tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12991037707652836952024-02-08T09:38:12.139-07:00The Rest of My Life Is NowWhere am I living my life? In the miseries of the past or the fantasies of the future? Why wallow in the depths or fly so high I can't even see what's going on? Every day I have a choice. I can retreat to the past with its blame and regret or I can scurry ahead to a rose colored, unrealistic tomorrow OR I can begin my life TODAY for......The Rest of My Life is Now!Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-37637642152772712212014-09-03T11:40:00.003-06:002014-09-03T11:40:55.114-06:00Are You Ready?<div class="MsoNormal">
I was talking with a client the other day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were discussing how she might achieve more
success in her life and have things go the way she envisioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we got close to finding some solutions,
she suddenly blurted out “But I’m not ready yet!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a pause and then we both laughed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The irony of success is that it often comes when we least
expect it and can often take us by surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The question is……do we need to be ready for it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the quirks of our humanness is the feeling that we
need to get all “our ducks in a row” before anything good can happen to us or
any progress can be made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have our
plan and we must stick to it at all times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If we falter or alter its stages, bad luck may descend on us and the
ultimate goal will be lost from view……or so we believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following the steps of our plan will lead us
to that state of readiness that we believe is necessary before everything falls
into place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What nonsense this is!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth is that life is messy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we can devise plans and that is not
always a bad idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plans can give us a
pathway to take a step on and start the ball rolling towards our desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if we are rigid about what we want
to do and how we want to do it, we run the risk of not being able to flow with
what life delivers and we will be unable to adapt to the unpredictability and
messiness of what results.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The need to be ready is just another way to try to manage
our fear of this unpredictability and the unknown of the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t matter whether we succeed or fail
(in our own view), fear of either state can hold us back from accepting what
life (or you may call it the Universe or a Higher Power or God or whatever you
choose) delivers to us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether we are ready to accept success depends on how
wholeheartedly we are invested in wanting that form or result in the first
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This means that we may <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">think</i> we know what we want, but have we
truly thought it through?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Evidence shows
that many people want to win the lottery but, out of those that do, very few
are ready to accept the responsibility that comes with receiving such a large
sum of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most blast through it all
in a very few years and end up worse off than they were before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were not ready.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What was great about my client’s declaration was that she,
unlike many, was aware of her dilemma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She thought she truly desired success but, when she examined what that
meant, her fear kicked in and she had to apply the brakes to the process.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the secrets of those who appear to be successful to
the rest of us waiting in the wings, is that they are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> ready to not only achieve success but accept it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may be fearful too but they are able to
put that on one side and go with the gifts that the Universe has delivered to
them, adapting and going with the flow as it comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most importantly, they are willing to accept
the responsibility that comes with success……and there are always
responsibilities attached……and to carry them out to the best of their ability.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you ready for success, not according to your plan but
whenever life delivers it to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
are hesitant, maybe it is time to reassess what you truly desire for if you use
that as your guide, you will not be driven by your fears and, although
sometimes caution may slow you down, you will not have to apply the brakes to
your progress through your unreadiness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i>
being ready!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-32875310508970924872014-08-27T13:40:00.002-06:002014-08-27T13:40:48.710-06:00Move that bus!<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a reality show on television where a family who are
in dire need of a new home but can’t afford it are sent to Disneyland or some
other fun location for a couple of weeks while a whole massive crew of people
tear down their old house and build them a new one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they return a huge bus is parked in
front of the new house when they drive up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, to the shouts of “Move that bus!” from the crowd of helpers, the
bus slowly drives away leaving the family shocked and delighted at their first
view of their brand new home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Corny but
effective!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just lately I’ve been concerned with an issue in my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, let’s call it like it is…..I
had a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had tried every way I
knew to fix this problem and in between my unsuccessful efforts, I felt
overwhelmed and defeated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The more I tried to fix the problem, the bigger it seemed to
get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty soon it was huge and was
taking up so much space in my brain and so much of my time it seemed to be the
only thing my life was about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then one day, that phrase came into my mind……”Move that bus!”……and
I realized that it wasn’t my problem that was my problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the fact that I was staring at the
problem day in and day out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
staring at the bus instead of moving it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wasn’t seeing the solution because I was focusing on the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea what might be hiding behind my
problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I needed to “Move that bus!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I came to this conclusion, I knew what I had to do but
I had no idea what would happen if I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I needed to let the problem itself move out of my focus leaving room for
whatever solution presented itself or whatever action I needed to take.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sat quietly and closed my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I visualized my huge “bus” and on the side I
saw in big letters, my problem spelled out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I silently chanted to myself “Move that bus!” and I climbed into
the driver’s seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the bus was moved out of the way, I climbed down and
went back to my original place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked
to see what was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t a new
house!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was a beautiful view of
mountains and blue sky and sunshine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
felt lighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt less anxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt happier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In time, a workable solution did present itself for the
issue but I know that just getting my focus off the problem made enough space
to allow that solution to eventually appear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The problem shrank to its true size and I was able to resume my life
even without an immediate result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
less anxious and even had a sense of peace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have a problem that seems to be getting bigger and
bigger and taking up all of your thinking and your time, try seeing it as a big
bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write the problem on the side, then
drive it out of your awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy
the feeling of peace and relief you get and trust that the solution will show
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If nature abhors a vacuum then the
space left by the bus must be filled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be
open to the light and understanding that will flow in after you…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Move that bus!”<o:p></o:p></div>
Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-20838344220746906082014-08-22T12:31:00.001-06:002014-08-22T12:31:09.542-06:00Struggling not to struggle.........<div class="MsoNormal">
I always pay close attention to what both myself and others
are saying…..the actual words and phrases we are emitting…..for I believe
strongly that they are clues not only to what is going on with us but also what
to do about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just lately both I and my fellow planetmates seems to be
talking a lot about “struggles” and “struggling.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an old familiar line for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For much of my life struggling was my default
state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was always struggling with
something or someone or some situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was exhausting and frustrating.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually through a sequence of many small and large events
I came to understand that, when I heard the word “struggle” come out of my
mouth, it was a huge red flag and a signal that there was something I needed to
examine about my own attitude and something I needed to change in my own
behavior.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are you struggling with today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it a situation that isn’t the way you want
it to be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it a person who isn’t doing
what you think they should be doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is
it some fear about something that hasn’t happened yet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it some event in the past that can never
change (nothing in the past ever can) but still haunts you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you feel as if there is no solution and no
way out of this struggle you are engaged in?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I examined what was happening to me in my struggles, I
discovered some things that have helped me enormously ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pass them on to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you can add some of your own…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First, if I am struggling I am <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">engaging</i> with someone or some situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Engaging is an action that I am taking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may feel as if I am drawn into the issue
as if by a magnet but in fact, this is not so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At some point, I made a decision to engage even if I did it almost
automatically because it is what I have always done in similar situations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I have made a decision to engage, I can also make a
decision <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> to engage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple huh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Simple but not easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
awareness is the first step to changed behavior so just by becoming aware that
we have done it again and engaged with something that results in a struggle, we
have taken the first step towards changing our response next time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Second, a struggle can only ensue if there are at least two
parties taking part in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, both
sides have to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">agree</i> to struggle or
there cannot be a tussle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By entering
into this contract with the other person or situation we are agreeing to
struggle and voila!.......struggle ensues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if we were to not agree to the struggle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if we were to see this as a contract to
be signed and decide not to sign it, not to be a party to the struggle?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There would be no struggle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Third, I have noticed that at least for me, struggle comes
with a physical manifestation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I am
struggling, I tend to hold my breath and restrict my breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Struggling take energy and I get breathless
when I am struggling, even if it is only in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we focus on our breath and take deep breaths, regulating
and slowing down our respiratory<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
heart rates struggle cannot continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Slow, deep breathing relates to peace and calm, not anxiety and
struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using our breathing to detach
from the struggle is a practical way to stay out of the storm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lastly, struggling can be addictive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some folks just seem to have to be always
struggling with something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you tend
to resolve one struggle only to pick up another one?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you feel when you don’t have anything
or anyone to struggle with?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you feel
lost or useless or don’t know what to do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any habitual behavior can become an addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know we have crossed this line when we
feel panic or anxiety when the particular thing is not in our lives and we
reach instinctively for more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cope
with addictions by recognizing that we have a problem and replacing the
behavior with more healthy actions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not necessary to struggle through life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course we will have challenges and issues
to be resolved but engaging them in a wrestling match that ends up with us
exhausted and drained is not the way to deal with them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d love to hear how you avoid struggle in your life and how
you disengage with issues that are out of your control or may just take time to
be resolved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s all quit engaging and vow to move through life
refusing those invitations to struggle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-14243967150928662482014-08-11T10:25:00.002-06:002014-08-11T10:25:24.072-06:00Aim high and land softly.......a formula for success<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope I won’t lose some of you right off the bat when I say
this but…….I love cats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No I’m not one
of those crazy cat ladies who can’t say no to just one more kitty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just have one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name is Mocha and he is a beautiful, long
hair Himalayan whose colors are reflected in his name. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mocha pretty much runs the show at our house,
sleeping wherever he wants whether it is on our bed or the dog’s, the couch or
the coffee table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves to go
outside and roll in the dust although he spends most of his time indoors
enjoying the good life we provide for him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For most of my life, I’ve had a cat so I’ve had a lot of
time to observe how they live and do what they do…..or not as the case may be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cats know how to take life as it comes, when and how to
relax and when to be alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are great
at prioritizing both their time and their energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know both what and whom they like and
what and whom they do not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The former
they reward with purring, leg rubbing and head butting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latter they avoid like the plague.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cats have good boundaries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is one other thing however that cats do that can teach
us a lesson about how to approach not only life but success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the most successful things cats do is to jump up on
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I know, they aren’t 100%
successful as many YouTube videos show, but their rate of success at both jumping
and landing where they want to is far greater than any human I’ve ever seen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how do they do it?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I watch my cat jump up a lot, mostly on to places he’s not
supposed to be but we’ll leave that issue for another blog…..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I know from my observations is that when
he jumps he doesn’t aim for the height he needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He aims higher!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, if the kitchen counter is three feet off the
ground, Mocha jumps to a height of about 38 inches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he descends on to the spot he has
earmarked as the landing zone, landing softly and without any jolt to his body.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a lesson for success!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As humans we tend to approach the attainment of our goals as
a climb up a ladder or a mountain, or maybe as a long journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We fix a goal into our future and fight or
struggle our way to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rarely think
about taking a leap and almost never about aiming higher so we can land softly
right on our target.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What would it take to turn this metaphor around and apply it
in our lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would it look?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How easy or difficult would it be?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t have the answers to these questions but I think that
just in asking them of ourselves we could begin to make changes in how we
approach our goals, wants and desires in all areas of our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aiming higher doesn’t mean going over the top!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, I’ve seen Mocha do that too…..aim
too high and miss completely only to fall over the other side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said, cats aren’t complete masters of
the system either.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aiming higher means that after we have put what we feel is
the required amount of effort into something, adding just a little bit more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aiming higher means that when we have set a standard for
ourselves, notching it up just a fraction more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aiming higher means that when we hold up our heads to be
seen, we stretch just that little bit further and “grow” that extra half inch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aiming higher means that when we think we have held on
enough, we hold on just that little bit longer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aiming higher means that when we have given or forgiven, we
do both just a smidgen more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
And then………we can land softly.<o:p></o:p></div>
Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-40382683779693466012014-08-04T10:55:00.002-06:002014-08-04T10:55:30.058-06:00The Simple Tools are the best.....<div class="MsoNormal">
After I cut my hair really short and quit coloring it some
years ago, I found that these moves simplified my life a great deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I no longer had to spend time with messy
tints.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t need a drawer full of
pins, clips and hair decorations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
retired my hair dryer except for special occasions and I saved a great deal of
time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was however, one problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a serious cowlick on one side of the
top of my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every morning the hair on that side of my
head stood straight up as if I had stuck my finger in the light socket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my hair tends to be on the dry side I
didn’t want to wash it every single morning and was hoping to be able to skip a
day without paying much attention to it except to run a brush over it, smile at
myself in the mirror and go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And now here I was looking like Dennis the Menace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What to do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The answer turned out to be very simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found a small spray bottle with some body
spray still lurking in the bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
emptied it, washed it and filled it with water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A couple of quick squirts of water on the offending locks, a run through
with the brush and bingo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was ready to
go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now my little spray bottle is an essential part of my daily
routine and always goes with me (empty of course as per TSA) on trips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my savior.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This experience brought home to me how useful the most
simple of tools are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not by
mistake that the hammer, the wrench, the pliers, the saw and the screwdriver
have been around for hundreds of years and are an essential part of any
homeowners tool kit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may spend money
on fancy electrical gadgets to help with home maintenance but without the basic
simple tools, our kit is useless.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The basic design of the sewing machine for example, hasn’t
changed much in a hundred and fifty years except that we have stuck an electric
motor on it and added a bunch of fancy features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simple elegance of the original idea has
sufficed to produce clothing, furnishing, sails for ships and many other
necessary cloth products for many generations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In life too, the simple tools are most often the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may, for example, go on fancy diets or
follow regimented exercise routines to maximize our health and minimize our
weight but for many of us, in the long run, eating fresh foods in appropriate
portions and staying active with all kinds of enjoyable activities are the
simple way to reach our health goals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Similarly, regular sleep, time to reflect or meditate and
purposeful deep breathing also support our bodies and minds to stay healthy and
on track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may buy ourselves high tech
sneakers and attractive outfits to wear as we jog or walk but they aren’t
necessarily going to make us any more fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Moving those leg muscles and challenging the heart and lungs is what is
going to make the difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I have no desire to sell all my belongings and move
into a tent, I also acknowledge that simplifying the trappings of my life helps
me to feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed by what is around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We recently moved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
facilitate the process, we gave away, threw away or sold a huge amount of
stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I discovered in the process
was that I could survive with a lot less than I owned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after we moved as I unpacked I found
myself saying to myself, “Now why did I bring this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really don’t need it after all”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and out went a lot more to the thrift store
in my new neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simple tools, simple surroundings, simple solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of these combine to make for a calmer,
more manageable life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world outside
of ourselves is complicated enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
make our personal and inner lives more cluttered than they need to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love my simple spray bottle of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does the job without the need for buying a
brand new one or filling it with fancy fluid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of it, I feel better first thing in the morning when I look in
the mirror and I can carry that feeling throughout the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, the simple tools are the best…….and so is the simple
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-32969335177137506652014-07-28T10:49:00.001-06:002014-07-28T10:49:43.781-06:00Walking the labyrinth of life.....<div class="MsoNormal">
In the past couple of days I’ve walked three labyrinths here
on Maui.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two of them in a beautiful
setting at The Sacred Garden (<a href="http://www.sacredgardenmaui.com/">www.sacredgardenmaui.com</a>)on the lush, tropical
side of the island and the third on a magnificent, wild and windy headland
jutting out into the ocean on the west coast.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Labyrinths are an ancient and sacred symbolic manifestation
of the journey of life, the spiritual journey, the journey within.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wind slowly and methodically back and
forth, sometimes appearing to lead one close to the center only to be led away
again back to the very edge of the circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eventually, after meandering through its lengthy pathways one arrives in
the center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After spending as much time
as feels comfortable in the center of the imaginary cocoon, one turns to
retrace one’s steps back to the beginning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What a metaphor for our life’s journey!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I walked the labyrinths many things came to my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I slowed my pace and became aware of each
time I placed my foot on the ground, I began to wonder why I was not always this
mindful in my everyday life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My usual
modus operandi is to get up in my head thinking of this and that, having ideas,
wondering how I will carry them out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I do this, I am definitely not thinking about where my feet are in
relation to the rest of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The result
is that often I trip or bump into furniture or other people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking and thinking at the same time are
clearly a challenge for me!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The gentle wandering of the pathways seemed to mimic the
wandering of my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often I think of
one thing and, a few minutes later I find that my mind has wandered many miles
off its path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now something else has
grabbed my attention and the original thought – or deed – is left
incomplete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt almost as if the
labyrinth itself was mocking me and gently prodding me to look at my
ridiculousness and laugh at myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reaching the center of the labyrinth brought me a feeling of
peace and calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had slowed down and
relaxed on the journey and now reaching this place of balance and serenity gave
me a fresh perspective on what it means to be on the journey of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not meant to be racing into the future
in competition with everyone else and even with time itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My life journey is meant to be calm and
measured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am meant to breathe easy at
all times and not be affected by what is going on outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My calm comes from my center where I am
always at peace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Retracing my steps in the opposite direction reminded me
that there is nothing new in this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything has been done before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore I need not worry that I will be alone or unsupported.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I reach out for help, if I ask, someone
will have been there before me and can give me encouragement to walk my own
path.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was fortunate enough to have been able to build two
labyrinths outside of my previous home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now in a new home with a much smaller outside space, I am considering
how to create a labyrinth type walk in my backyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I cannot construct a full size
labyrinth out there I am beginning to see that I can make a walkway that
meanders around and through the yard coming to a central space and then
returning to where it began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strolling
mindfully around this on a daily basis will keep me connected to all that I
learned walking the labyrinths in Maui.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The Labyrinth Society (<a href="http://www.labyrinthsociety.org/">www.labyrinthsociety.org</a>) has much
information about labyrinths and you can locate them worldwide through their
search function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I intend to seek out
labyrinths whenever I travel from now on and to check out those in my own neck
of the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Won’t you join me?<o:p></o:p></div>
Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-23653373009456627782014-07-21T10:48:00.004-06:002014-07-21T10:48:36.564-06:00Life Lessons through Typing<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was sixteen, I learned to type.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat in a classroom with about thirty other
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of us took our place
behind a heavy, behemoth of a manual typewriter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were instructed to place our fingers on
the “resting” keys……a, s, d, f for the left hand and semi colon, l, k, j for
the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pounded away on those
eight keys for several lessons while repeating to ourselves “a, s, d, f,
semi-colon, l, k. j” over and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were never allowed to look at the keys but kept our eyes either
closed or staring straight ahead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We graduated to reaching up one finger at a time to the row
of keys above and the row below all the time chanting the new letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gathered strength in our fingers as we
banged down on the mechanical keys and we stomped away to music to keep our
performance rhythmic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was repetitive, boring and mind numbing and…..I am so
glad I did it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being able to type fast and accurately has been possibly the
most useful skill I have learned in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Back in those days of heavy manual typewriters it never occurred to me
that I would be using it today even more than I did then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor did I have any inkling of how much easier
it would be to be fast and accurate without spraining my fingers to depress the
keys.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have used my typing skills both to earn a living and to
complete my education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a writer, I’ve
always been able to type my own copy and as a student, was always able to
produce my own papers….even finally a 400+ page dissertation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a blessing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The advent of electronic typewriters and keyboards was an
amazing bonus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I was free to type
almost at the speed of my thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
more writing by hand and copying out in type but a free flowing exercise in
applying thoughts to print in a matter of moments!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in the 60s when I was sitting in that classroom
thumping away bored out of my mind it never occurred to me that half a century
later I would be so grateful to my younger self for sticking it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smile when I think of my grumpy teenage
self grumbling to herself and cursing herself for signing up for such a
trial!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only she knew…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be able to look back and see how the various events and
decisions of my life have fallen into the big picture of my journey is a gift
for which I am so grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many
things have happened in my life that, at the time, I couldn’t make sense of in
terms of why it was happening and what it meant for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as years go by, they all drop into place
like the pieces of a jigsaw and the scene becomes more clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are all putting together the puzzle of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time we do things we often are not
aware of the long term consequences or benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do them because they seem to be the best
thing at the time or they are thrust upon us and we have to deal with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes things seem so bizarre or unrelated
to anything we have experienced before or expected for the future that we hold
up our hands in disbelief as we walk through them anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time however, has a way of making sense of almost
everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we have come through
something difficult we often walk out the other side a stronger, wiser
individual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are able to share our
experience with others going through the same thing to give them hope and
support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can use our experience to change our own behavior and
avoid the same pitfalls again or we can use it to ride the same wave a few
times more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the time we gather
wisdom and, as long as we don’t fall into the trap of losing hope, we grow and
learn and keep moving forward.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look back at your life and see how the puzzle is fitting
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are there some things that you
thought odd at the time but now you can see why they had to occur?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What have been the lessons of some of these
circumstances or events?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you still
have some pieces that don’t seem to fit no matter which way you turn them or
examine them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Take heart…..we all have
some of those!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matching the pieces of your own personal jigsaw puzzle of
life is an ongoing project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now
you may feel you have more pieces on the side than in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take it from one who has traveled 6 plus decades and know that, as you
grow in years you will also grow in wisdom; the wisdom to see where and how the
pieces fit and what they reveal about the beautiful pattern of your wonderful life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so grateful to my younger self that I was able to type
this without effort…..and without looking at the keys!<o:p></o:p></div>
Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-4461497827180845212014-07-16T08:27:00.002-06:002014-07-16T08:27:56.251-06:00What is the true meaning of friendship?<div class="MsoNormal">
I admit to being a Facebook fan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think I’ve reached the addictive
stage but I do love the connections and the inspirational postings and the news
from friends old and new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the
opportunity to connect on a daily basis and to check up on what is gong on
easily and quickly with those who are far away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I now have a few hundred friends on Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that on one level I can’t really say
that they are all friends in the sense that I know and have spent time with
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know their circumstances
or their families or their experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I do count them as acquaintances, I do care about the ups and
downs of their lives and I do try to be supportive when I see a need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the features of Facebook I am most grateful for is
the birthday reminders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping track of
even my close family members’ birthdays has always been a challenge for me and
to be reminded is a blessing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other day, however, I realized that as far as
acknowledging birthdays on Facebook and responding to its reminders goes I was,
without consciously thinking about it, displaying a behavior that left me
uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was only selectively
wishing people Happy Birthday using some vague criteria of how well I thought I
knew them that was based not much in fact but more in how I was feeling that
day at that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was ignoring a whole
bunch of birthdays because, well, they weren’t really my friends were
they?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were just Facebook
connections and therefore I was not obliged to wish them many happy returns.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where did that come from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if just one of those people didn’t get a single message on their
birthday?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if I could have changed
that by just typing two simple words?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
doesn’t take much of an effort to check the birthday reminders every day and
type in a greeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it brings a
smile to my face when I get those good wishes so I am sure it works that way
with others too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From that moment I changed my behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now the first thing I do when I get on
Facebook every day is check the birthdays and send out greetings, whether I
know the person well or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More often
than not, later in the day, I get a Thank You back and I know that I have
contributed just a little to someone’s good day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I began to think that the idea that Facebook friends are not
true friends is only the result of thinking that my friends deserve a better
kind of treatment than everyone else I meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh boy, that realization gave me the shudders!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why would I have two standards of treatment for people just
because I know some and don’t yet know others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That doesn’t now seem to make much sense.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if we all treated everyone we meet as a true
friend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if we give them the
attention and love we give to our friends and family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What kind of a place would the world be if we
all followed that philosophy and performed those actions?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wouldn’t mind betting that it would be a
far better place than it is now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Old habits die hard as they say and changing my behavior
around others is a challenge but I believe it is worth the effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve made a start by wishing everyone a Happy
Birthday on Facebook not just those I know well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my neighborhood, most people smile and wave as they drive
by each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they are walking they
say good morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result we have a friendly community
where people support one another and offer help in time of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Treating everyone as if they matter (because they do!)
yields wonderful results not just on birthdays but everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try it!<o:p></o:p></div>
Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-91476338367493491492014-07-08T11:53:00.002-06:002014-08-12T10:19:15.889-06:00How many threads are enough?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love a well made bed……crisp, smooth sheets, a warm blanket
and a pretty bedspread and I am a serene Sleeping Beauty!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We recently moved to a new home and the first room we
painted and finished was our bedroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How nice to have at least one room that is complete and relaxing to go
to while the rest of the house is in chaos.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I finished off the decorating with new sheets, blanket and
spread for the bed in matching tones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was pleased with the finished effect and content with my choices until………..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One day I logged on to Facebook and scrolled down my
newsfeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fun and interesting comments
from friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Photos of new babies and
kittens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recipes and news from around
the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And an ad for sheets……….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets,” it said, “1000 thread
count.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1000
threads?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is that possible?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought mine were pretty amazing at 500
threads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now you mean I could have got
1000 thread sheets?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did I not
know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can this be?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I am kidding of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I no more want 1000 thread sheets than I want gold thread embroidery on
the pillow cases but the ad gave me a moment of reflection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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A few years ago I don’t think I knew anything about what is
now called “thread count” for sheets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
just bought sheets because they were the right size and I liked the color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I became aware……..there were sheets with
a 200 thread count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, wait, I could
get 300 and 400 and 500 and even 600 count ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More must be better right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I must admit, I could tell the difference between 200 and
400 thread count sheets but above that…….not so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all felt pretty good to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So is it really necessary to have 1000 thread
sheets?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Then I realized that sometimes I can get into “thread
counting” my own life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I need
something and I am fortunate enough to get it, will more of it make me
happy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I eat one square of chocolate
and it gives me a good feeling, will I feel ecstatic if I eat the whole
bar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will one new dress do the trick or
must I have three?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Of course, the ultimate issue for thinking this way is
around money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More is always better
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will make me happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will bring me peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will solve all my problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well…….maybe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is no doubt that having<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> enough</i> money does bring peace of mind but observing the
drama-filled lives of the rich and famous illustrates that more doesn’t always
bring happiness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Counting the threads in my life gets me deep into the
details of what I don’t have which leads me to obsession and, ultimately,
depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It obscures the bigger
picture and gives me a false impression of how my life really is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I begin to see only what I don’t have and
move away from appreciating what I have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Years ago I was introduced to the concept of gratitude, of
looking around in the moment to find things in my life to be grateful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I thought this was an impossible
task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time my life was a mess and
I was miserable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think I had
anything to be grateful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
counting threads and there weren’t very many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was, I thought, only living a 10 thread count life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I learned that I could be grateful for the things I had
in life that I had always taken for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Things like the clothes on my back, the food in my fridge, the flowers
outside and the sun or even the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
could begin with whatever was in front of me……my morning cup of tea, birds
singing outside, a quiet moment to myself before the start of a busy day and
build on the list as I went along.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being grateful for these everyday blessings is truly the way
to count the threads of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
doing this I discover that I have many wonderful, even golden, threads that
make up each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New people, new
experiences, new ideas and realizations can all be added to my gratitude list
as well as appreciation for what I already have.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t need more and more of anything to make me happy and
I certainly don’t need 1000 thread sheets,………my 500 count ones will do
nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Now all that remains is to convince myself that this theory
applies to shoes…………<o:p></o:p></div>
Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-76542736208386747692014-07-01T18:13:00.002-06:002014-07-01T18:17:29.425-06:00A Place in the Shade<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
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We moved to Arizona a few months ago. Boy it’s hot down here! Actually I knew that as I had lived here
before but I had forgotten just how intense it gets and how it feels. You never really get used to it but you do
learn some ways to live with it and how to readjust your priorities to maintain
your “cool”….so to speak<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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One part of life that becomes a concern is driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A car with good air conditioning is a
must.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I lived here before I spent
two whole summers without it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
know how I survived but I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drank
many huge “Gulp” drinks a day and said lots of prayers for green lights so I
didn’t have to sit in the sweltering heat waiting for them to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time around I am SO grateful to have a
car with good A/C.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A related concern is parking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you get back in your car that has been
parked in the sun for a hour or more and the thermometer reads 120 degrees
plus, you know there will be an uncomfortable delay until the A/C gets going
enough to bring it down to a tolerable level.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it becomes very important to grab a piece of shade for
your car whenever you can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That makes
searching for that shade a top priority when you enter a parking lot or need a
place on the street.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I go to the gym, there is a line of trees in the
parking lot that provide shade for about 5 parking places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always, of course, head for one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other morning when I arrived, all 5
spaces had orange cones in front of them as a crew trimmed the trees and
dropped the branches on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was outraged!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How dare they take my
place in the shade!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I drove to the other side of the lot and parked under
another tree that didn’t give quite as much shade and required me to walk twice
as far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was going to work out for
heavens sake, so why was I annoyed at having to walk farther?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having a place in the shade is obviously important in an
intensely hot location such as the Valley of the Sun but I got to thinking
about how it might also be important to have “a place in the shade” in everyday
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what do I mean by “a place in
the shade”?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I mean that it is important for us all to have a place to relax,
to wind down, to just be,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a place that
shades us from the harshness of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This may be a physical place out in our backyard or on a patio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be a corner of the bedroom or a room
of our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It maybe a favorite park
bench or a rock on a nature trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
may be the front porch or the back porch or, as was the case for my teenage
stepdaughter, the roof!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These places provide us with the shade of peace, a loving
shadow that falls over us when we are in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We feel it as if it were a soft blanket and it brings us that feeling of
“ahhh” as our bodies and minds relax and become still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are sacred places in the middle of our
busy lives and we need to treasure them and visit them often.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What happens however, if we cannot get to these favorite
“places in the shade”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if we are
stuck at our job or at a traffic light in the heat or in some other seemingly
inhospitable place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then comes the challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How to find that relief, that peace, that feeling of comfort without
being physically in the place?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me the answer comes by using the magical, imaginative
qualities of my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our minds are
wonderful things!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They enable us to be
in places when we are not physically there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They help us to experience what we would experience if we were
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can lead us to peace and
comfort when all around us is busy or even chaotic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So next time you are craving your “place in the shade”
remember that you can go there in your mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Close your eyes (not if you are driving!), picture your favorite place,
remember what it looks like, what it feels like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a deep breath and experience that place
as if you were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will feel your
body relax.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is happy to go along with
the fantasy!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In your mind, you don’t have to go driving around the
parking lot looking for a shady place as I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your “place in the shade” is as close as your next thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-12303642176385965422014-06-24T16:54:00.002-06:002014-06-24T16:54:35.508-06:00Being done....<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For most of my life I had long hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a small child I hated the hairdressers and
eventually my mother gave in to my insistent pleas to grow my locks even though
it meant uncomfortable mornings before school untangling and braiding my thick,
wavy mane.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I grew older I loved my
long hair and, with only a couple of experiments with shorter styles, I kept it
that way for over half a century.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then one day, about five years ago, I woke up and knew with
absolute certainty that my long hair days were over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got up, dressed, got in my car and stopped off at the
first “no appointment” hairdressers I could find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat in the chair of the first hairdresser
who could accommodate me and said “Cut it all off……short.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She looked at me quizzically and asked “Are you sure?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Absolutely,” I said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twenty minutes later I left the salon with a haircut almost
as short as the day I was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove
home and put on a hat before I entered the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood before my husband and pulled off the
hat with a great “ta da!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He stared, gulped a little and then said the best thing he
could have….”Wow, you look so much younger!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My decision to cut my hair was an easy one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it wasn’t a decision at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just something I knew I had to do with
a certainty that stopped all hesitation or objection in its tracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day before I had no thought of cutting my
hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t something I’d been
thinking about or debating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
something I had consulted others over or agonized about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I went to bed that night I had no idea I
was going to wake up knowing my days of long tresses were over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t a decision so much as an
instruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You are done with long
hair,” it said, “Go get it cut.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This incident isn’t the first time I have just known that I
was done nor do I think it will be the last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You have probably had this experience too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often we get to that point with difficult
relationships or with difficult work situations or with uncomfortable
shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day we just know we are done
and we walk away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But where do these messages of “doneness” come from?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And why do they happen with some situations
and not with others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do we hang on
to some issues way past their sell by date and never seem to get to a place of
being done?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe that this voice that says “You are done” comes
from the place deep inside all of us that knows us intimately and speaks the
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It does this all the time but
mostly we are too busy to hear or to listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once in a while however, somehow a quiet gap opens up in our minds,
perhaps in sleep or in a restful state, and that soft, small voice suddenly
sounds loud and clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s messages are
always simple…..DO this, DON’T do that, you are DONE …..so that we cannot not
understand or mistake them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We know we are done when the message comes almost out of the
blue, when the issue has not been on our minds night and day, when we haven’t
been wrangling the issue to death, when we haven’t been agonizing with others
over it, when we don’t care a jot what others might think about it, when we are
excited over the prospect of what we will do now we are done, when it just
feels right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we doubt the decision, we are not done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we try to second guess the outcome, we are
not done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we are anxious about what
will replace it, we are not done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we
fear what others might think about it, we are not done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we feel lost without it, we are not done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we have grief or feel bereft, we are not
done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we feel as if we have lost the
battle, we are not done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doneness is about absolute certainty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It spells relief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It engenders inner peace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My doneness with my long hair may seem a trivial matter
compared to the quitting of a job or the ending of a relationship but the confident
voice inside doesn’t grade our issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being done with a hairstyle is no different to it than ending a major
phase of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is all about
assisting us to move on with peace and assurance leaving behind anything that
doesn’t serve us anymore and opening us up to new possibilities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That random hairdresser who cut off my long hair that day
continued to cut my hair for the next five years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a treasure, a total gift from the
Universe, a wonderful byproduct of my listening to that voice that told me I
was done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So pay attention to that voice when it speaks loud and clear
and know when you are done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who
knows…..at the very least you could end up with a cute new haircut!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-71250153769109142902014-06-17T09:52:00.000-06:002014-06-17T09:52:25.060-06:00Stuck in a rut or taking a break?Maybe it's Mercury retrograde or maybe I'm just going through a lazy streak, but just lately I've been stuck in a rut. Of course, it's all of my own doing. I put some things in place in my life which are very good for me.....daily meditation, working out but then.....I started using those activities as excuses for not doing other things. Now I <i>had</i> to do them and I just didn't have time to do all those other things I meant to do and promised to do such as.....write a blog!<br />
<br />
I became really stuck in my own rut going back and forth between doing the things that are good for me and convincing myself that I didn't have time for anything else. The healthy routine became an unhealthy burden. I wasn't making progress. I wasn't producing anything. I didn't feel useful anymore.<br />
<br />
I have learned however, that the best way to change my life is to change my attitude. And the best way to change my attitude is to change my perspective so I thought, what if being stuck in a rut isn't the worst thing? What if, sometimes, it is the best thing, in fact, the perfect thing? What if I am exactly where I'm supposed to be doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing?<br />
<br />
I love to play with words so the first thing I needed to do was to change the title of the current state of my life. "Stuck in a rut" isn't an inspiring way to look at where I'm at. How about "taking a break"? Now that sounds better. Now I can find some positives in my situation.<br />
<br />
Taking a break means slowing down and I really need to do that sometimes. Ever since I was a child I have had a tendency to rev myself up to high gear, especially when I am passionate about something. Maybe however, it is possible to passionate and operate at a slower speed? Now there's a thought!<br />
<br />
Taking a break also means relaxing. Now I am more receptive to the ideas and possibilities that the Universe has to offer. Now I am more open to the messages coming through my intuition. Now I can see that by slowing down and relaxing I can often make more progress than when I am rushing around trying to "achieve" and "do."<br />
<br />
Taking a break also gives me a chance to see things more clearly. When I am rushing I am also quite often confused. The world flies by and I don't have time to take it in. I miss the details. I miss the beauty. I have the illusion of being "in" the world but really I am running farther away from the moment and missing out on its relevance and its gifts.<br />
<br />
Taking a break grounds me in the present. Here I am a whole being. My body, mind and spirit come together again and I am no longer fragmented, my body here, my mind out there and my connection to spirit all but invisible.<br />
<br />
Yes, there are definitely advantages to taking a break, so I'm not labeling my current state as being "stuck in a rut" or "lazy" anymore. Instead I am "taking a break" and enjoying the serenity of being in the present moment and coming back to my whole, true self. <br />
<br />
In fact, I think I will make this my permanent state. After all, in true paradoxical fashion, it actually got me unstuck and....produced this blog post!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-32405696043960701542013-02-12T15:34:00.000-07:002013-02-12T15:34:03.085-07:00Life as a .......... how do you fill in the blank?I have to admit I am a sucker for metaphors. I love it when imagination pours forth an image that gives illumination to some description-defying concept.<br />
<br />
There was an episode of Star Trek (the Captain Luc Picard incarnation) that dealt with a group of aliens who only spoke in metaphor. More than that, the metaphors only related to their own history and experience. The automatic translators on the Enterprise were stumped and the resulting miscommunication nearly ended in annihilation for both groups.<br />
<br />
Ah, the power of metaphor.<br />
<br />
The other day, my daily journal musings wrote me into discovering a metaphor for life that appealed to me at the current time. But to back up.....first let's consider the varied metaphors that exist for life. From a bowl of cherries to girding oneself up for battle, life metaphors run the gamut.<br />
<br />
There is of course the favorite of every spiritual seeker.....the journey. Life as a journey has a certain appeal to me however I always seem to come back to the same questions. How am I traveling this journey? How long will it take? When will I get there? Where is there? As much as I enjoy occasional travel and visiting new places, the idea of being continually on the road has little appeal. Do I really want to live my life out of a suitcase, be a nomad, never be home? I don't think so. I need my down time, my own bed, my familiar surroundings. To always be going somewhere new and different would quickly lose its appeal for me I fear.<br />
<br />
Life as a game has also never made sense to me. I once saw a movie called The Game (I believe it stars Michael Douglas). I hated it. It left me feeling frustrated and annoyed. If my life was a game, I believe I would feel like that most of the time. Games inevitably incorporate competition, winners and losers, jubilance and disappointment. None of these seem to portend a good outcome. If I see my life as a game, I'll be accepting that some people will have to go by the wayside so I can move forward. Not an image I am comfortable with at all.<br />
<br />
For some folks (and I have indulged in this perspective at certain times in my life), everyday existence is like a rollercoaster. Not only fortunes and misfortunes but also emotions go up and down according to what influences are allowed to affect them from outside. This is a metaphor for a life out of control. Riding high, plumbing the depths, climbing back to the top or sliding down into oblivion are the only choices. Rollercoasters may be fun for a short while but as a way of life, they get old very quickly.<br />
<br />
At times, I have found life to be a mystery. Now I enjoy a good mystery novel every now and again, but living in one? I don't think so. When my life has entered a mysterious phase, I tend to do everything I can to restore order. Mysteries may keep others entertained but solving clues every day in order to move on is not my idea of fun. Although a certain amount of anticipation for the future is acceptable and even enjoyable, not having any idea where to turn on a daily basis is anxiety producing and harrowing.<br />
<br />
Some people seem to enjoy battling with life. Perhaps they were warriors or knights in a former life or perhaps they are just hooked on sensing victory at every turn. Life somehow seems to give us what we expect it to, so seeing life as a battle often produces enemies to conquer and rights to wrong. I'm too lazy to put on armor every day and go forth to slog it out with the world. Coming home bruised and battered every evening isn't my idea of a day's work well done.<br />
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How about being the Captain of your own ship? I must admit the idea of life as a ship does have some appeal. The ocean of life contains everything we might need, the course can be set or changed and, although sometimes the elements conspire to buffet us, we also know that things will blow over and calm will be restored. But do I want to be a Captain? The Captain is in charge, makes all the final decisions and is responsible for all outcomes. Sounds a bit like God...... I've heard that there is a God, and I'm not it. Thank God!<br />
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My musings the other day took me further with the idea of life as a ship. What if, instead of being the Captain, I saw myself as a crewmember? I liked this idea. A crewmember on the ship of life would be contributing to the good of the whole crew and to getting the vessel to its ultimate destination. The ship would not only be the means of traveling the journey, but it would also be home. As a crewmember I didn't have to be responsible for the major decisions only for my own part in the smooth running of the ship. I could take pride in my work, follow directions and rest, knowing that I was sharing this workload with others. As a crewmember I have a specific job to do, an area of expertise. I am a vital part of the team that gets the ship to where it needs to go. This could be satisfying and rewarding.<br />
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As you can tell, I got on a roll with this metaphor, focusing on the positive aspects of my image and ignoring the downside such as seasickness, flogging and scurvy. But such is the nature of metaphors. They are pliable. They are selective. They are easily manipulated. That is what makes them such fun.<br />
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So I'm volunteering as a crewmember on the Ship of Life with Captain God and we are off on an exciting adventure. Heave ho, m'hearties........what life metaphor are you living in?Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-9832300457711138142013-01-25T12:03:00.000-07:002013-01-25T12:04:53.385-07:00Everyday people......really?I have a confession to make.....every so often (maybe once a month or so) I just go to sleep at night. What I'm trying to tell you here (and this is so difficult, she says as she bites the middle joint of her index finger in anguish and shame) is that I don't take my make up off, I don't brush my hair and (horror of horrors!) I don't clean my teeth.<br />
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Why do I do this and why am I confessing this to the whole world right now? The answer to the first part is that I think I am a bit of a frustrated rebel. When I was a teen it was the Sixties. Rebellion was in the air. Collectively we were striking out against what we saw as the stuffiness of our World War Two era parents and against the drab and uninspiring Fifties. Clothes were brighter, music was louder and behavior was more brash and in-your-face.<br />
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Like most of my generation I got swept up in it as much as I was able. I shortened my skirts to the extent that I couldn't bend over if I dropped something and had to sink vertically to the ground while fumbling around blindly with my hand to locate the object. I outlined my eyes in black, made my lips almost invisibly pale and adopted the let-it-all-hang-out style of dancing.<br />
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The trouble with the Sixties was that it left no room for personal rebellion. Everyone was doing it so why bother on the home front?<br />
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So here I am now, fifty years later, and my inner teenage rebel is knocking on the door wanting to come out. How can I let her have a little revolution? Why I can flout decent convention and be a bum once in a while. After all, my husband is the only one who'll know and, if I don't tell him, he probably won't notice.<br />
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There is a larger picture however, to all of this which addresses the second part of my question. Why confess now? What is the purpose?<br />
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The link lies in a realization I had just the other week. I have been trying to get back into a routine after a couple of months of rehabbing a broken ankle and getting over the flu. This also coincided with the New Year and the dreaded resolutions. I told myself I must do some things regularly. Things like exercising and journaling and meditating and eating well and writing a gratitude list and...and...and.<br />
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So I tried. I really did. I began with journaling. Every day for about nine days I wrote religiously in my journal every morning. I got some good stuff. This was going to work. But it didn't. Around day ten I woke up and something else got my attention. I went from Very Important Task to Even More Important Task throughout the day. Journaling was forgotten. In fact, I didn't remember journaling until around day seventeen. Uh oh......failed again.<br />
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The whole episode got me thinking. What is this obsession the human race has with being Everyday People? What is there really that actually needs to be done every single day that nature doesn't take care of all by herself? The dishes don't have to be washed every day. They'll still be in the sink on Day 3 and can be taken care of then if we wish or can't stand the smell anymore. People in most countries in the world do not take a shower every day not only because of water constraints, or the fact that they don't have a shower but because they just don't believe it's necessary. Growing up in the UK in the fifties we had to light a coal fire in the living room to get hot water so we had a bath once a week whether we needed it or not. Most days we had what my mother called "an up and a downer" which entailed standing naked in a cold bathroom swabbing oneself down with a wet washcloth and soap, then finishing off with an extra dousing of cold water. Not quite the enjoyable sensation of a hot shower.<br />
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I am now convinced that I am not an Everyday Person. What a freedom this has been! I no longer have to chastise myself for not journaling every day or exercising daily or pummeling myself for not reading something spiritual or being grateful on a daily basis. I am now free to follow my natural rhythm and do what my mind, body and/or spirit dictate.<br />
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You might think that this would lead to procrastination at the highest level. I certainly thought it would. But here's the difference......now I have given myself permission not to beat the everyday drum, I do not need to procrastinate. I am allowed to do things at my own pace and guess what? I do. My Inner Rebel is no longer frustrated and doesn't seem to need to exercise her authority over random issues of personal hygiene. I am free to be me on another level that I didn't even know existed.<br />
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But I still might not take my makeup off at night just once in a while......Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-55744177607366957042013-01-15T16:45:00.000-07:002013-01-15T16:45:10.273-07:00Cautious or courageous? Which will you choose?The key word in my life is <i>communication</i>. I am a Gemini.....the sign of the communicator. I still have my grade school reports. They all say the same thing. "Gillian has potential but she would go further if she didn't talk so much." As an adult, I went on to get three college degrees in....you've guessed it.....communication. I like to talk. I like to interact. I like to write. I love to communicate.<br />
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So, last year an idea I had been incubating for some time burst through my consciousness. The next ideal step for me, the ultimate communicator, would be a radio show!<br />
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I got really excited about the idea. I even had a title for the show, a theme and a list of possible guests. I investigated the logistics, the internet host I would use and a suitable time to reach several continents. It was going to be awesome. I just knew it. And then.....I did nothing.<br />
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What? What happened to all that enthusiasm, that planning? Why did I baulk at the final hurdle. All I had to do was sign up and sign in but I didn't do it. What was I afraid of or, was it even fear that stopped me?<br />
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The start of a new year always has me wondering what I will do this year that I didn't do before, so when I approached this new year, I was faced with the dilemma of my failed radio show attempt. Would I try it again? If so, how would I get past whatever blocked me last year? Did I even know what it was?<br />
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My journal musings led me to realize that there were two more "c" words at play here besides my desire to communicate.....caution and courage. The latter had urged me to allow myself to play with the idea of a radio show but it was the former, not exactly fear, that had stopped me at the post. Caution said "Wait a minute, what could go wrong here? Are you sure you want to commit to doing something once a week at a regular time? What if you can't get guests? What if it is boring? What if no one listens?" and on and on and on.<br />
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Now I'm not saying that caution is a bad thing. Not in the least. Caution stops us from stepping off the curb in front of a bus or eating three week old food from the back of the refrigerator or going out in subzero weather without a coat. Sometimes, however, we let it have too much control. Yes, I needed to address some of the issues it raised around the show but this wasn't a situation where I had to hand it the keys to my life. Caution may have made me pause but I didn't have to let it stop me. So why did I allow it to?<br />
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I believe that I let this happen because I didn't take the next step. I forgot to summon courage. Courage is something that is available to us all but it needs to be called forth. Summon is a good verb for addressing courage. Sometimes I think that I not only have no courage but that I actually have no access to it. I forget that it must be summoned.<br />
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Have you tried summoning some courage lately? Does this sound like a strange question? Perhaps the notion of summoning something doesn't sit well with you? I had to get over this too. Summoning sounds demanding. Well, it is and.....is that always a bad thing? Most of us, especially women, have been raised to be polite little things. We were told if we just asked nicely we might get what we wanted but that demanding anything, from possessions to attention, was always a bad thing. So we ask nicely and then sit back and wait. And nothing happens.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. There is a place for politeness and political correctness but when it comes to managing our own lives and moving along our chosen path, demanding assistance has a place. It is not a mistake that we talk about "summoning courage." Courage needs to be called forth with determination. This was what I forgot to do when it came time to launch the radio show. I became my meek little self again and decided that it wasn't meant to be because after I put forth the idea, nothing happened.<br />
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Maybe you can join me in a little experiment. Is there something in your life that you want to do but have either talked yourself out of or have stopped at the last hurdle and abandoned the idea? Let's try together to summon courage into our lives and get beyond those barriers.<br />
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If it works, and I suspect it will, I'll be launching my radio show soon (watch this space). What will you do?<br />
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<br />Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-25693584246272843672013-01-01T09:01:00.001-07:002013-01-01T09:01:40.826-07:00The Rest of My Life Is Now: Happy New Year....It's Resolution Time!<a href="http://therestofmylifeisnow.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-new-yearits-resolution-time.html?spref=bl">The Rest of My Life Is Now: Happy New Year....It's Resolution Time!</a>: Happy New Year to all! It's that time of year when many of us begin to think about the habits and behaviors we want to ch...Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-61915081463816305632013-01-01T09:00:00.000-07:002013-01-01T09:00:25.860-07:00Happy New Year....It's Resolution Time!
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy New Year to all!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's
that time of year when many of us begin to think about the habits and
behaviors we want to change for the future. Mostly they are things
that we know are not good for us. Such things as quitting smoking,
losing weight, eating unhealthy foods etc. We rationalize that we
must stop doing these things because...... (fill in the blank). We
know these reasons make sense. We know there is really no argument
against them and yet......we often fail to stick to our well
intentioned resolutions.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
humans we are such anomalies. On the one hand we know that evolution
has programmed us to be continually changing and adapting to our
current circumstances but, at the same time we resist change with
the determination of a new puppy refusing to budge at the tug of the
leash. Like Fido we want to dig in our heels, sit down on the
sidewalk and not move!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Major
change usually only comes for most of us when it is absolutely
necessary and unavoidable, when life or the people around us start
tapping us on the shoulder or when circumstances give us no other
choice. Then we go kicking and screaming into the vortex of change.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps
the phenomenon of New Year's resolutions gives us the illusion of
choice around change. If I get in first and decide to change, it
won't be so traumatic or difficult. I will be more in control of it
than if I leave it up to forces outside of myself.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whatever
the reason, it seems that the problem is not in making the decision
but in the execution of our intentions.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
issue has come up both for me personally and with clients lately. We
are great at the decision making part but the action is sorely
wanting. So I have been asking why is this?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
believe that misinformation about the nature of self-change is to
blame here. In our culture we have been led to believe that the most
important thing we can do is to make decisions. We admire decisive
people. We say that they are good leaders, that they are competent,
responsible and in charge. Although it might not be articulated out
loud, we are led to believe that, once we have made a decision, we
have solved the problem.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wrong!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
truth is that making a decision is only the beginning. An important
place to start of course, but not the whole picture. Decision making
is a left brained activity. It involves our powers of logic and
organization. It involves rational thinking, judgment and
evaluation but it says nothing about action. We have a wonderful
brain that does amazing things not all of which can scientists
understand. It has two sides, a left side that is mostly logical and
does for us all of the incredible things I have already described but
we also have a right side which houses our amazing imagination. When
we make a decision we engage only our logical thinking process on the
left side but, in order to complete the change in our behavior, we
need to engage our imagination.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You
might wonder why this is so. Isn't it enough just to make up your
mind to do something different and then use willpower to carry out
the actions? Oh, how wonderful if that were so but no, it is not
enough.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When
we are engaged in a certain behavior that we have done for years, we
have created a certain energy around those actions. That energy is
familiar and easy to slip into. In order to change the behavior we
need to </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">shift</span></i></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that energy. Although it is hard to describe what this feels like,
we might see it as like changing key in music. It is similar and yet
sounds and feels different. This shift in the energy is the missing
piece. The decision to change sets us up for a change; the shift in
energy makes it happen.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What
then can cause this shift to occur? The answer lies with the right
brain and its tremendous capacity to imagine. It has been shown for
example, that visualizing different circumstances in our "mind's
eye" i.e. the imagination, can help those circumstances to
occur. Athletes do this all the time, visualizing improved
performance and winning situations. Unhealthy cells respond to mind
pictures of healthy ones replacing them. Visualizing a relaxing
scene causes the body to relax and de-stress. Stream of consciousness writing can lead us to a creative solution to a problem.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although
we may be familiar with this evidence, we may not readily bring it to
mind when making those darned resolutions but, this is where our
answer lies, the answer to our struggles with making the transition
from decision to action.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here
then, in practical terms are some things I am going to try in 2013 when making an
effort to follow through with a resolution or making any kind of
change in our behavior<span style="font-size: small;">. Perhaps y<span style="font-size: small;">ou'd like to try them too? I'd love to hear your experiences.....</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Sit
quietly, take some deep breaths, relax and conjure up a picture in
the mind of yourself doing the new behavior. Hold this image for as
long as you can up to a minute at first and longer as you practice.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Write
affirmations around the new behavior on sticky notes and put them on
your bathroom mirror or other places around your home where you will
see them e.g. if you are quitting smoking, write "I am a
nonsmoker," or if you are wanting to exercise more write "My
body loves to exercise." </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- If
you like to draw or paint, make an artistic rendering of what the new
behavior looks like to you. It can be realistic or abstract. Or if you are a writer, write about it.
Make sure you write positive things about the way it looks rather
than focusing on your struggles to get there.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- If
you neither draw nor write you can make a vision board around the
issue. Get a piece of card....as large or small as you like....and
find pictures in magazines that illustrate to you the change you want
to make. As long as it is meaningful to you, cut it out and stick it
on the card. Add words or phrases that are helpful. It doesn't have
to make sense to anyone but you.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- If
you believe in angels (and most people do!) ask your angels to help
and support you. Ask them to love you through this change and to
help you love yourself especially if you "slip" or go back
to old behavior. As well as your personal guardian angels, you can
call upon Archangel Michael who is strong, powerful, protective and
supportive and also Archangel Raphael who is a gentle healer.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- Instead
of seeing change as a challenge to be conquered, see it as a gentle
transition. If it helps you can visualize change as a gently flowing
stream rather than a raging torrent. See yourself floating down the
stream in a boat, going at the pace of the current and not having to
work hard to get where you want to go.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Remember,
change only comes about when a shift occurs in the energy around an
issue or behavior. That shift can only occur if two basic things
happen.....first there must be a decision and then the imagination
takes over. Change comes about when we engage our </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">whole</span></i></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
brain, left and right sides, in the process.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's
to positive changes in 2013!</span></span></span></div>
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Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-88744730836709113752012-12-20T10:49:00.000-07:002012-12-20T10:49:37.775-07:00Celebrating a new beginning....I created this blog quite a while ago. I loved its title, <i>The Rest of My Life is Now</i>, because I loved the idea of living in the now and looking forward rather than wallowing in the past. Notice I say that I loved the <i>idea</i>, but I wasn't sure how to manifest it most of the time. Consequently, my enthusiasm for writing the blog waned considerably. So it has been quite a while since I've posted here but now, I believe I have gained the fortitude to continue on a regular basis.....we will see!<br />
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Today is the eve of the Solstice 2012; an appropriate day to begin I believe and also I am celebrating. I am not just celebrating the turning point of winter as people have done since the beginning of time, I am celebrating a very personal anniversary, one that you may think a strange event to be remembered, much less celebrated, so I will explain.<br />
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On December 20th, 2002 I fell on my head, in rather spectacular fashion, while skiing in Colorado. Although very dazed and totally winded, I subsequently stood up and carried on skiing. A week later I was at the emergency room with dizziness and great difficulty trying to explain how the world had become so weird, how I couldn't sleep and asking why my brain wouldn't switch off. It was like watching constant movie trailers inside my head 24/7. Within the next two months I was diagnosed with a closed head brain injury and had surgery to replace two discs in my neck with a resulting fusion of three vertebrae. I could barely function and other than three to four doctor visits a week, I lay on the bed with the blinds drawn reading the same book over and over again because once at the end I couldn't remember anything about the content, and occasionally watching PBS or Home and Garden TV because they were the most calm channels I could find.<br />
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I was lucky. It took only a couple of years for me to recover full functioning. Many head trauma victims never recover at all or at least lose decades of their lives. I also had a wonderful spouse who took over all the practical details of our lives and allowed me to heal. It was the best part of a year until I could go into a grocery store or any other place designed to stimulate the senses. Bright colors, patterns, loud noises, strong smells were all overwhelming and I had to get away from them.<br />
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So why, you may ask, am I celebrating such a devastating event ten years on?<br />
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Because today, I can see (with 20/20 hindsight), that, had this event not occurred, my life would be very different and I would have missed all the wonderful events and people that have come into my life in the last ten years. I am not celebrating the fact that I had a terrible accident, I am celebrating my life since then, now and for the future.<br />
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Up until the accident happened, I had great plans for an expansion of my career. I had a new PhD in hand and some great work experience. I was destined to be a consultant in an important career related to public safety and I knew I could make a difference. The Universe, it seems, had other ideas. My plans dissolved and I was forced to let life take me where it would and to follow the guidance of the amazing people who stepped up to offer advice and support.<br />
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First there was my friend who, on hearing me try to explain how confused and weird I felt, related her own struggle with brain injury and ordered me (yes, she really did and I listened) to my doctor. Then there was my GP who as I tried to dismiss my complaints as trivial, revealed that she had been on a committee to study brain injury and I had all the classic signs. There were also other helpful medical professionals and finally a wonderful doctor who did everything he could for me and then told me to try anything in the alternative medical field that I thought might help, a suggestion I never thought I would hear from a western trained (Harvard no less) medical individual.<br />
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There was the spiritual teacher who I met through a writing group (writing being the one thing I could do throughout all this and what a blessing that was). She introduced me to energy work and many other alternative methods to soothe not only my brain but also my confused spirit. She encouraged me to explore how my healing brain might be rearranging itself and opening up areas that I had previously shut down, areas that gave me renewed connections to realms far greater and more powerful than my old life had allowed me to appreciate.<br />
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Over the past ten years, I have not only healed, I have thrived. I have explored a side of myself and of existence itself that I had abandoned in my difficult teenage years when I decided that the only way to live life was to be strong and depend on no one. I learned to trust that there is something all powerful out there keeping the Universe on track and I don't have to do it! I learned that I can tap into any amount of guidance and support that I need through different ways of connecting to that power using my whole self - body, mind, emotions and spirit. Most importantly, I discovered that what I really wanted to do, deep inside, was to help others find the same guidance and inner peace and so I created a new career, my own career, unique to me, matching my particular skills and gifts.<br />
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Today then, I celebrate. I celebrate me! I celebrate my chosen path. I celebrate the fact that the uncomfortable event of ten years ago, while at first knocking me off my feet and rearranging my thoughts, ultimately set me back on my feet and allowed me to set off in the true direction of my heart.<br />
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On this Solstice 2012, a day when some fear the world may end, I am celebrating a new beginning. Ten years on from the most life changing event of my existence, I can see that new beginnings can happen at any time, for any reason. Sometimes we choose them, often we don't. When they occur, it is sometimes difficult to see where they will lead or to appreciate their future impact. We are too busy dealing with the immediate consequences. After a while however....or a decade in my case.....we can look back with a more detached and dispassionate eye and see how they set in motion new ways to approach our life journeys and how they allowed opportunities for growth into our lives.<br />
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I wouldn't wish the kind of accident I had and its consequences on anyone but I encourage you, on this important Solstice of 2012, to look back over the last ten years and see how events in your life during that time,which you may have found, at the most, devastating or at the least, upsetting, have affected your choices and the place you find yourself in today. I hope that, like me, you find many things to celebrate.......Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-16220375637364908802012-04-04T14:12:00.000-06:002012-04-04T14:12:16.872-06:00Ordinary topic #2 - BicyclesIn light of my previously stated quest to blog about ordinary things, today's topic is.....bicycles.<br />
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It is a beautiful day in Colorado. The sky is clear, sun shining and the air is sweet as only mountain air can be after a storm. A perfect day for a bike ride.<br />
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I took my bike down from its perch where it has sat since about last October, dusted it off, checked the tires and set out for the bike path. About twenty minutes into my ride I had a realization.....I was really uncomfortable. My back ached, my shoulders cramped and my behind - well, you don't want to know the state of my rear end.<br />
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I have an old mountain bike. Manufactured before many modern innovations, it has no shocks, a heavy frame and the most spine jarring saddle ever invented. It has served me well in the past but now, after a decade, my body needs something more in keeping with its needs. I no longer need to be crouched down leaning almost all my weight on my arms and shoulders so I can shave a couple of extra minutes off my miles. I'm into recreational cruising, not head down, round shouldered racing.<br />
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My thoughts began to drift off into the past. What happened to those lovely old bikes my mother and grandmother rode? You know, the ones with a wide leather saddle supported by bouncy springs, comfortable enough for an hour or so of shopping or cruising and wide enough to support a normal woman's lower curves. The ones with handlebars that are considerably higher than the seat so that you can sit in a normal sitting position, the best to see the traffic and the view. The ones that have a cover on the chain so you don't get plastered with dirty oil. The ones with a wicker basket on the front to carry all essentials. The ones you can ride wearing a skirt or a pretty summer dress. Wouldn't that be nice?<br />
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I came home with a new determination and a new direction. Out with the mountain bike and in with a "sit up and beg" variety (as my mother used to call them). A friend told me they make new "old" bikes so I've been scouring Amazon and Googling like crazy. Came up with a few possibilities. If, however, you can point me in the direction of a good website or resource, please let me know.<br />
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My back and derriere will thank you!Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-19210273036517120592012-04-02T11:50:00.000-06:002012-04-02T11:50:15.092-06:00Profound or ordinary?It's been a long while since I've blogged here. Why is that? I have lots of good intentions but they never seem to translate into action.<br />
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I just returned from a wonderful 2 day writers conference held by <a href="http://northerncoloradowriters.com/">Northern Colorado Writers</a>. I attended many informative and interesting sessions.<br />
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Among them was <a href="http://blueskiesmktg.com/">Laurie Macomber's</a> Writing for the Web. Laurie gave us an amazing, almost overwhelming, amount of information about how to write meaningful and useful copy for our websites and also about blogging.<br />
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One thing she said stuck with me. If you are going to blog, it must be almost every day or at a minimum once a week. Whoa!! Wait a minute.....who has time to do that? Then I paused. Why am I balking at doing what I love to do once a day or even a couple of times a week? I love to write so what's up with that?<br />
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I needed to get honest with myself. What exactly is holding me back? Is it plain old procrastination? Not really, I'm usually a "get it done" kind of person. Is it fear? No, I'm not afraid to put my writing or my thoughts out there for all to see. Is it a lack of inspiration or ideas? No, definitely not. I'm overflowing with them. Then what?<br />
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I examined further what happens to me as I go along through the thought process of what to write and I discovered something.....I want to be profound! I want to say something earth shattering, I want to give my readers and Aha! moment, I want what I write to be meaningful and lingering. What a load of b.......t!<br />
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Then I had a revelation....Blogs aren't about being profound. Blogs are your ultimate stream of consciousness stuff just arranged better so others aren't left scratching their heads. BLOGS ARE ORDINARY.<br />
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That's the thing that was standing in my way. I just couldn't stomach the idea that my writing, and my ideas, might be ordinary. Who wants to be ordinary? We all want to be special don't we?<br />
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So now I'm cringing at myself. I need to get real. I need to get down to earth. I need to eat some humble pie.
If you are still reading and wondering where this is all going, then you are not alone. So am I. What next for my blog? What next for my writing? And most importantly, what next for my ego?<br />
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Watch this space.......Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-6744273685367105072011-07-28T16:59:00.000-06:002011-07-28T16:59:29.448-06:00The Only Place to Be is Right Now!As I watch the antics of the politicians in Washington DC who seem to be playing dodgeball with the economic future of our nation, I realize that the only place for me to be in is this very moment. As an exercise in raising anxiety and blood pressure, watching our government do its work is second only to being a spectator at a bear baiting match. How can we escape the stress and uncertainty about a future we seem as individuals to have absolutely no control over and, worse, seem to have handed over to a bunch of middle aged teenagers bent on playing a high stakes game of chicken?<br />
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I'm taking a quick break from continuing with my list of Clues to staying in the present, to address the issue of right now as I feel the anxiety level of the whole nation rise in unison. What can we do as individuals to stay out of this stressful force field emanating from our capital out towards us all?<br />
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I was inspired to title this blog - The Rest of My Life is Now - and I see that there is no more urgent need for me to believe this than today. If I am to believe what I see on television and read in the newspapers then The Rest of My Life is......over. Tomorrow will be worse than today and the day after that worse, the week after that disastrous and the month after that catastrophic! What kind of a life will that be and what hope is there for the future?<br />
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What nonsense. Right now, today, everything is much the same as it was yesterday. I am still breathing. I am still alive. I have the option to be happy if I choose to be. I can find hope and gratitude if I open my eyes and look. I can relax and be content. <br />
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The future is always uncertain. Even if we believe some things are predictable (I do believe the sun will come up tomorrow as it did today for example), most are not written in stone. There are many, many options, many, many choices, many, many possibilities. That's what makes the future exciting! However, most of us have only a certain level of tolerance for excitement. We need a good balance of peace and calm. Therefore, being out in the future too much is not good for us. We don't have control of the future and uncertainty brings anxiety.<br />
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Now is the place to be. Right now everything is all right. The world is still turning. I can focus on my breath - in, out, in, out. In this moment, there can be peace. In every moment I can find that stillness that houses serenity and calm. It is always there if only I will return to find it and today that is more important than ever.Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-5040124908105028842011-06-06T12:46:00.000-06:002011-06-06T12:46:22.691-06:00Clue #2 - How do I feel right now?I used to believe that I was a slave to my feelings. I thought I had to feel a certain way before I could get things done. I would put off taking action on many items in my life because I didn't feel "right" or I was unhappy or depressed or out of sorts.<br />
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While I understand that sometimes actions and feelings work together for optimum results, I also know today that getting things done, solving my problems and taking actions that are beneficial to my life are not necessarily dependent on how I feel at the time.<br />
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The one big question I have always had about operating from the immediate moment is "But what if the now is really uncomfortable?" What I really want to ask is "How do I do now when now - quite frankly - sucks?"<br />
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The one big answer that comes to me however when I ask that, also comes in the form of a question. "But how do you know if now really sucks or if you just FEEL it does?"<br />
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The crux of the matter relies on whether or not I believe that I have any power whatsoever over my feelings or if I believe that I must just ride out the tide of my emotions without a paddle or a sail or, for that matter, a compass. This is what I used to believe. Then someone set me straight.<br />
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They told me that I was in charge, that I had the power to decide and choose what feelings I felt and what emotions I expressed. I heard things like "fake it until you make it" and "this too shall pass" and I began to understand that just as I can treat a physical wound with ointments, bandages and antiseptic, so I can tend to my emotions and heal them through acknowledging my power to do so and using the amazing power of my mind and spirit to turn them around.<br />
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Sometimes this is quick, almost instant and sometimes it takes a while. The long, slow process unfolds as I apply these techniques but a process it is and it works.<br />
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Clue #2 then to staying and operating in the now, is to recognize that we have power over our own emotions and can make choices around them. Abraham Lincoln famously said that "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." Lincoln suffered from chronic depression all his adult life and so his words are especially poignant and......believable. They seem to suggest a man who researched his own ability to heal himself and put it into action. If he can do it and lead a country, then perhaps there is hope for you and me?!!<br />
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Another factor to ask ourselves regarding the influence we allow our emotions to have over us is whether or not we are really feeling those feelings right now or if we have dragged them into the present from the past or the future.<br />
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If I get mad with someone and keep that anger alive by playing the wrongdoing over and over again in my mind thus creating a resentment, I know that I am dragging it along with me into my every moment. Instead, I might choose to let it lie in the past by refusing to replay the scenario and letting it rest in peace.<br />
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On the other hand, if I speculate about potential disasters that might occur in the future, I can do the same thing with my fear and anxiety and suck them into my present when nothing has yet happened!<br />
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Are your feelings holding you back in the present moment? Are you choosing to feel angry, resentful, vengeful or just generally p......ed off?!! Or do you, like Abraham Lincoln, choose to be as happy as you want to be? Do you believe you are in charge of your emotions or are you a slave to them?<br />
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Examining what we are feeling right now and whether that feeling belongs in the present, the past or the future can help us to operate in the moment from a level of comfort and peace and give us choices we never even dreamed of!<br />
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I do not believe anymore that I need to be a victim of my own feelings. I know that this is an area of my life where I am truly powerful and....in charge! What about you?Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-82778882594958432582011-05-29T08:30:00.000-06:002011-05-29T08:30:04.454-06:00The Body and The NowWe all know it's by far the best thing to stay in the present. We've heard Eckhard Tolle espouse The Power of Now and agree, yes - we should do it! The question is ....... how?<br />
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I'm a Gemini. That means that as an air sign not only am I flying high a lot of the time, I'm also up in my head for a great many hours. Which in turn means that I am NOT in my body. When I began to ponder this dilemma of how to stay in the now, I realized that it is my body not my mind that is always in the present. My body is always here right now. Therefore one of the things that takes me out of my present reality is my tendency to be out of my body and up in my head.<br />
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Thoughts occur now but they are rarely OF the now. My thoughts are usually about what just happened or what might happen next. Rarely do I think, oh look, there are my feet, planted on the ground right now! No, no. I have to have much more lofty thoughts than that. What was the meaning of that remark that person just made? Was it about me? If not why not? Why weren't they paying attention to what I was saying? Didn't I do it right? How can I get them to notice my important messages? etc., etc., etc.<br />
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Perhaps Clue Number 1 for staying in the present is to stay firmly centered in my body? If I focus on my physical self - how does it feel? What does it need? Is it hungry? Is it tired? Is it cold? Warm? Rested? Sore? Then I will truly be in now.<br />
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But what if my body isn't great right now? What if it hurts? What if it's sick? Well, maybe I'd better do something to help it feel better. Take care of it. Now there's a good thought. Taking care of myself. <br />
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Taking care of myself and in particular my physical body, keeps me in the now!<br />
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Of course, there are times when I need to consider the past or make choices for the future, but not all the time. Focus on the present brings the benefit of self care and that in turn, makes tomorrow possible.<br />
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Bringing myself down from the air, down out of my head, and back into my physical body is something I can do when I get far away from the present moment. There's always some small task of self-care and maintenance I can focus on. There is a body to be showered, skin to be pampered, teeth to be cleaned, nails to be groomed, hair to be brushed, a thirst to be satisfied. I look at my cat. He spends an enormous amount of time grooming himself and he doesn't seem to be bothered about being self-centered!<br />
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If this is Clue Number 1, then there must be others.....watch this space!Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299103770765283695.post-61103030017396678492011-05-26T07:39:00.000-06:002011-05-26T07:39:01.042-06:00The Now FactorThe answers to the most perplexing dilemmas usually come, it seems, in unexpected ways - quite out of left field, from outside the box, a bolt from the blue. Maybe that's why they strike and stay. Maybe that's what is meant to happen.....<br />
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A while ago an event occurred in my life. It was a repetitive situation, one that I had struggled with before many times. Each time, instead of the experience shedding more light on what to do and how to respond, I felt an increasing confusion as to how to respond and a heavier burden of sorrow. What to do? How to handle this? Instructions please. A How To manual for getting on top of this thing is what I needed.<br />
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This time I responded ...... exactly the same. I did the one thing I knew from past experience worked - I removed myself - but the feelings were just the same. I sat for a moment and waited. I don't know what I was waiting for but something much greater than me did, and it delivered.<br />
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Without ceremony, that unexpected thing happened, that out-of-left-field, outside-of-the-box, bolt-from-the-blue (and all those other weary cliches) event. A thought appeared in my mind.<br />
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Now this wasn't a thought that I put there. I know that for sure. It was far too profound for my basic mind. It was planted. It was downloaded by the Universe completely formed so that I could not ignore it, nor twist it into something it wasn't, nor tear it apart with analysis. It just was.<br />
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It said, "What just happened is now in the past."<br />
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I was stunned. I examined the thought as if it was emblazoned in lights across a neon billboard. Immediately the vast implications of this statement began to unfold in front of me. If what happened was now in the past why did I need to be experiencing it right now? Could I truly leave it in the past? How would I do that? Did that mean that I had a choice with this thing? Was it really that simple?<br />
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The effect of that moment is still with me. That's what this blog is about. How do I examine a thought that simple and.....that big? Probably only through rambling around the issues it raises.<br />
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I could do it alone in a journal but I decided not. I'm willing to share.....if you are willing to listen and maybe respond. <br />
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The rest of my life is NOW and I have a choice to make it so.Gillianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04799632393882047049noreply@blogger.com1