve agreed to host the Occupy Ortonville 99% training on Sunday, April 15 from 10am til 1pm. If you’re nearby and would like to attend, feel free to go check out the FaceBook event here https://www.facebook.com/events/211969828903122/
When I wrote out this list, as I was writing, I had the Walk the Line Soundtrack playing on the kitchen stereo. The song Get Rhythm was playing and the lyrics fit right in to the message I was trying to get across.
Get rhythm when you get the blues
C’mon get rhythm when you get the blues
Yes a jumpy rhythm makes you feel so fine
It’ll shake all your troubles from your worried mind
Get rhythm when you get the blues
Basically, don’t let the depressed, sad, overwhelmed feelings take over.
Find a rhythm to help pull you through. Just like the ocean doesn’t have to work at creating every single wave, the rhythm of a good song can help you get through the rough patches of life.
It’s really your desire to feel better that can help inspire you to find the right song. In fact, this website is filled with them! Just click on the window that say’s music to start browsing.
So to recap…..
The first step to building your confidence starts with the desire for a sense of possibility. Confidence comes from the realization that there’s a possibility to succeed. Your desire to feel good, healthy, strong, smart, and successful is God’s way of guiding you toward a happy life. Remember, desire is like a hungry cat. It doesn’t stop until it’s got what it wants. Stay open to the desire of the sense of possibility and you’ll be facing in the right direction for the second step.
When we encourage compassion and accountability (especially for ourselves) we help make the world a better place. When we take good care of ourselves, and enjoy our lives, we feel better and stronger, more willing to reach out and help other people. God created us as a gift to the world. We honor that gift by treating ourselves and others well. And when we hold ourselves accountable, we enable to Universe to work through us, to help serve humanity.
We serve humanity when we promote motivation, communication and education. People, all people, are willing to cooperate when they’ve been properly motivated. When they know they’re actions are appreciated and integral to a successful outcome, people are generous with their time and energy. It’s only when we try forcing them to obey that we create hurt, fear, frustration and anger. We build relationships based on trust and cooperation when we communicate our highest intentions and educate ourselves (and others) about what kind of life we hope to create. Our shared vision creates a path toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
That doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Looking at the reality of our challenges can be very overwhelming, to say the very least!!!
That’s when we need to break things down into small, simple, do-able steps. Instead of worrying about stuff we have no control over, it’s far more effective to focus our energy on the next minute, the next breath, the next baby-step. To acknowledge our Creator and trust ourselves to know that we’re on the right path. Worrying about what’s up ahead doesn’t help anyone. It only steals the energy out of today. Now is the only thing (along with your attitude) that you really have any control over.
Photo credit Google images
And then get a rhythm. When you get the blues, come on get a rhythm…….
I hope you’ve enjoyed this series, my friendly blog reader.
I would LOVE to read your thoughts in the comments below!
I’ll be back later this week with the Inspirational song of the week.
xoxo Pam
p.s. We had our very first Cash Mob at Willow Pointe this past Saturday afternoon and it went very well!! We had 12-15 people walk through the door and overall about 2 dozen people that day. We even had 8 people make it to the After-glow party at MacPhee’s.(see the picture, taken by MacPhee’s owner David Adair) Our next Cash Mob will be sometime in the middle of May, but we’re not sure where yet. If you’re interested in being a part of it, just contact me at pambelding at gmail dot com.
p.p.s. We also had Night at the Races on Saturday Night! Blake and I ran the bar while more than 50 people came out to bet on horse races and party with their friends! It was a ROCKIN’ good time!! All of the profits go to support CreekFest, our River Day festival dedicated to promoting the health of our ‘cool jewel’ Kearsley creek. For more information about CreekFest and the Ortonville DDA, check out our website at www.downtownortonville.org
Because you can when you take a situation and break it down into smaller steps until it’s do-able.
That’s the secret.
You, my friendly blog reader, have the power to be really, truly effective.
You can make a difference in your own life as well as the lives of the people around you, but you have to realize that’s what you want in the first place. To make a difference. Your energy and influence are always at your disposal. The only difference is whether you’re using them for doing the work, or pouring them down the drain of worry.
If you’re looking for an excuse to not do something, you’ll always find it. If you want to put the responsibility of fixing problems onto someone else’s shoulders, then you get to be the victim. That’s the power and purpose of overwhelm.
Look at politicians. They use the power of overwhelm all the time because they don’t want to change anything. “The system is broken. The Government is the problem” they tell us, They talk about how screwed up everything is and then distract us with even more problems when in reality, they’re the ones who broke the system in the first place in order to exploit it. They’ve got the upper hand because they stole it.
If you look at it all at once, this situation looks impossible.
So what can you do about it? Where’s the simplest place to start?
The first step toward change is to acknowledge the need to change in the first place.
What if the possibility existed that you could be effective? (Because it does and you can be)
What would make you feel better, right now, this very minute? Take a deep breath and clear your mind. Relax your shoulders, put your feet flat on the ground and take good long look around at where you are right now.
You’re already exactly where you need to be in order to be accountable for your actions.
You have the power to feel strong, calm and confident.
You’ve just got to realize that’s what you’ve been looking for. The power to feel strong, calm and confident comes from within you. It’s already there, just waiting for you to use it.
Instead of giving in to the feeling of overwhelm and futility, try doing something. Something simple but effective.
For instance, pick up the phone and with your voice strong, calm and confident, call your politicians.
Use your power to let them know what you want. Tell them what you want to see, what you expect from them and that you’re looking forward to holding them accountable when it comes time to vote.
See how that feels.
Nice, huh!?
Breathe and take the next step.
Maybe you’ll want to start volunteering in your community.Or whatever it is that helps you feel strong, calm and confident. Effective and powerful.
The power is yours when you take it.
What else could you do that would make you feel really, really good?
What does a brighter future look like in your life?
I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below!
xoxo Pam
p.s. Next week we’ll talk about the power that comes from recognizing enjoyment.
p.p.s. I’m helping to pull together a Cash Mob for Willow Pointe in Ortonville. Although I had to convince the owner Grace that there are indeed ‘No strings attached.” I told her ” It’s just a chance for us to show our support and love for you and your business. Just be ready for us and be willing to accept our love and money. It’s something different, but it’s guaranteed to be fun”. We have 19 people signed up so far! The after-glow party is at MacPhee’s pub. We get to sit around and chat about how much fun it was and where we want to ‘Mob’ next. Come join in the fun if you can!!
We’re taking baby steps to fix the economy. Starting from right where we are. It’s do-able.
The next step in the Build your Confidence series is to Encourage compassion and accountability.
Compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate suffering.
Accountability is to be responsible and answerable for your actions.
As always, the Universe is always trying to help me understand the lessons I most need to learn. This week, the lessons were all about practicing what I preach and encouraging compassion and accountability. I decided to adjust my posting schedule to Wednesdays and Fridays in order to accomodate my new work schedule. I did this because I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed out by trying to stick to the original Monday and Wednesday schedule.
Photo credit Google images
During the week, I thought to myself, “What possibility exists in this situation? “ To which I answered. “The possiblity exists that I can write my blog posts without feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.” Then I asked myself“What do I really want the most?” I answered,“Well, I want to write this Build your Confidence series to help my people (and myself) to feel better, stronger and more effective.My ultimate desire is to have a lasting, positive influence.” By simply changing the posting days, I’m now able to focus on taking care of my responsibilities during the week, and still finding enough time to create fun, helpful blog posts.
When I’m exhausted and frustrated, I start making excuses and doubting my ability to be effective. Something needs to change, and the only thing I truly have the ability to change is myself. I need to remember to be compassionate with myself, treat myself well, eat healthy, get exercise and plenty of sleep. Only then, when I’ve given myself enough time to take care of myself and my responsibilities, do I feel confident and more willing to serve my Captain and Crew. The truth is, I’m more confident because I AM more effective when I’m well-rested, well fed and exercised. We all are.
For example, I was cooking chicken breasts this past week. I couldn’t fit them all in the pan at once, so I cooked 3 and then set them aside to cook the other two. Once I was all done cooking, I went to cut into the meat and noticed that since they had been allowed to rest, the chicken breasts were very juicy and tender. Delish!
Photo credit by Kevin L. Williams and Lin Workman
God created us as a gift to the world, to help make the world a better place. We honor that gift by treating ourselves and others well. And by holding ourselves accountable, we enable to Universe to work through us, to help serve humanity.
So, whenever we take a moment to savor our lives, rest and recuperate, it’s a miracle.
Whenever we choose to get up and exercise instead of laying in front of the television, it’s a miracle.
Whenever we reach out to help someone else just because we can, it’s a miracle.
Whenever we adjust our schedule so that we can create something fun and beautiful, it’s a miracle.
It’s not up to me to tell God how to make the miracles happen, just to recognize them when they do.
What do you think, my friendly blog reader?
How does compassion and accountability help you feel more confident?
I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below!
xoxo Pam
p.s. I’ve had 2 people book Magic Wand classes this week!! Looks like March is getting filled up already! Feel free to contact me if you’re in the South-East Michigan area and interested in taking a class!!
p.p.s. I’m also looking for vendors for our CreekFest and BB&E events here in Ortonville, starting in June. If you, or someone you know makes stuff and would like to sell it at this event, please contact me at pambelding at g mail dot com.
Oh my heavens!! I just LOVE this song!! It always lifts my spirits and puts me into a good mood!
After my nasty headache last week, I needed a song to help remind me of how incredibly lucky I am. This song does the trick every single time!!
I was a big John Denver fan growing up, especially once I found out we shared the same birth date (February 3rd). His song “Sunshine ” will always hold a very special place in my heart. (Thanks for everything! I miss you John, xoxo)
It’s funny how this week’s post for the “Build your Confidence” series is going to be about promoting compassion and accountability. Right now, I really need to practice what I preach!
Because of my new work schedule, I’m going to have to adjust my posting schedule in order to make it fit better into my life.
Instead of Monday for the song of the week, I’ll be posting it on Wednesday.
For the Build your Confidence series or Inspirational word of the week , it’s going to be closer to Friday or Saturday.
Tools (noun) 1. implements for performing mechanical operations. 2. things used as a means to accomplish a task or purpose.
As I was cooking our Thanksgiving meal the other day, I got to thinking about how lucky I am to have a really nice set of All-Clad pots and pans. I acquired them when I worked for Williams-Sonoma back before I had my son. Although I purchased a few pieces, a lot of them I earned from selling cookware. Once I sold a certain amount of cookware, I earned different pieces, like the grill pan, the griddle and my favorite, the 4 quart saute pan.
I’ve cooked hundreds, if not thousands of meals with these pots and pans. I’ve fed not only my family, but friends and neighbors a multitude of hot, delicious meals thanks to these wonderful tools. I’m so glad we didn’t sell them back a few years ago when we moved to Mexico.
Back in 2003, my darling husband had a project starting in Queretaro, Mexico. We were planning on selling the house anyway, so we sold it, the cars and most of our stuff. Unfortunately, this included lots of tools. We had collected quite a few when we remodeled the house, plus my husband had taken up wood-working.
It didn’t take us long to realize our mistake. Once we moved back to the U.S., we soon realized that we still needed most of those tools and they had only gotten more expensive. Every time we had to go back to the store to buy a tool, we were forced to face our mistake.
Now that it’s been a few years, we can laugh about it, but the lesson we learned is deeply ingrained.
Know the value of your tools.
Especially now, in the beginning of the twenty-first century, as we look into the unknown, we need to take a moment and concentrate on what tools we have at our disposal.
The technological age has changed everything. Life today doesn’t look anything like it did 100 years ago.
We have powers today that we couldn’t have even dreamed of before. We have tools that enable us to reach out and connect to others at lightening speed. Tools that give us the ability to share our ideas and products across the globe without ever leaving the comfort of our homes.
So, now the question becomes…..what do we want to offer? What will our tools allow us to do?
A) Do we rant about how hard it is to live in this new world?
B) Do we hide behind the fear of our own incompetence?
Or C) Do we concentrate on giving the best we have to offer and focus on learning new ways to do it?
While A and B are both completely understandable, only C will get you anywhere.
Newspapers are said to be dinosaurs, ancient relics of the last century. What was once a tool that enabled the common man to connect with the outside world is now just considered ‘old news’.
Except when it’s not. Except when we realize that these newspapers are made up of people who’ve made it their job to reach out to their community and share it’s stories. Their desire to serve isn’t ‘old news’. The only thing changing are the tools they use to do their jobs.
Take, for example, the Oakland Press. Their new CEO, John Paton, pledged Digital First when he took over in 2010. Mr. Paton realized in order for the paper to continue serving it’s community into the next century, they would need to embrace the digital age and everything that came with it. According to Karen Workman, Community Engagement Editor for the Oakland Press,
“There’s so many facets to digital first that make us better at journalism, period. We’re engaging our readers more through social networks, we’re breaking more news, we’re offering more news, we’re offering live coverage, etc. We’re still putting out a print product; we’re just not acting like it’s the only thing we know how to do. And clearly, we can do a whole lot more than just publish a newspaper.
Digital first is the standard we hold ourselves to. It’s crazy to think others are still tossing around that phrase like it’s some eccentric theory worth talking about, but not worthy as an action plan. In my mind, it’s the only action plan that can give media organizations a chance at surviving and succeeding in this digital era.”
Not only surviving, but succeeding.
That positive attitude is the most valuable tool in the box!!
I’m inspired to see Karen, and the rest of the people at the Oakland Press, embracing the new technology that allows them to do their job better and faster.
You and I are the lucky beneficiaries of their tenacity and courage! We can rest easier, knowing that our connection with our community is strong and now, thanks to Digital First, becoming lightening fast!!
(I’m honored to have my website become a new addition to the Oakland Press. Soon they’ll be linking my site to the Life section of their on-line paper. As soon as I get the URL, I’ll share it with you, my friendly blog reader.)
When we choose to use our power to make a new path toward the future, it’s our tools that will help get us there.
Our tools give us leverage to grow beyond who are and allow us the opportunity to hope and dream.
Think about all of the tools you have in your tool box, my friendly blog reader.
Your car, your cell phone, your computer, your magic wand, as well as your eyes, your hands, your feet, your voice and, especially your money.
“Money is like manure; it’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around encouraging young things to grow.”
Your attitude, your smile, and your joy of life are all at your disposal. All of the energy you have in a day is best spent creating your life.
Decide what kind of life you want to look back on and then go build it.
Remember, when you’re learning to use new tools and you get frustrated, (because you will!) at least you’ll know you’re doing your best to grow and stretch into who you’re going to become. Take a deep breath and keep trying. Your time and effort will pay off for you and everyone else around you. You can do it!!
What kind of life are you looking forward to?
What tools will you use to bring it toward you?
I would LOVE to read your thoughts in the comments below!
Have a wonderful week and I’ll be back next Monday with the Inspirational song of the week.
xoxo Pam
p.s. Now that Christmas in the Village is over, I’ll be able to get back to my normal posting schedule.
p.p.s. For those of you interested in how the Christmas in the Village went, here’s some video and the press release I wrote about it…. (I’m trying something new posting the video. I hope it works, but if not….well, I’ll keep trying!)
Dear Editor,
Well over a thousand people attended Christmas in the Village this past Saturday, starting with the first ever Jingle Bell run, where close to 50 people raced through town. It was great to see antique fire trucks and tractors join in the parade this year, too! For its’ second year, the Taste of Ortonville fed more than 150 people. The Fire Hall was filled shoppers, so the vendors were happy and the kid’s craft tables were occupied all day long. While they waited in line to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids and their parents enjoyed seeing a live reindeer and alpacas outside the Old Town Hall, while Sacred Grounds served coffee and hot-chocolate on the porch. The day finished off with caroling and the lighting of the Christmas tree by Village President, Wayne Wills and Village Manager, John Lyons.
Thanks to all of its’ sponsors, volunteers and supporters, Ortonville’s Christmas in the Village was a smashing success!
Although I’m terribly sorry I missed posting yesterday and last week, I’m absolutely grateful for this opportunity to come back to you, my friendly blog reader, to share what’s been happening.
Over the past week, I have been incredibly overwhelmed blessed to have so much going on in my life.
I truly enjoyed spending the Thanksgiving holiday with my darling husband and wonderful son. It was just the three of us for dinner, but we had lots of friends come to visit us through-out the weekend. Garrett even had 2 sleep-overs! We played games, like Jenga and Apples to Apples, and on Saturday, we watched Michigan crush Ohio State! Go Big Blue!!!
For the past couple of months, I’ve also been helping to put together Christmas in the village, which is next Saturday from 2pm until 6pm. On Friday morning, I went out shopping with Debbie and Kora. They picked me up at 5am so we could be at Michael’s by 6am. They helped me pick up all of the supplies for the Kids crafts table in the Fire Hall. The kids will be making reindeer hand-puppets out of brown lunch bags, construction paper and jingle bells, as well as foam ornaments and Readers Digest christmas trees. Thanks to Lisa Dwyer at National Home Lending for sponsoring it and to the kids of the Brandon National Honors Society for volunteering to run it! It’s great to have their help!!
Since Santa Claus and all the kids and parents waiting to see him need more room, we’re going to put them in the Old Town Hall and move all of the Santa’s Shop vendors into the Fire Hall this year. That means all of the 15 vendors plus the kids crafts are going to be in where the fire trucks usually sit. The floor is uneven because of the drains in the center, so we will use some shims to make sure everyone’s table sits flat. (Sitting down in the picture on the left is one of the vendors, Art Lawrence, who has been a vendor at CITV for the past few years. He’s not only talented, but sweet and funny!) Although GOB gymnastics was planning on doing their demonstration in the Fire hall as well, we’ve arranged for them to move into the Christ the Shepherd church right across the street. They’ll have a lot more room to show off their moves and it’ll be a lot less noisy for them and the folks watching them. Santa’s Shop opens at 2pm and the parade starts at 3pm. The parade runs down Mill Street and then ends at the Fire hall. With all of those people coming in at once, it’s sure to be exciting! I’m planning on taking some video during the height of the madness fun so I can share it with you, my friendly blog reader.
Another thing that happened over the weekend was the article that came out in the newspaper about my involvement with Occupy Detroit, as well as a letter-to-the-editor (which isn’t available on-line but was printed in the paper, complete with MY photo of the Occupy Detroit site) that infuriated inspired me to write a response. (In the letter, a local resident insulted the people of the Occupy movement, quoted ‘research’ from the Wall Street Journal about the ‘truth’ behind the movement as well as other lies based on nothing more than what he’s heard from tv and radio).
Here’s the letter I spent 2 days crafting (with help from my girlfriend Carrol Solo! Thanks Honey!! xoxo)
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank the Citizen newspaper for giving credibility to the Occupy Movement by printing both the interview with me, and the letter to the editor from David Rowe of Atlas Township. I applaud Mr. Rowe for expressing his First Amendment right to freedom of speech, and I would like to point out that this same right protects the people of the Occupy Movement. Although I’m thrilled to see the Citizen and Mr. Rowe taking an interest in civic engagement, I would like to ask Mr. Rowe and the rest of the Citizen readers “What would be a better way to use your energy to make a positive difference in the lives of the people around you?” There is no question our country has problems. However, wasting time and energy spreading rumors and incendiary gossip only amplifies those problems. Obviously Mr. Rowe is passionate about his beliefs, but what our country really needs right now are people with a strong desire to find solutions as well as the determination to turn them into reality. The answer lies in speaking well and often of the people, opportunities and events within our community. “Are you ready to go out and find something good to look forward to and then share it with others?” Your children and grandchildren deserve your very best efforts. Give them a chance to see you building strong relationships within your community in order to protect their future. Allow them the pride of seeing you stand up to protect the principles this country was founded on, such as equality, freedom and economic justice. That’s what our country needs the most and that is what the Occupy Movement is really about.
I’ve submitted it to the Citizen, but now it’s up to them to decide whether they will publish it or not. I’ve done my best and at this point, that’s all I can do.
I’ve been trying to stay in the flow with everything I’ve shared with you, as well as the normal day to day, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and writing. I’m working to stay balanced, keep my Boat* afloat and savor my life.
Taking my walks and doing Yin Yoga have definitely helped me stay focused, as well as remembering the struggles I’ve had in years past and the lessons they’ve taught me. I’m grateful for the chance to have made it through them and I appreciate everything they’ve shown me about myself and what I really want from this life.
I don’t expect to live an easy life. That would just be boring. Like playing tic-tac-toe. If there’s no challenge, there’s no fun! And I do so terribly want to have fun!!! When I finally grow old, I want to be able to look back at my life and know that I did my very best to enjoy my life and that I shared that joy with as many people as possible! Including and especially you, my friendly blog reader. xoxo
I hope you have enjoyed todays post!
In order to continue to offer you quality inspiration, I’ve decided to only post once a week until after the Holidays. I can’t tell you exactly when to expect it, but you can be assured that each post will be from my heart.
Have a fantastic week! And if you’re in the SouthEast Michigan area, I would LOVE to see you at the Christmas in the Village this Saturday from 2pm until 6pm! Pop into the Fire Hall and say Hi!!
xoxo Pam
*p.s. Speaking of the Boat, I’ve discovered 2 more parts to it!!
1. The Port-hole, which is something or someone that allows you to look out beyond yourself, as well as deep within. For example, becoming a parent, moving, changing careers, exercising, meditation, reading the Bible (or something like it), and writing a blog, just for starters.
2. The Buoy, which is something or someone that helps you get your bearings and lifts you up. For example, a trusted family member or friend, your favorite book, movie, song or a safe place.
Funny how these two things can sometimes be interchangeble!
I need to put these into the book and the workbook, as well as onto the project (which is sitting on my dining room table just waiting to be finished). All in good time!
Accountable: (adj) 1. responsible to someone or for some action 2. able to be explained.
So I went down to visit Occupy Detroit on Thursday.
I was surprised to see how much smaller it looked since the last time I was down there. Although considering the freezing cold weather, it’s really a miracle that there any people still down there at all. It was actually snowing on my way down there! Brrrr!
I wanted to see for myself what the condition of the park looked like, as well as talk to the Occupiers themselves and ask them…..
“What do you most want to see happen because of the Occupy Movement?”
The condition of the park looked really good. There were a few tents set-up ( I didn’t count them but not more than 20) and some pallets in a pile waiting to be transported away from the site. There were at least 5 or 6 police cars park around the park. Later when I talked to Sara Coffee of the facilitation group, she said they like to eat their lunch there. Later a I read a press relase that described how the police had no problem with the Occupiers and in fact have been dropping off homeless people at Grand Circus park, advising them to go find food and shelter from the Occupy Detroit movement. This not only illustrates the overwhelming need for help for the homeless population in downtown Detroit, but also the humanity of the police officers. Bittersweet.
The first person I talked with was a gentleman named Derrick (pictured below on left). His first response to my question was equality for all people, but then he told me as a resident of Detroit, he’s most frustrated by the lack of jobs. With all of the jobs leaving the city, there’s just no way for someone to be able to support themselves. It’s when a company focuses on making profits ahead of creating a healthy economy, that’s causes the downward spiral like we see in downtown Detroit today. It’s absolutely not true that people don’t want to work! There just aren’t any jobs to be had. He also talked about how the people who make the rules should have to live by them. Whether that’s the Mayor of Detroit (who actually lives in Farmington Hills) or the U.S. Congress getting full pensions and free health care at tax payer expense! I thought that was an extremely valid point, Derrick!!
The other gentleman in the picture was Rafael (on the right). He came in from Occupy Lansing to show solidarity with the Occupy Detroit movement. He’s also concerned about the lack of jobs in our country as well as the lack of willingness from the House and Senate to do anything about it. Since they don’t choose to live by the rules and policies they set for the rest of the country, they face no consequences. They’re not accountable for their actions but we all have to live with the consequences. Rafael also shared with me a poem he wrote that you can read here. It was very moving.
Ultimately, what these gentleman and I agreed upon was that we want to see money taken out of politics through campaign finance reform, the end of corporate lobbying and the repeal of Citizens United.
After chatting with these gentleman, I moved over to the medical tent to talk to a few other people, including Lee Gaddies, the Social Justice Chair of Occupy Detroit and Sarah and Stephen Coffee of the facilitation committee. I asked Lee my question (see above) and he said the occupy movement is about restoring justice, and economic and social fairness. We talked about getting more people engaged and how we want to harness the energy behind people who come in excited to see change, but if they don’t want to join a committee or even commit to helping, there’s only so much we can do. (As a volunteer with the DDA I completely understand this!)
Then we discussed how important it is to model the behavior we want to see from others, especially those we’ve placed in power. We can’t really hold others accountable unless we hold ourselves accountable first. While talking with the Occupiers in Detroit, I said that I would consider taking a step into a political office, if only for a couple of years. I’d be happy to do my part to serve my country, I just wouldn’t plan on making a career of it. I think it should be an honor to serve your country, not a permanent career.
When a guy from the Detroit news came in to interview Lee in the medical tent, I chatted with the Sarah (pictured on the left) and Stephen Coffee and a few of the other Occupiers. I was totally impressed by the passion in their voices and the dedication of their actions. These people aren’t just talking, they’re actively trying to make a difference.I think they’re truly honorable, every one of them.
With my notes in hand, I left Grand Circus Park to drive back home to Ortonville as the Occupiers went about pulling their stuff together, cleaning the park and figuring out where everything needs to go. On the way out, I saw this sign of the rules for the park
I especially like the second to the last one, “No Stealing”. Maybe we should put something like this up in Washington D.C.
Friday was their last day. It’s too cold outside and the Occupy movement really isn’t about the park. It’s about the idea of people coming together and engaging with each other to figure out how to fix the problems in our country.
The Occupy Detroit movement is not going away, it’s just changing geography. There will still be meetings and rallies, concerts and marches. Thanks to the internet, and the dedicated volunteers of the Occupy movement, people can find out when and where to meet and become engaged by going to www.occupy-detroit.us. There’s a full list of all committee meetings, complete with times and locations. Instead of gathering in Grand Circus park, the meetings will be held at places like the Central United Methodist Church, or LAX, or the Broadway Cafe, just to name a few. It’s good to see the Occupy Detroit movement getting support from the local business people. (I’m sure they couldn’t get that support if they were violent or antagonistic.)
Personally, I’m planning on bringing my You’re the Boat analogy to the Arts & Culture and Education committee’s as soon as it’s done. In the mean time, I’ll keep speaking well of the movement and promoting it’s message through my actions and my website.
For instance, after I got home, I checked my e-mail and found this from Eric Byler of the Coffee Party…
When we say “the 99%,” we mean our nation as a whole, and that includes everyone,even the 1%. Help us let our elected representatives know that from this point on, America will be asking a crucial question of every policy and every politician put before us — does it serve our nation as a whole, or does this serve only the wealthiest 1%?
Perfect timing! So, yes I did call my Representatives and Senators and let them know that I will be watching their policies and positions to see whether they serve the best interests of our country.
Then I came across this….
“Accountability is up the line, judging the decision against the effect on everybody, not just on the disgruntled person. You can’t run a society by the lowest common denominator.”Philip K. Howard
I think he has some very good ideas, especially less government intervention in our daily lives and simplifying laws.
I must admit to being apprehensive about the last part, “giving authority to judges and police”. With the corruption we’ve seen through all levels of the justice system, how can we know who to trust? How can we make sure they’ll be held accountable for their decisions? How do we know people can be trustworthy? Because I am and I know of others who are honorably serving their community right now, as well. Honorable people exist and we need to remind everybody of that. Let’s hear more about those who are doing good work and support them by replacing those who don’t.
By putting our energy and attention into vision and solutions, we’ll be denying the drama and problems of their power over us. The only way we can move forward is by letting go of what’s happened in the past in order to focus on implementing the solutions we want to see in the future.
I’m willing to do my part. I can only hope to inspire others to do the same.
What do you think, my friendly blog reader?
What do you most want to see happen because of the Occupy Movement?
How will you hold your elected officials accountable?
How will you serve your country?
Who do you know that serves honorably?
I would love to read your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!
xoxo Pam
p.s. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you on Monday with the Inspirational person of the week.
Resolve: (noun) 1. a determination to follow some course of action. 2. firmness of purpose or intent. (verb) 1. to come to an earnest decision; to determine
I just got back from Occupy Detroit and I have to tell you, my friendly blog reader, that although the numbers have indeed gone down from last Friday, (there were well over a thousand demonstrators that first evening) the number of full-time Occupiers has increased dramatically. The number of tents has more than doubled (if not tripled) and the amount of supplies has increased exponentially. In fact, while I was down there, I saw at least 3 cars stop by to drop off supplies.
After I dropped off some dry towels and hay bales, I talked with Justin, who is helping to run the food tent. He’s been running a restaurant for 5 years, but is now turning it over to his Mom in order to come down and live at Grand Circus park full-time. He’s using his expertise to help organize the supplies, cook and keep everything sanitary.
I asked him what they needed the most and he replied “Shelving and bins. In order to keep the food safe and sanitary, we need to be able to organize our supplies so that everyone will be able to help serve food in a healthy manner.” He also talked about needing dried goods, like beans and rice, and spices, as well as propane to cook the food and hay to keep the mud to a minimum.
Although the regular media is portraying this effort as ‘a scattered bunch of ungrateful, lazy protestors’ what I’ve seen with my very own eyes are a bunch of people of all ages and races, working together. I happened to arrive right before lunch time and saw at least 50 people get full plates of hot food. Although I could have gotten a plate for myself, I chose not to so that there would be enough for the others who really need it. It looked really good tho, with chicken, peppers, onions, rice and bread.
Despite the rain and gloom, everyone seemed up-beat. I chatted with at least half a dozen people and they were all glad to meet me, shook my hand and thanked me for coming out. We talked about how impressed we were with the growth of this movement, as well as the resolve we saw in everyone who came down to be a part of it.
I wish I could share with you how incredible it felt to be down at Grand Circus Park. Although the weather was absolutely crappy, the mood of the people was radiant, hopeful and determined.
“It’s good to be doin’ what I’m supposed to be doin’ with the people I’m doin’ it with.”
The problems of this country need to be addressed and that’s what this Occupy movement is all about. For too long, we the people have been ignored and exploited. The time has come to lead ourselves. We need to show our children that we can make a real difference by getting up and doing something to help fix our problems. They deserve to be hopeful about their future and proud of their parents.
I resolve to do my best to set a good example. I hope you will too.
This movement isn’t going away. In fact, it’s growing rapidly. A lady friend of mine told me about a website called OccupyTogether.org. It’s a website built to be a hub of information about all of the Occupy movements that are springing up around the country and the world. As of this writing, there are currently 1,588 Occupy meetups with many more slated to start soon. Take a look and see where you can go to find people dedicated to making a lasting, positive change.
xoxo Pam
p.s. That lady friend of mine also wrote a poem called “The Revolution will not be televised”. Click the link so you can read it on Jen Louden’s website. It’s phenomenal!
“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” Dalai Lama
I’ll be completely honest. I’m here to inspire you.
Although what I’m about to tell you isn’t easy, in all fairness, it needs to be shared in order to start the healing process our country so desperately needs.
For years the ‘news’ corporations have been breeding mistrust and cynacism. Although they say they’re “Fair and Balanced”, their main interest is holding on to your attention. By pointing out everything that’s wrong and scary and then amplifying it, their power comes from keeping your energy stifled and stagnant.
Your frustration and anger proves them right.
Your fear of doing something wrong stops you from doing anything at all.
Your silence empowers them to take advantage, and so they have.
So the question is, how can you get news without television?
You need a ‘news’ diet.
Instead of stuffing yourself with the lies and propaganda so easily found in your television set, you need to go out into the real world and talk to real people about what is really happening. That’s where the news is. Just like eating junk food is never going to make you feel satisfied, sitting behind a television screen is never going to feed you what you really need, because what you really need is to be engaged.
Get out of your own head. Go outside. Talk to people. Give up the idea that you’re right and everyone else needs to change because that’s exactly what created these problems in the first place.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi
The OccupyWallStreet movement is a non-violent demonstration bringing together people who are interested in the peaceful exchange of ideas in order to create a process to address the problems we face and generate solutions accessible to everyone.
“Human solidarity, empathy with one’s fellow person, is our guide. Democracy and consensus, our compass.” Even Rohar of OccupyDetroit media
I was at the first General Assembly of the OccupyDetriot movement last Friday evening. My friend Heidi convinced me to go, and I can’t tell you how glad I am that she did. (Thanks Heidi xoxo) I was absolutely amazed and thrilled to see well over a thousand people gathered in Grand Circus Park. Although we saw a couple of mildly heated exchanges, the people around them were quick to dispel any violence. No one was screaming or cussing. There was no spitting or fighting.
What I did see what a very orderly exchange between the facilitators and the people of the event.
See it here for yourself….
I was indeed “inspired by the process, modeling the society they wish to create”.
The People’s Mike method was fantastic! Although I’ve been to many, many meetings in the past, this one was different because it left me feeling empowered and excited to help. By the end, although I was tired and my throat was sore, I felt exuberant at the same time. So I talked with a couple of people from the Arts & Culture work group about my ‘You’re the Boat’ analogy. They thought it would be a great idea to share it not only with their group but with Education as well. So I will, after I’m done building the new Boat. (It’s coming along nicely, btw).
The working groups is the other part that truly inspired me. According to the minutes from the General Assembly meeting that first night, they are……
Media = To create media that will show what we stand for.
Food & Comfort = To keep our community fed & comfortable.
Education = To define the economic situation in America.
Legal = To help demonstrators who are taken to jail. Although they won’t pay your bail, they will help you contact your family and friends.
Direct Action = To plan, train and engage in non-violent direct action in order to achieve political, economic and social goals outside normal government channels.
Student = To address student debt collectively and start study groups in occupation @ local colleges and universities.
Information = A free library at the Park
Arts & Culture = Because we all need to keep our spirits up during the Revolution!
Outreach = To bring in more people and organizations to the movement.
All of these working groups have a few people in them, but need many, many more volunteers in order to be most effective. I would love to join each and every group, however, that would burn me out and then I couldn’t help anyone. So, I’m planning on trying to make it down there once a week to bring supplies and inspiration. I’ll also be writing about it here on my blog and sharing it through-out the internet.
My friend Heidi really loved the rally and wants to support the movement too, but with her job and family, she doesn’t know when or how. I’m sure there are a lot more people like her, so what’s the answer? How can you and Heidi help?
Speak well of the movement. The demonstrators need your support, as well as your faith in their mission to make a difference in this country.
Stop rumors that there are ‘angry mobs’ and instead talk of the multitude of different kinds of people coming together.
Share your belief in what these demonstrators stand for, such as democracy, freedom, accountability and equality for all Americans.
Send them good vibrations, as well as blankets, food, water, tents, heaters, and books.
Most importantly, try to focus your energy on the solutions to the problems in this country, as well as the vision of a future we can all look forward to. And when you get distracted by the details, problems and drama, try again. Please.
Remember, We are all in this together.
So, my friendly blog reader, I hope this has inspired you to understand that there is still hope for our country.
You can make a difference. Start now.
xoxo Pam
p.s. I’ll be heading back down to OccupyDetroit later this week to bring supplies and inspiration. If you are in the SouthEast Michigan area and have something you would like to donate, please let me know by contacting me at pambelding at gmail dot com.
p.p.s. For more information about the OccupyDetroit movement, check out their website at www.occupy-detroit.us.
Serve (verb) 1. to offer 2. to be of use, helpful 3. to show obedience.
I was talking with a lady friend of mine this morning. We were discussing the vote about the Debt Ceiling yesterday. We’re both astounded at the lack of accountability our Congress has toward the middle and lower classes. Instead of focusing on taking care of ALL Americans, it seems our elected representatives are only interested in serving the big corporations that lobby a.k.a. bribe them. Our Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike, are serving their own interests above the best interests of our country. The rich are getting richer, big corporations are getting stronger and the rest of the country is carrying the burden. Instead of making realistic cuts (like to their own health care and pensions) and forcing big corporations to pay the taxes they’re already supposed to be paying instead of subsidizing them, Congress voted to cut services and programs for the people who need them the most.
I don’t bring this up to frustrate you, my friendly blog reader, but to illustrate the point that what we love the most is what we serve.
In his speech to the Northwestern University Graduating class, Stephen Colbert talks about the most important lesson he was taught about improv……
“You’re not the most important person in the scene. Everybody else is. And if they are the most important people in the scene, you will naturally pay attention to them. But the good news is you’re in the scene too. So, hopefully, to them, you’re the most important person and they will serve you. No one is leading, you’re all following the follower, serving the servant. You cannot win improv. And life is like improvisation. you have no idea what’s going to happen next and you’re mostly making things up as you go along. And like improv, you can’t win your life.
But if we should serve others and together serve some common goal or idea — for anyone, what’s that idea? And who are those people? In my experience, you will truly serve only what you love, because as the prophet says, ’service is love made visible’. If you love friends, you will serve your friends. If you love community, you will serve your community. If you love money, you will serve your money. And if you love only yourself, you will serve only yourself. And you will have only yourself.
So, no more winning. Instead, try to love others and serve others, and hopefully find those who love and serve you in return.”
It’s quite obvious who our elected officials are serving.
It’s easy to get caught up in the details, problems and drama. Focusing on what we don’t have makes us feel even weaker, more frustrated and angry. We lose confidence and end up wallowing in self-pity and apathy. It’s a vicious cycle and it needs to stop.
So what can we do about it?
First, we can focus on filling ourselves up in order to be able to give from a full cup.
For instance, I didn’t post the inspirational word last week because I was really tired. I don’t want to write from a place of frustration and resentment. I want to offer inspiration, courage and joy! So I spent the weekend relaxing, playing with my family and filling myself up with inspirational stuff that makes me feel good, strong and healthy. Like Goddess Leonie’s Goddess GuideBook e-courses and Jen Louden’s Savor and Serve Cafe. Both of these ladies, Leonie and Jen, are my s-heroes and I’m so incredibly blessed to have found them. I would highly recommend them, my friendly blog reader. If they’re not you’re cup of tea, then go find your own sanctuary, some place safe to go in order to re-charge and replenish. You deserve to feel better. We all do.
We can recover! We can speak up! We can call our elected officals and tell them what we think. In the mean time, we can go out into our community and share a laugh with the people we know and love. That’s how we can make a difference, right now.
We become the stimulus we need when we speak well and often of the people, opportunities and events within our community. Pam Belding (yes, me!)
I serve my Captain best when I help people find something good to look forward to in a fun atmosphere and then share it.
One of the things I was working on last week was the Enjoy the process Coloring contest at the BB&E. People were instructed to simply fill in the supplied shape with anything they wanted. Paints, pens, pastels, or gravel, glitter, grass, dead leaves, shells, paper, pudding. Anything at all!! As long as it was FUN!! The point was to ENJOY THE PROCESS. Each entry cost a dollar. Everyone in the park was invited to vote for their favorite piece in each category. We had 19 entries, 7 in the 12 and under and 12 in the 13+. All of the moneys collected went to the winners of each category (pictured below). All of our entries were beautiful and extremely creative! I’m really looking forward to doing it again next year!
I don’t know how the problems in our country are going to be fixed, and you probably don’t either. But I do know that when we nourish ourselves, help take care of our Crew and do our best to enjoy the process, we create a life worth looking forward to. And that serves everyone.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post, my friendly blog reader. I hope it has inspired you to nourish yourself, to serve the people you love, to look for the good and appreciate the blessings in your life.
Have a wonderful week!
I’ll be back on Monday with the Inspirational song of the week.
xoxo Pam
p.s. “Just because I don’t know now, doesn’t mean I won’t know then. Just because I don’t know how, doesn’t mean I won’t know when.”
My week has been busy with the BB&E farmers market, DDA board meeting, promotions committee meeting, sponsorship, coloring contest, Coffee Club, and much, much more. Whew! I’m beat!
I was hoping to write about the Inspirational word of the week, Service. However, in order to do it justice, I need to give myself some more time to rest and recuperate and spend time with my family. Forcing myself to do write this post without the right amount of energy behind it would be a dis-service to you and me both.
In the mean time, please feel free to surf around on the site. After more than 2 years of writing twice a week, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found!
I’ll be back on Monday with the Inspirational song of the week and then later with the Inspirational word, Service.
BTW…..who do you serve?
xoxo Pam
p.s. Thanks to Brenda Timmermans for the wonderful picture!!
About how we always seem to be needing something and how much better we feel when we get those needs met.
Replenishment is a job in and of itself. It takes time and dedicated effort to do it, but how many of us really stop and think about it?
I asked my darling husband the other night, “How do you replenish yourself?” He replied that he has never really thought about it.
And honestly, I haven’t either. Although I know I do the job, I can’t say that I’ve put a whole ton of thought into it.
Grocery lists, moving-list, and the weekly schedule are all things that keep my life on track, but they don’t make me happy.
I need more than a list to make me feel fulfilled.
So I asked myself……
How do I replenish my ‘spirit’, not just my pantry?
and the next thought that came to my head was this…….
Laughing and dancing with my friends and neighbors at the BB&E really, really filled me up. Having fun and feeling like I was a part of something special that night, I could feel my spirit expand!
However, that was just one night last year. And as much fun as that was, I need more and different ways to replenish my energy.
Here’s a picture of my girlfriend Debbie and I working on the BB&E newsletter in my gazebo.
As you can tell, we’re having a ball, writing copy, picking out pictures and making the newsletter an absolutely gorgeous piece of promotional material. I’d love to share it with you, but the file is too big to fit on this blog post. If you’re interested in seeing it, just let me know and I’ll e-mail you a copy!
We’ve not only been working on the newsletter, but on the Ortonville DDA website as well. We’ve been working with Molly, our Executive Director to build it up from scratch. Fortunately, it’s a wordpress site, so it’s user friendly, but it still has taken us a lot of time and work to fill it up with all the stuff we need to share with everyone. Most importantly, it’s been fun! Learning new stuff and creating something worthwhile replenishes my energy!
All of the time and work I’ve been doing lately has been replenishing me, as well as my community. I noticed last night, after spending 4 hours on the DDA website during the day, I felt drawn to get back to it after dinner, to fix some things and add more links. I know this is something I need to be doing and it feels good to be drawn to it. However, in order to sustain a happy home life, I need to spend quality time with my family, so I turned off the computer.
I need to remember to balance what I want to do with what needs to be done. To develop equanimity in my life (equanimity is the relationship in your life between what is happening to you and what you’re doing about it) and to focus on being engaged with, savoring and enjoying the people I love the most.
Therein lies the meaning of life.
Replenishing energy doesn’t have to come from being excited and busy, (although it totally can be), it can be simple fun too.
The key is to recognize it and then allow that good, fulfilling energy a clear path into my soul.
I see pure happiness by throwing the rock for Tootsie and watching her happy enthusiasm as she pulls and pushes it with her paws! She can do this for hours!! She’s such a blessing!
“Right now, Catch that Magic moment and do it right! Right Now!”
“It’s what’s happening!”
What’s happening over here in Michigan is this Friday night, the Beets, Beats & Eats farmers market starts in Ortonville. The BB&E is held in Crossman park which has mature trees, grass and play equipment for the kids, not to mention all of the entertainment, food and vendors!
Last year we averaged 200 people per night. With the economy and gas prices keeping people close to home, we’re looking forward to having at least that many people again. My friends and I have been working diligently to make sure everyone who comes out will have a wonderful time. If you’re in the SouthEast Michigan area, make sure to come over for a really great time! Tell your friends too!!
It’s so nice to know there’s something to look forward to in Ortonville!
Today is Monday, which means it’s time for the Inspirational song of the week….
“There’s nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time…..it’s easy!”
I hope this song finds you well and happy, my friendly blog reader.
Funny thing, I had an epiphany this past Friday night and this song helped to drive the message home.
After some last minute ’difficulties’ came up the night before our CreekFest event on Saturday morning, I was talking with my darling husband out on the boat. I said “You know what? Who do we serve? Do we serve the people who need what we do? The people who love this community and want a chance to come out and be a part of it? The people who support us and appreciate all the hard work, time and effort it takes to make this happen? Or do we listen to the grumpy, cranky people who don’t get it and probably never will?”
And that’s when this song came on over the mp3 player!
I couldn’t help but laugh and cry a little bit!
My friends and I have worked for months to make this festival a success. And it was! (pics to come later!)
So, this song is dedicated to everyone who works hard to make life better for other people!!!!
All you need is Love!!! All Together Now!!!! :)
xoxo Pam
Huge hugs and thanks to Liz, Molly, Debbie, Lois, Donna, Brenda, Dagmar, Larry, Bob & Mike! You all make me very proud to be a part of Ortonville! xoxoxooxox
I’m still recovering from my trip to Des Moines, Iowa for the Main Street National Conference. Although I have an idea for the Inspirational word of the week, I’m not ready to write it yet. Instead I need to ‘download’ my recent trip in order to clear space in my mind. Here goes…..
In order to be able to bring 3 people to the conference, we saved money by renting a van and driving the 10 plus hours to Iowa. Debbie, Molly and I were lucky enough to have a ‘token male’, Paul Zelenak to drive us over there. He’s the Village Manager of Lake Orion and a big part of Main Street Oakland County. Even though he got a little testy with us because we kept having to stop to pee, overall he was a knight in shining armor and drove the whole way. He even pumped the gas and helped us with our bags. Thanks Paul! xoxo
We stayed at the Embassy Suites on the River in Des Moines. The room was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for all three of us. It even had a little kitchenette and a vanity sink in the bedroom so there was no fighting for mirror time in the morning. We all got along well, making the trip just that much easier.
The opening reception was held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. There were animals, classic cars, games and lots of free food! I sincerely think this was one of my favorite parts of the whole trip!
The Iowa State Fair is the setting for the 1930’s Will Rogers movie State Fair. It’s also the inspiration behind the Rogers & Hammerstein Musical, State Fair. All of the buildings have been renovated and placed on the National Historic Register.
Having never been to Iowa before, I was pleasantly surprised at how nice everyone was. There were lots and lots of volunteers running around wearing shirts that said, “Ask me, I’ll tell you where to go.” And they did! The food was great (see the giant table of pie!) Molly and I asked if we could have a pie and a lady was kind enough to give us a WHOLE strawberry rhubarb pie to take home! We walked around the rest of the evening carrying this pie! We got lots of offers to help us eat it! We even carried it on the sky-tram ride across the fair grounds.
The next day, we started taking classes. The hotel had a FR*EE shuttle to and from the convention center, (all we had to pay was a tip for the driver).
Des Moines also has a fr*ee trolley system that takes a loop through the downtown. We used this, as well, when we had plenty of time. The last day, before our last class, Debbie and I went to the Pappageorge Sculpture Park on the other end of the trolley loop.
I took some pictures…
before heading into a class with Sylvia Allen of Allen Consulting. Her’s was my favorite class of all. She helped me get over some of my fears about asking for sponsorship. She reminded me that we are actually doing these nice folks a favor by giving them direct access to their customers. When we have events like CreekFest and Beets, Beats & Eats, our sponsors can get up close and personal with the people who need what they do. I think the knowledge from this class will definitely help me, our events and our community a lot!
Thanks Sylvia!!
Speaking of helping people, Sylvia has a huge heart and has put together a non-profit called Sylvia’s children to help drill wells, build schools and hospitals and much, much more. Take a look at the link and help if you can.
We headed back home after Sylvia’s class, excited to put this fresh inspiration to good use. Paul got a ride home with the Ferndale crew, so Debbie drove, I navigated and Molly handed out drinks and snacks. Molly had taken class on Branding, so we came up with some ideas about what makes Ortonville special and took notes for well over an hour. Although we stopped for lunch and potty breaks a couple of times, we drove straight home. The traffic slowed down to a crawl at the Iowa, Illinois border, but once we got past that, it was smooth sailing the rest of the way.
We finally arrived home in Ortonville at 1:45am. Exhausted and inspired, our trip was finally over! Whew!!
Thanks for following along, my friendly blog reader. I truly appreciate getting to share my adventures with you!
xoxo Pam
p.s. I’ll be back on Monday with the Inspirational song of the week.
For those of you who are new to this website, I’ll start by telling you a little bit about myself. I’m a 43 year old wife, mother, artist, writer, speaker, volunteer extraordinaire. In between doing laundry, dishes and floors, I work with the Welcome Wagon, the Ortonville DDA and Occupy Ortonville, not to mention I’ve just finished writing a book called You’re the Boat and I’m in the process of learning how to self-publish. I write on this website twice a week to practice becoming a better writer and more enlightened human being.
It all finally came to a head when I was home-schooling my son, in preparation for our year long adventure to live in Brazil. Home-schooling wasn’t nearly as much fun or as easy as I had hoped it would be. To be kind, I was making a mess of it and I knew it. As I was hooking up my dog to take our walk one day, I asked God (the Universe, the Source, the Force, the Divine….) How am I supposed to get through this!? The very next thought that came to my mind was… “You know, your attitude is a lot like the rudder on a ship. If you keep it adjusted appropriately, you can get where you need to go, but if it gets stuck, then your just going in circles, frustrating yourself and everyone else around you.” For the first time in weeks (months) I felt good, open and hopeful. My curiosity was peaked, so as I took my walk, the rest of the Boat came to me. Everything on the Boat stands for a part of my life. Of course, my attitude is my rudder, my heart is the ship’s wheel, the sail is my soul, the mast is my strength and the Crow’s nest is my forethought (just to name a few).
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I used that as my goal. It took me almost a week to write it, but I soon realized that I had missed a couple of pieces when I first wrote out the analogy. My first Boat didn’t have a Captain or ropes. The Captain is our guide. The Universe, the Source, the Force, God, Allah, whatever we call it doesn’t matter. Just knowing we’re loved and supported does. The Ropes are our self-discipline. It connects the Sail to the Mast, just like our self-discipline helps connect our Souls to our Strength. If we don’t have self-discipline and faith in ourselves, our souls can’t propel us forward in life.
The first step to building your confidence starts with the desire for a sense of possibility. Confidence comes from the realization that there’s a possibility to succeed. Your desire to feel good, healthy, strong, smart, and successful is God’s way of guiding you toward a happy life. Remember, desire is like a hungry cat. It doesn’t stop until it’s got what it wants. Stay open to the desire of the sense of possibility and you’ll be facing in the right direction for the second step.
