Today is Monday, which means it’s time for the Inspirational song of the week……
Here’s an oldie but a goodie!
After celebrating with my family and friends over the past week, most especially on New Year’s Eve, I’m writing this post to reflect on all of the smiles and laughter we’ve shared over the past few days. I want remember the spirit of friendship and comraderie and let it soak into my memory. I want to use the energy of all that fun to fill up my soul.
That’s what celebrations are for. At least for me, anyway.
How about you, my friendly blog reader?
Did you enjoy your holiday celebrations?
I sincerely hope you did!
I hope you have a great week and I’ll be back later with the Inspirational word of the week…Appreciate!
xoxo Pam
Posted 1 month, 1 week ago at 1:08 pm. Add a comment
Aspiration (noun) 1. a strong desire, longing or aim; ambition. 2. objective or inclination. 3. breath.
I chose this word because of something my dear friend Heidi wrote on FaceBook this morning…
“I have allergies to certain words, like, oh, the word ‘resolution,’ which in the next few days will be bandied about like that tired joke your uncle always tells while passing the mashed potatoes… I’ve been sensitive to the R-word for many years now, although I didn’t know it right away… I first suspected my allergy when I noticed how my insides tightened in response, as if they’d been washed on hot by mistake. These days I much prefer the word ‘aspiration.’ I especially love its softness and how just saying it implies my next breath.”
Just saying the word aspiration feels good. It implies energy without force. An offer of assistance without judgment. A challenge without aggression or anger.
Aspirations open up the possibilities for growth and healing.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to do in 2012. I, too, have ‘issues’ with resolutions. They always somehow imply that I have to fix myself, that I’m not good enough, or that I haven’t been trying hard enough. As I look back over 2011, I’ve noticed that I was working hard enough. In fact, quite a bit too hard sometimes. Instead of easing into the next steps of my business, I was trying to do too much all at once. I complicated things, piling more and more on my projects until it just felt overwhelming. (My poor Boat has just gotten bloated and needs to be thinned out. That’s another thing I need to do in 2012. Pare it down to the essential ideas and then just get it published.)
All the while, my hard work wasn’t bringing in any money, which embarrasses me to no end. Ugh!
Last week, I had the good fortune to talk with another friend from FaceBook, Jackie Walker. I told her a bit about what I do and then we talked about my aspirations for making money with my business for 2012. We talked about the work I do with the DDA, as well as all the writing I do on my blog and my book.
Jackie pointed out that I already have everything and everyone I need to create a vibrant, successful business, I just need to bring it all together. But instead piling everything on all at once, perhaps it would be easier to create inspirational classes based on simple ideas. Specifically, instead of trying to inspire someone with the entire You’re the Boat analogy, maybe think about doing a class with just some of the ideas from the Boat. Jackie asked me what advice my ‘past me’ would like to ask from my ‘current me’. That really helped me come up with some simple ideas… like Confidence class, Easing your mind and ‘Do you know what you need? class. The past me would have LOVED to have someone like me to come in and talk about stuff that would help me get on track. And the simpler the better. Back then, I was very hyper, stressed out and defensive. Throwing too much at me all at once would have been a disasterous waste of time. I needed short, sweet doses of help. Small nuggets of goodness I could ingest at my leisure. Lessons to tape up on my bathroom mirror to think about as I brushed my teeth.
Now I get it.
The most important point is to get inspiration out to the people who need it. Quickly.
I need to stop waiting for everything to be perfect. Simple is good.
So what I’ve decided to do is put together the Current Inspiration Catalogue of Classes. I’ve got a rough draft drawn up with more classes to come, as they’re needed. The classes I’ve put together so far are….
Confidence class It starts with desire and finishes with a rhythm.
Cultivating sunshine You’ll want to share it with your friends.
Do you know what you need? Find out in this class!
Drop the drama A daily practice.
Ease your mind Simple steps to peaceful living.
Feed your soul With5 ingredients you already have at home!
Success class See what success looks like in your life.
Make your own magic class Because faith in yourself is the strongest magic there is.
How I see this working is people will bring me in to their homes, much like they would the Arbonne lady, or the woman from Tastefully Simple. The host/hostess will be in charge of snacks and drinks, as well as bringing in the guests. Hosting would make them eligible for a free hour of life-coaching with me.
After everyone arrives and gets settled in, then I would do my presentation, which would include a worksheet/hand-out for folks to write on and take notes. We take plenty of time for questions, laughter and chatting. Then after we’re done with the ‘class’ part, we can do an art project, like playing with clay or coloring mandala’s, filling in the Soundtrack to the movie of your life, or making magic wands, just to name a few.
My aspiration is to make it a fun, delight-filled event for everyone.
I’m planning on starting with my network of friends here in Michigan and then I’m thinking about using Skype to expand out to other people.
So, what do you think, my friendly blog reader?
Would you want to host a Current Inspiration party? Can you see yourself having a bunch of friends over to have fun and feed your soul’s? Which class would you choose?
I’d love to know what you think in the comments below!
xoxo Pam
p.s. The price for each person would range from $10 to $45 per person, depending on the art project.
Today is Monday which means it’s time for the Inspirational song of the week.
This picture was taken the night of our ninth wedding anniversary. We had just moved to Brasil the month before and were still in the process of getting settled in. That night we had some friends watch Garrett so we could drive into nearby Sorocaba for dinner and a movie. We figured we’d find some place nice to eat on the way to the movie. I don’t exactly remember why we ended up eating in the mall, but I do remember being frustrated and crabby because I had to settle for a lousy cheeseburger at the food court for dinner. (I’m saying it’s lousy because compared to American burgers, it was.)
Although I was feeling cranky, I was trying very hard not to take it out on my darling husband Blake. I think I was just coming down from all of the excitment of moving and still struggling to switch gears. (Kind of like Christmas, moving out of the country takes a lot of time and planning).
As we sat there eating, I heard this song come on over the speakers in the food court.
“You’ve made me so very happy. I’m so glad you came into my life.”
Something clicked. Instead of wallowing in my discomfort, I suddenly realized how incredibly lucky I was to be married to this wonderful man.
It was like a fog lifted and I physically (and mentally) felt better.
I could actually feel how very lucky I was to be with my man.
Never mind the lousy cheeseburgers. I was still happily married and that’s what really mattered to both of us.
This picture was taken about 20 minutes later.
Whatever you’re going through on this day after Christmas, I hope you can take a moment to appreciate the loving people in your life. Give them a hug and tell them how lucky you feel to have them in your life. It’ll make you both happy!
Have a wonderful day and I’ll be back later this week with the Inspirational word of the week… Appreciate.
xoxo Pam
p.s. Thank you for reading along, my friendly blog reader! I truly appreciate knowing you’re there!! xoxoxo
Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago at 3:44 pm. Add a comment
Notice (noun) 1. an announcement or information about something impending 2. an observation or perception
(verb) 1. to pay attention or become conscious of 2. to perceive or become aware. 3. to mention or point out.
Last week, I noticed that only a few people responded to my offer of a free box of candy. This really surprised me. I was actually worried that I’d have to turn people down but, as it turned out, I only had 2 people accept my offer. When I talked to my husband about this, he responded, “Well, I read it, and I really liked it, but when it came time for me to think about the ways I make space in my life, I just couldn’t think of any.”
Which leads me to the word notice.
The main reason I wrote that post was to give people (including myself) a chance to notice how busy we get. To think about the space we need to create so that we can take care of ourselves and savor our lives.
I know I need to stop every once in a while tonotice what it is that I really need. I want to be generous and serve from a full cup (cream rises to the top, right?) In order to give my best, I need to fill myself up before heading back out into the world of taking care of everyone else.
I’ve also noticed that it takes a supreme amount of time, effort and concentration to pay attention to what needs to be released in order to make room for what’s important. Letting go of things like worry, regret, shame, distrust, self-doubt, confusion, anger, frustration, expectations and excuses leaves an empty space. Now What?!!
It’s uncomfortable, feeling that void. Remember when you’re a little kid and you lost a tooth? I’ll bet you couldn’t help but stick your tongue in there to feel how sensitive and open it was. (You know I did!!)
That openness reminds us of our vulnerability. It’s irritating, so reacting to cover it up or fill it in is human nature and completely understandable.
It’s easy to fill it up that void with something, anything. Think about it! We have cell phones, internet, television and neighborhood gossip, not to mention alcohol, drugs, pills and the list goes on! The distractions we’re bombarded with can seem endless.
However, if we don’t consciously think about what we’re filling ourselves up with, our lives and minds get cluttered and messy.
Just like in the “Boat” analogy. The Captain’s office (the mind) needs to be clear, with open path-ways in which the Captain can move around and find the necessary tools to chart the course.
As I was stirring candy last week, I started thinking about all of the different ways to make space in my day. That’s when I realized that I first needed to noticewhere it is that I need space.
Like for instance, if I’m feeling overwhelmed because my house is a mess, then clearing off the counter tops, and doing the dishes and laundry really helps give me a sense of relief.
If my schedule is crazy and I keep running out of time, then making a Crock-pot dinner totally helps. So does cleaning out my purse and my desk. That way I’m not wasting time looking for what I need.
Asking for help from my darling husband and wonderful son also helps to lighten my load. (And it makes them feel useful and appreciated, as long as I remember to thank them).
Back a few years ago, I was really struggling with trying to figure out what I wanted out of life, so I started letting go of toxic people and things. By giving up smoking and cutting off contact with a long-time ‘friend’, I found more space within myself to start feeling more confident and focused. When I gave up cigarettes and picked up a pencil, my entire life changed. And although at first, I felt guilty for dropping my ‘friend’, I eventually got over it, because really, I didn’t miss her or her condescending attitude.
It’s getting easier to notice what I need with more practice. and I’m feeling better now that I’m filling myself up with good stuff.
Taking my walk every day helps me feel healthy and strong while meditation helps me feel calm. Yoga, especially Yin Yoga at Soothe your Soul, has helped me feel more receptive and limber.
I hope this has helped you to notice where you can make some space in your life, my friendly blog reader.
I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.
Have a wonderful week (and a fantastic Christmas/ Hanukkah) and I’ll be back next Monday with the Inspirational song of the week.
Today is Monday, which means it’s time for the Inspirational song of the week.
I found this on FaceBook this morning and it just made my day!!
This kid has no inhibitions! No worries, no stress, just fun!
I’m inspired by his openness and exuberance. His willingness to step out of the box and just DANCE is refreshing!
Would you do this, my friendly blog reader?
If you knew you had the power to inspire thousands, if not millions, of people to smile and laugh, would you?
If not this, then what would you do? How could you find it within yourself to reach out to someone else to make them smile and laugh?
I hope you think of something good and when you do, please feel free to share it with me in the comments below.
As for me, I’ve made 56 boxes of English Toffee and Peanut Brittle. I’ve already started passing them out. My friends and neighbors are absolutely convinced that I make THE BEST peanut brittle in the world (their words) and their smiles and laughter are worth more than gold to me!
Have a fantastic week!
I’ll be back later with the Inspirational word of the week……..Notice.
xoxo Pam
Posted 1 month, 3 weeks ago at 3:18 pm. Add a comment
Space (noun): 1. the unlimited realm in which all objects or events occur. 2. gap; blank between two things. 3. freedom to do what a person wishes to do for his or her own personal development.
I remember when I was about 10 or 11 years old, on Christmas morning after all of the presents had been opened, looking at my pile of gifts. I had gotten everything I had asked for that year, so there was quite a bit to carry into my room. Although it’s embarrassing to admit, I specifically remember thinking “Now where am I going to put all of this crap?”
Ugh.
All of those gifts, all of the anticipation and all of the joy turned to ‘crap’ because I didn’t think I had enough space to fit it all.
I’m sharing this with you, because I think it really illustrates how important space is to a happy, healthy, fulfilled life.
It’s not that I didn’t appreciate the gifts. I did. I just didn’t know where to put them. Eventually I put everything away, but only after I got rid of other stuff.
Have you ever thought about that, my friendly blog reader?
Making room for the stuff you really want, requires getting rid of the stuff you don’t?
In order to feel comfortable, we need ‘elbow room’ not just physically, but mentally too.
We need wide open spaces. Room to make the big mistakes.
It takes time and effort to concentrate on letting go of what is NOT important, in order to clear a path for what IS important. We need to be curious and mindful about what we want filling up our lives.
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our reponse. In our response lies our growth and freedom.” Viktor E. Frankl
Have you ever seen a root-bound house plant? Take a look at this one…
Notice how the roots are all tightly bound together in the same shape as the pot? And the leaves are droopy and pale? :(
That’s because the plant has out-grown the pot.
Now imagine our minds are like that pot, our souls are the plants and what we love is the soil. In order for our souls to grow and expand into full consciousness, we need to keep our minds open, giving our roots plenty of room to grow.
“Being rooted means being connected to your core values. Because core values are the source of passion and purpose in your life.
When you’re connected to and living your core values - your life has an intrinsic sense of meaning and purpose. Then, even if you’re physically tired, you’re not exhausted - you’re tired and happy. There’s a bone - deep satisfaction that comes from allowing the energy and inspiration of core values to move through you into the world.”
If I could give you anything this holiday season, my friendly blog reader, I would give you the space you need to really focus on what matters most to you.
I would remind you to stay rooted in your values and open to the flow of Divine energy. To savor your life and serve your people.
If I could, I would set up a play-date* with you so that we could create room in your life for what you really, truly love.
Because you deserve it! You deserve to be joyful and fulfilled. Not just now, at Christmas time, but all year long.
I hope you’re enjoying your holiday season!
I’ve got more than 50 boxes of candy to make over the next few days, so I’ll be standing at the stove, stirring and singing, thinking about all of the smiles of the happy people who will get to enjoy my home-made English toffee (made with pecans and semi-sweet chocolate) and Peanut Brittle!
As a special gift to you, my friendly blog reader, I am going to give away a boxof candy to the first 5 people who e-mail me their name, address and a list of their top 5 favorite ways to make space in their lives! Send it to pambelding at gmail dot com.
Spreading joy, like honey on a biscuit!!
xoxo Pam
*p.s. I’m working on putting together a coaching program for folks who would be interested in working with me. If you’re one of them, please contact me at pambelding at gmail dot com , so we can set up our play-date!
Today is Monday, which means it’s time for the Inspirational song of the week.
I find myself singing this song all the time now, but instead of singing, Let it snow, I’m singing, Let it go.
Let it go, let it go, let it go….
There’s so much to do, right now. Candy-making, shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, cleaning, writing…It’s way too easy to get overwhelmed and freak out! But I know if I do, I’ll just end up sabotaging myself and making things worse.
I want to spend my time cultivating joy!
I want to savor how handsome my son looked in his new tie during his first Holiday concert. (I’m such a proud Mama!)
And the other night, after dinner, when we all drank egg nog, listened to Christmas carols and decorated the tree. All three of us!! And then we went downstairs and watched National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Good times!!
These are the times that make Christmas time special, not stressing out, worrying about the fact that I still need to finish ALL of my Christmas shopping, as well as make and box 50 boxes of candy! Not to mention the wrapping and sending….
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!
Posted 2 months, 1 week ago at 3:09 pm. Add a comment
remember the spirit of friendship and comraderie and let it soak into my memory. I want to use the energy of all that fun to fill up my soul.
