Why I love helping others...........

I was listening to an archive version of Michelle Phillips radio show " The Beauty Blueprint" on taking back your power. I was thinking back to the first time I joined Michelle's coaching circle and looking at where I am today; then something occurred to me.   I have always beaten myself up for giving too much and trying to strike that balance between giving, loving who I am and being more kinder to myself.  I now see this as a strength because giving back to others only enriches my life and helps me to see who I truly am, by just that, giving of my true self.

I did an exercise a while back where I e mailed all of those closest to me in my life, including co workers to ask them what qualities they saw in me.  The list was overflowing with characteristics of who I am as an individual and even showed me characteristics that I never saw in myself.  It helped me to look within to say to myself, I am a worthy human being, making a difference in the lives of others and living life the best that I know how.

It brought me to thinking about why I enjoy giving back to others and helping those in my life including friends, family, co workers, complete strangers.  Learning to loving myself more, along with the process that I have been through and continuing to go through now in my Master Coaching Circle has helped me appreciate me and appreciate every tiny or large miracle that is occurring in my life, as well as the miracles that have transpired over this past year.  As cheesy as this sounds and as I celebrate the Easter holiday with my friends and family, this is my Easter basket, full of taking the steps to learn to love me-loving those in my life that mean the world to me and experiencing the tiny little miracles that have occurred and are continuing to occur.

Happy Easter everyone. I just added this picture to my desktop every time I open my computer as a reminder and to let those in my life that have been there for me including coaching circle girls,  friends and family that I love you too!

I Believe...............

I believe in family. I have always been a family oriented person and family is very important to me. My family will always be there for me through thick and thin. They will love me unconditionally no matter what mistakes or decisions I make in my life. They are my back bone in life and provide me with a safe secure place to go back to. A part of family is believing in marriage.  To have that someone in my life that is my best friend.

I believe in loyalty and friendship. Having those people in my life that are always there for me. Those special individuals and circle of people that I can continually turn to for advice, support, entertainment, and encouragement. They are the ones who know who I am at my core, the good and the areas where I know I can improve. I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by amazing people who I know will be there for me in times of need or to just be, hang out, laugh, be silly, have fun, and celebrate. These are the friends with whom I can be my true self and trust above all else. These are the friendships that have been with me in times of joy and held my hand through the stormy, turbulent times and to do the same for my friends.

I believe in spirituality.  Continuing to work on myself, grow as a result of my life experiences and people that I come into contact with on a daily basis or those closest to me in my life.  Continuing to learn my life lessons that I am supposed to learn while here on this earth.  All who have come into my life for a reason. I also believe in the power of curiosity.  Curiosity that helps me to get to the core of my being and move me towards loving who I am as an individual.

I believe in girly things. Anything with glitter, bows and ruffles. I love Nick knacks, candles, picture frames (to have those closet to you in sight), Kelly Rae Roberts art, jewelry, headbands, clothing and purses.  Being surrounded by beauty is important to me.

I believe in sunsets. It is a mark of the nearing of a day and the start of a new day. The beauty of the sunset is so incredible.

I believe in working hard. I have always been a conscientious person and one to take pride in the work that I do.  I am committed to the work that I do on myself personally or in my professional life.

I believe in making myself vulnerable to others.  To reach out, question things, ask questions, put myself out there and allow myself to learn from others. But to also share my story with others in hopes of helping others.

I believe in being compassionate and kind to others. To value those that are in my life, let them know often and not be afraid to show my appreciation and love for them.  The kind where an unexpected gift or card brightens someones day.

I believe in the power of intuition. That strong pull that I feel when the universe is trying to tell me to act on something; including when something does not feel right.  To learn how to trust myself more and allow the universe to lead me to where it is I am supposed to be going.

I am starting to believe in myself.  That I do have the capability to do extraordinary things. That I can be happy with who I am and what I have accomplished. I believe in taking action on what inspires me and to be a better person to be able to reach new heights. To believe that I am stronger than I think and capable of much more. To make a difference in people's live whether it is with my family, friends, co workers and anyone else I come into contact with.

What do you believe in?

Letting Go of What No Longer Serves Me

So I decided to write a blog and make it public on the things in my life that do not serve me anymore for one reason and one reason only-commitment. Commitment to letting go of the things in my life that are not good for me and only create suffering-angst which leaves me feeling not so good about myself.  This was a discussion in my Master Coaching Circle.  I took some time this weekend to not work, sleep and not think a lot except from our last coaching circle call.  Amazing what self care does and I feel energized to share some things that I have been thinking about here and there over the weekend:


I am letting go of the negative self talk.  I am committed to be happy with who I am and taking compliments by plainly saying thank you.  


I am letting go of overanalyzing things that are occurring in my life. I am in the process of going through many changes in my life more so personally- mind, body and spirit.  I am committed to continue to look within, learn more about myself, be happy with who I am, and grow more into the beautiful person that I am.   I do not however want to downplay where I am in my career. I am committed to being OK with where I am professionally. Between my work and volunteer experience it is moving me towards becoming more self confident and only helping me to grow stronger in supporting others to be a coach. mentor or role model.  The most beautiful thing about all of this is that I do not know where I am going, I just know that in this current journey I am making the steps towards loving more of myself, so I can in turn be able to help others.  My current experiences will allow me to only be a better coach. mentor or role model.  


I am letting go of expectations.  Too often I expect others to act the way I expect them too. I am committed to letting go of this thought process and just being OK with what is going on at that moment in time without judgement.   


As I begin to think and commit to letting go of things that do not serve me any more, it seems like a lot and yet it provides me with a sense of comfort knowing that we all have a choice in life. A choice to live true to who we are as woman and live the lives that each of us deserve.  It is so true that we have the power to make positive changes in our lives. A special friend shared this with me a few weeks ago and it was a simple statement, yet so profound. She said that I need to start looking at myself as the prize. 


I am going to stay true to committing to showing the world what it is that I have to offer and so it begins-To step beyond my comfort zones and lastly let go of the fear of failure, yet take each opportunity as a place to experience, learn, grow and move myself to the next level.  This is my commitment to myself.  

Thank you to Michelle, all my Coaching Circle Angels and Margaret for being there for me, supporting me and guiding me to take action in my life, as well as believing in me which has allowed me to believe in myself -spread my wings and fly.  XO

Change is inevitable.  It is a blessing in disguise.  Change is where you learn more about yourself, learn to appreciate your experiences or losses, and provide you with fresh new adventures to keep life meaningful or purposeful.  

So as I am approaching change in my life at many different levels personally and professionally, there is a barrier that comes up for me-FEAR. Fear of the unknown and fear of failure.  In my last coaching circle call I was able to begin to see that the fear of the unknown is such a gift; a blessing in life.  It allows you to be creative,  live in the present moment, and to experience the wonder that life has to offer. I was also able to acknowledge my paralyzing thoughts on fear of failure and I learned that it is OK to make mistakes because this is where your biggest life lessons are learned.  To be able to learn from your mistakes, patterns or tendencies and teach to others makes it worthwhile to take that leap of faith.  Rewarding.  

So one step towards conquering my fear of the unknown and failure is to write about my accomplishments in life.  Since I was a little girl, I was always the sensitive one out of all six siblings and to this day I still wear my heart on my sleeve.  One characteristic that I see as a strength as it has allowed me to open myself up to others, make myself vulnerable, learn and at the same time teach to others, and be empathetic towards others which is so important in building relationships with others.    

As I grew older into middle school, I was always the smart one when it came to choosing my friends.  I have always surrounded myself with positive people. My Mom used to and still to this day has told me that I always have the sweetest of friends.  Connection is something that has always been an important value to me and continues to be something that allowed me to surround myself with people that only lift me higher.  

When I entered into High School, I was always the conscientious one when it came to completing my education. I worked and studied hard in school and then continued to graduate from high school and got accepted into the University of Kansas in Lawrence.  I was never a straight A student, but to graduate from college was a big accomplishment for me. I graduated with a Bachelors in Human Development and Family Life specializing in Early Childhood.  

It was after I graduated college that entered into retail. I worked at Ann Taylor Loft and when I started I was reserved, shy, and not very outgoing.  Working retail has taught me many things and the biggest gift I got out of my work experience was something so simple, yet something so profound-to become more social and initiate conversations with complete strangers. Coming from a little girl who would not talk when I was taken to a speech therapist, that is huge!  

I continued in retail for years until I moved to Denver, Colorado.  It was in Denver that my career in the non profit world opened up.  I was the Director of School Age Programs and Day Camp Programs at the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver.  I supervised after school and day camp programs for children in elementary school, as well as large numbers of staff for many years.  This work experience provided me with the skills, tools and resources to be able to move to the next level in my career when I moved to Arizona.  

I worked as a Director of a Child Care Center for six months when I moved to AZ.  Something in my gut was telling me it was not right for me. I trusted my gut and as a result found a job that suited me better at Maricopa County Human Services-Head Start Zero Five Program where I currently still reside.  I have been working with the County for almost six years.  I started out as the Operations Supervisor for the program which included developing systems, policies and procedures and supervising a group of staff.  As time progressed, I ended up supervising an additional staff member, the volunteer coordinator.  The Operations Manager positions become vacant twice and I was asked to be in the acting role until the position was filled. What an honor to be trusted to be competent enough to take over this position.  I did not apply for the position because I did not feel like this was the direction I wanted to move.  I continue to stay in my role as Operation Supervisor and can happily say last program year I got the employee of the year award.  

So, I know that this is not the most exciting life, but one common theme throughout is helping others.  I am branching out and beginning to volunteer for an organization called Girls for a Change.  After writing out my accomplishments, it has helped me to see that every experience in my life, every person I come into contact with has brought me to where I am today which is my interest in keeping the connection and helping others. 

My Legacy

It has been a whirlwind of a week. Ever since I joined the Master Coaching Circle and have been working, volunteering and doing intensive work in other areas of my life things are moving at a fast pace.  All of which I can not complain about because I am grateful for what I have accomplished and the positive changes that have been and continue to be transpiring in my life.

I had a hard time with this whole concept this past weekend and as a result was extremely hard on myself.  I have been tossing and turning around with the idea of the word legacy.  I started to think what is my legacy?  What will I be known for?  Initially I had this silly idea that I had to be a Super Star.  A person of stature and importance.

Then I came to a conclusion today which is pure and simple:  I am my own unique individual. The special bonds and relationships I have formed in my friendships and family members, the daily work that I do in my in my personal and work life, the trust that I have built with others and the support I have provided to others is my legacy.  Giving is something that I enjoy doing.  I will always be a giving person and I will continue to give to others and to give back in the community.

All of this provided me with a sense of peace and purpose.   In the end, I know no matter what I do in life, my legacy will continue to build and live on in the peoples lives I touch.

Each of us has our legacy, what is yours? Enjoy being you................

Following the Signs

Good Morning,

Usually when I get inspired as a result of an observation or an experience, I write in my blog.  Yesterday I had an experience which I won't go into detail but when you get the nagging feeling to contact someone or reach out and it just pops up out of the blue for no apparent reason at any given moment- some words of advice is to listen to your gut or your intuition.  There are times where I am too wrapped up in the daily activities of life that I get those intuitive feelings, yet I do not take the time to listen to what is being told to me.  Make sense, or am I just going crazy :)

I was watching a TV Show called Touch just a couple weeks ago which speaks to how we are all one and the interconnections with others that come and go into our lives. I am a true believer that people come and go into our lives for many different reasons.  Through our life experiences come signs that are given to us in a variety of ways. Some of these signs come through in dreams, some through people that we meet for just a short period of time or that stay in our lives and some through our daily experiences. It is finding the meaning and connection to it all and listening to those gut feelings. It is paying attention to the signs that we are getting which means being in the present moment. One that I am still trying to master.

So my lesson that I learned this morning was to pay more attention to the signs that I am getting and to work towards staying more in the present moment.  Hard thing to do, but I am sure with practice, life experiences and the support of family, friends, and my coaching circle angels that I can make the steps towards accomplishing experiencing life to my fullest.

May sound odd, but would not be where I am today without my "Soul Family" which includes my family, friends and coaching circle angels.  I am so grateful to have met such amazing individuals and so lucky that they have allowed me into their lives to be able to have those life experiences that are only helping me to grow as a person.  Forever grateful and will continue to be.........

A New Year 2012

As I look back on the year 2011, a lot happened. A lot.  A mixture of both positive and challenging happenings.  I am going into this new year bringing all of the positives that occurred and learning from all of the challenges.  Good comes out of each situation and lessons are learned.  I have grown so much professionally and personally this year.  Met some amazing individuals and as a result new friendships were formed.  To say that I have the most amazing support system in my life is an understatement.  I am truly blessed and grateful. I am one lucky gal!

Here are a few things I learned this year as a result of all of my experiences:

Taking what I have learned and experienced this year,  putting it to use, and building on it for the new year 2012.

To cut myself some slack and when mistakes are made or those negative patterns or tendencies occur, know that it is OK, don't dwell on the past, it does not do anyone good to dwell on what was, instead  focus on the present moment.

To speak my truth, I am worth it, true relationships are developed maintained and only grow stronger when you say what you need to say in a loving manner.

To do what it is that I love to do.  Take action.  Action produces results.

Here is that latest one recently I learned a week or two prior to the new year and the biggest one to celebrate-To move forward no matter what curve balls life throws you.  Staying stagnant is no fun and is not helping anyone, including yourself.

I know there is so much more I could celebrate, but I am looking forward to a new year of celebrations,  possibilities, adventures, trials and tribulations.  I know that this year will never be perfect, but nothing will ever be perfect, this is what makes life something to experience and celebrate.  Sometimes not knowing what is next can be scary, but it is all about perspective, consider this something to look forward to-new possibilities :)

Happy New Year 2012

I Can Do It Conference-Tampa, Florida

Just the past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend and participate in the I Can Do It Conference in Tampa, Florida.  I had it on my vision board and made it a reality.  I was only in Tampa for 24 hours,  overnight, yet it was the most influential experience that I will never forget and cherish.  I had the opportunity to finally meet Michelle Phillips, along with some fabulous ladies in the Coaching Circle I have been a part of for the past twelve weeks in mid July through early November.  It was the first time we all met in person.  All other communication has been over the phone on our Coaching Circle calls or through our private face book page.  The anticipation up until we met was a mixture of nervousness and excitement. We all met in the lobby, gave hugs and went to dinner to celebrate the completion of the Summer and Fall Circle, as well as new friendships.  It was a time to connect, laugh, and enjoy each others company.

Michelle had each of us do something similar to what she did when she was a part of a Coaching Circle. She had us pick an engraved rock out of a bag and each rock had a word on it.  The rock that I picked was STRENGTH.  So relevant to where I am in my life right now and something that I carry around with me as a reminder of this amazing support group that I had the opportunity to be a part of. I am such a lucky girl. After the dinner we all walked over to the Wayne Dyer speaking event.  It was so fun to be able to sit with the girls and listen to more inspiration to end the night.

The next morning I met one of the girls from the CC Sherri to attend the workshop with Cheryl Richardson and Louise Hay. To see them speak in person, in the same room, was a dream come true.  And to start my day with the two of them and spending time with some of the Coaching Circle girls made my day even brighter.  Following this presentation, I attended another work shop with Louise Hay and part of the workshop we watched a video and it was so powerful and following were questions and answers.  It was so incredible to be in the same room and to hear Louise give advice to others in the room.  After the presentation we went to lunch, talked, and waited until Michelle's presentation later that day.

All of the girls in the Coaching Circle headed to Michelle's session.  Michelle had the front row reserved for her Coaching Circle girls.  On the other side was her family.  It was so awesome to be able to experience one of the biggest days in Michelle's professional career to be a speaker at the I Can Do It Conference. She owned the room. Her confidence and passion for what she does illuminated the room and the energy was incredible.  To be sitting in person and listening to her speak, along with all the Coaching Circle girls was the highlight of my trip.  We were Michelle's first Coaching Circle and the bonds that have been formed with Michelle and all the girls is unbreakable. The session ended with Michelle playing the video all the girls created for her as a Thank You.  Tears were flowing.   Solidified that we will always be there for each other through good times and bad. The power of a support system I never thought I would ever experience something of this caliber.

As the trip to Tampa came to a close I was overwhelmed with sadness. Sadness that this experience was over.  Sadness of leaving the girls and Michelle in the Coaching Circle and thinking when am I going to see them again.  Fear of what's next for me and in this next leg of my journey.  As my emotions got the best of me, my Mom and I headed back to Orlando.  It was a long drive and during this time we talked and we cried. It was a time to connect with my Mom and share our truths with each other.

I will never forget this experience and am forever changed as a result.  Upon my return home, I was re charged and hopeful of good things to come my way. This experience was just one more to add to Taking Yoga Off the Mat and my blog series.  I am so proud of where I am in my life and the work that I have done and am looking forward to what lies ahead.

Paying Tribute Part 7- Michelle Phillips

I embarked on new venture that began back in July-July 27th to be exact.  It is funny how the universe worked in my favor and it was meant to be. Confirmed to me that all is time and space.  I ran across a woman by the name of Michelle Phillips on face book. Michelle is a celebrity makeup artist and life coach. She also has a book that just got released called, The Beauty Blueprint and her own radio show on Hay House Radio.    I started to respond to some of her face book posts and to my amazement she actually took the time to respond to me. Not just a yes, no or thank you, but really took the time to respond. I was amazed, but also felt a connection to someone that I hardly even knew at that time.  

I responded to one of her face book posts on affirmations, I sent her my story through e mail, and Michelle responded again with a sincere message and asked me if I would like to join her with a small group of women in her summer coaching series. It was at this moment in time that my life changed all because of someone who cared enough to take the time to say-You Matter-And I Want to Help You.

Michelle is one of my angels. Michelle has such a big heart and she sees the best in everyone.  Michelle has been my continued supporter and strength over these past seven months.  Michelle has provided me with a safe forum to be able to accomplish things I never thought were possible. She helped me to challenge my beliefs about myself and she believed in my abilities. Michelle has supported me through the process of confronting things about myself and in my life that I had a hard time facing at times.   Michelle inspired me to take ACTION on things in my life which lead to results.

Michelle introduced me to Doreen Virtue's Angel Cards in the Coaching Circle, so in her honor, I asked the cards tonight and you will never believe what card I picked- and this is so right on-ANSWERED PRAYER.  Michelle is one of my answered prayers.  She came into my life in an unexpected way and who would of thought my prayers would be answered through the power of the face book world. A new opportunity for me was lead by Michelle and it has opened up doors for me I could never have imagined, along with a continued friendship.  I feel so blessed that Michelle is in my life. Michelle is one special individual and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.

Coaching Circle Thoughts

Ladies,

I came to the realization that this Coaching Circle is coming to a close-somewhat-I know Michelle said we would stay in touch monthly for a while longer.  This is something that I am sad and anxious about, yet I feel a sense of achievement and excitement at the same time. I feel so grateful to be a part of this circle.

I learned so much from each of you in this circle.  I thank you for allowing me into your lives and opening up yourselves to me.  You are such a powerful support group for me and amazing individuals. You been there for me through words of honesty,  support, encouragement, and to celebrate of all of my achievements. I have had the opportunity to do the same back to all of you.   The process has changed my life for the better. Words can not express how grateful I am for this experience.

I have learned so much from being a part of the Coaching Circle and here is just a few things that popped into my mind:

That it is OK to be vulnerable and open up myself to others.  When you open up to others and ask for support you not only learn more about yourself, you also can learn from other people's experiences.

That it is OK to speak my truth out of love for myself and not the fear of what if!

To trust that the universe will take care of me. So instead of reacting I need to let go and let things fall where they are going to fall.

To love myself.  To take care of myself first and know that I can not carry the burdens of others.

To trust that I am a competent person and I am able to do anything I put my mind to.

To know that it is OK for me to make mistakes, to not beat myself up over things, and to learn from every situation I encounter in life. Every experience is a lesson.

To believe that every situation that has occurred in my life has happened for a reason and in the midst of the most chaotic situations in life, these are the times to look back on and with great pride and say that it only made me stronger.

To not only speak of things that I want to see happen in my life, but to take ACTION. Action is what gives me what I deserve in life.

I love this one, To lead by example :)

That I will look back on the past six months to a year and say AHA-so that is why this is happening. Love those Aha Moments!

Whew!!! I feel a sense of achievement :)

I am looking forward to finally meeting Michelle and some of you in November at the I Can Do It Conference. It will be a time to connect face to face finally, give lots of hugs and to celebrate the new friendships that have been formed. I am also looking forward to staying in touch with each of you.

Love you all!

xxoo

Melissa

Changing Lives-One By One

Second Chances

So I watched one of my favorite movies of all times with Jennifer Garner.  Its called 13 going on 30.  My niece and Mom were asking questions throughout the entire movie-good thing I have seen it before...lol.  The best part about this movie is that it is full of beauty from the location of the set, the scenery, Jennifer Garners outfits (to die for), hair, makeup, the messages that came up throughout the movie and most of all to not have any regrets and live life to the fullest. Life is all about second chances.  Create and to go after what you want in life.

One of my favorite scenes is when she is presenting her new outlook on the magazine Poise.  Love this:

  Jenna: "Who are these women? Does anyone know? I dont recognize any
  of them. I want to see my best friends big sister, the girls from
  the soccer team, my next door neighbor, real women who are smart
  and pretty and happy to be who they are. These are the women to
  look up to. Lets put life back into the magazine. And fun and
  laughter and silliness. I think we all - I think all of us - want
  to feel something that weve forgotten or turned our backs on
  because maybe we didnt realize how much we were leaving behind. We
  need to remember what used to be good. If we dont, we wont
  recognize it even if it hits us between the eyes."

Each time I watch this movie I never get sick of it because it is such a fun movie full of life.  Every time I see this movie I want to go out and buy some Razzles :)  http://youtu.be/hhbYxXg7p-A This video is a reminder to let loose, have a little fun-and to not take life so seriously and enjoy the beauty around you.

Coaching Circle

I can not believe that four weeks of the Coaching Circle I joined and decided to participate in has passed. Amazing how much time flies when you are having fun.   I won't go into detail, but Michelle Phillips our main leader-supportor and motivator takes us through steps out of her book, The Beauty Blueprint. I never really thought that you could dedicate that much time to yourself, self indulging-but for me it felt like overindulging.  I almost felt guilty, yet something about looking within yourself and having the courage to hold yourself accountable and do the work is so liberating.

It has been four weeks of eye opening experiences, and participating in this Coaching Circle is the best thing that I have ever done for myself in a really long time.  I feel like I have made great strides towards facing things in my life that I have a hard time facing and learning my lessons in life.  

I still have a ways to go, and how ironic is it that I pulled one of Cheryl Richardson's twilight cards off of her website. I closed my eyes and asked a question about moving past resentment and the work that I will be doing in the next cycle of the Coaching Circle.  The card that I pulled was Comfort.  When I clicked on it, it said " Lean back into the arms of grace, let go and let God. "  So perfect and until next time I know what it is I need to do.  

My Heart Said YES!

I have a new venture that lies ahead beginning July 27th, funny how the universe works and I feel that this was meant to be. I ran across a woman by the name of Michelle Phillips on face book. Michelle is a celebrity artist and life coach. She also has a book that is coming out in the Fall called, The Beauty Blueprint.  I started to respond to some of her face book posts and to my amazement she actually took the time to respond to me. Not just a yes, no or thank you, but really took the time to respond. I was amazed, but also felt a connection to someone that I hardly even know. 

I responded to one of her face book posts on affirmations, I sent her my story through e mail, and Michelle responded again with a sincere message and asked me if I would like to join her with a small group of women in her summer coaching series.  She was even willing to help and work with me individually since I was going to miss two classes on vacation.  A woman of her stature I am sure has better things to do.

This was the first time in a long time, that my heart knew what to do. My heart screamed to go for it and that is just what I did.  I have never been so clear on something for quite some time. I feel like this is a new opportunity that will be filled with accomplishments, challenges, and I am going to be confronting things about myself and in my life that I have a hard time facing at times.  Nervous and excited.  

And so this new journey begins on July 27th, and I am looking forward to it...to be continued. 

Surround Yourself With Those That Love You..................

Yesterday seemed like a long day, not in a bad way, just a lot was going on at work.  I can not complain because I love where I am professionally and work almost feels like a second home to me. A second home because if you think about it, that is where I spend the majority of my time on weekdays pretty much 8 hours a day.

We had a retirement luncheon for a gentlemen that has worked for our program for over 9-10 years.  I also supervised him for a few of those years.  There came a time where we all had an opportunity to say a tribute to him, including myself.  There was lots of tears, joy, laughter and memories shared.....it triggered me to begin thinking that each and everyone of us touches lives in our own unique way.  We all have love and support around us, and are probably affecting more lives than we think.  I have this motto and that is to surround yourself with those that love you, and who are only going to lift you higher. I was just telling someone the other day that I have surrounded myself with amazing individuals in my life.

It also got me to thinking that nothing ever stays the same, change is constant.  Change at times for me is not comfortable for a short period of time, but yesterday helped me to see that when things change in our lives or we are going through hardships, new opportunities open up for us and it is during the hard times where lessons are learned to only make you stronger.  I have a friend that gave me a little plaque.  I have it in my bathroom, and look at it each and everyday as I am getting ready in the morning or going to bed as a reminder to: Believe, to believe that all things happen for a reason.

As I look back on what has transpired in my life so far, I can not complain. So grateful for what life has provided to me, and comforted in knowing that when things get tough....I am surrounded with love and support....all I need to do is reach out....my friends and family will always be there for me.

First Class-Business Class-Economy-Standby-Hmmmmm....something to think about.

I have been reading more and more lately, something I have not done a lot of in the past. Curiosity I guess and something to keep me grounded when things feel tough.  I came across this book called-Traveling at the Speed of Love by Sonia Choquette.  I can not believe how small the New Age section was at Barnes and Noble-very surprising. It was the last book on the shelf and it was meant to be that I got this book. I just started reading it this weekend.  The book has just begun and it there are already parts of the book that have really struck home and taken my breath away.

The title of the book pretty much says it all, "when we travel at the speed of love, we choose to live in a frequency of unconditional love. Today, most of us travel at the frequency of fear and exist in a victim consciousness. " Something to really think about is, "we are all traveling in this universe together, the speed, the tone, and the quality of our journey differs greatly from person to person.

We choose our way just as when we travel on airplanes we choose our class: first class, business class, economy, or even standby."  Never looked at life like this, and for sure do not want to be in economy-First class or standby would be nice.  I see standby as in living life spur of the moment and letting life unfold as it is ready, or first class as in giving myself what I feel I deserve and surrounding myself with like minded people.

The book is just getting started, but there was a section that stood out which speaks to when you travel first class, " you meet the best fellow travelers " (for the most part)  "Because like attracts like, people who choose to travel in first class meet kindred spirits, like minded souls who share the same values and priorities.  These are giving people who are generous of the soul and full of heart and make your journey through life richer in every way.  The make traveling companions, and open doors to wondrous opportunities."  So grateful that I am surrounded with these kind of individuals in my life-my friends and family.  I started a blog series called Paying Tribute, and I think that it is so important to be grateful to the people in your life. Those that open and heal your heart vs surrounding yourself with people who bring you down.

Funny how the card I picked today off of Sonia's website speaks to Starting A New.  I feel like I am slowly just doing that, and so the journey continues...........

Celebrate

The past couple weeks, a common theme has been standing out for me-Celebrate.  A word that can be interpreted in different ways, for me I look at this as a celebration of where I currently am in my life and my journey that lies ahead.  

This word has been coming to me through dreams, songs, and tonight through just picking a daily wisdom card off of Sonia Choquette's website.  Something that I would not of noticed in the past, and it seems that when things just seem like coincidence, think again.  As you look within yourself, and open your heart to the unimaginable, you will start to see little small miracles start to happen.  I have had many small miracles happen to me the past few months, but to me I consider them huge....cause it is just one step closer to living a more peaceful life, even sometimes in the midst of chaos.  Take time to celebrate all of the good that is going on in your life, which includes your health, family, friends and loved ones.....Celebrate with a thank you to that special someone, or a hug, or a letter, or dinner with a special friend or loved one, and the list goes on.......Celebrate good times.

The Shift Video Segment

Ran across this segment on U Tube, it is a series of Wayne Dyer's movie called The Shift.  Been watching some of the segments and it has really struck home for me. Brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it. To look at life in this way is truly amazing. "Put your attention on how may I serve. Not being attached to outcome and putting attention to service." This video is so powerful, I wanted to savor it somehow.  What a better way to save this video than in my blog series.  " Wherever you are, at whatever age, you are only a thought away from changing your life. " Thank you Wayne Dyer!

Patience is a Virtue

I ended last night feeling grateful for my life, my family and friends, my job, my co workers, my health-oh and my little man of course.  Oddly enough, I dreamt about a birthday cake and looked it up in my dream book. What I got out of my dream is that my wishes will soon come true-with action of course.

Had an off day today for some reason.  Really off day.  Could of been the Hay House Radio I was listening to last night-heavy stuff.  I could'nt even concentrate at work.  Guess we all have those days.

Was doing some casual searching on a website of Sonia Coquette earlier tonight, picked a random daily card off of her site, and this is what showed up for me:

How convenient and a fabulous way to end my night-this is so right on.

  I am recognizing that  I just need to be patient and let things go where they need to go. 

All in due time.  All in due time. 

  

Paying Tribute Part 6-Marjorie

I first met Marjorie back in January 2006 when I first interviewed for the Operations Supervisor position.  She was on my interview panel.  I remember leaving my interview Scott was waiting for me in the car and I told him I did not get the position.  Wow-what confidence right-lol.  I got the offer that week.

It was not until after the first year, going more into my second and third year at Head Start that Marjorie and I started to develop an actual working relationship that lead into a friendship.  I was asked to become the Acting Operations Manager for the program.  We worked closely together running the program, keeping it a float and along the way came many challenges for myself professionally and personally.   She helped me through those challenges.  She would always use Yoga and its philosophy during those times.  She even got me started in Yoga.  

Marjorie has always been there for me when I needed her.  I remember when I got my wisdom teeth out she took me to get them out and took care of me following.  She would spend hours just sitting on the couch with me while I was healing.  A memory to treasure for sure.  One out of many. Margie has always been in her love to me maternal in some ways, and always made sure that I was taking care of myself. She would always say to me, Be Kind To Yourself....now I know what she meant. It took me a while to figure it out as I have made strides in my spiritual journey.

After about five years of working with Margie she announced out of the blue in a meeting that she was leaving the program.  I felt a like someone had hit me in the stomach.  Hard news to hear at first for someone who has always been there.  The place where I miss her most is at the Yoga studio since that is where our friendship truly evolved.  As time progressed I came to accept it and was so happy that she was embarking on a new journey-new adventures.  She has moved out of state to San Francisco and I know that she is only a phone call or plane ride away if I ever need her.  

Margie and I at the Yoga Studio