I received a course notification today for a course for managers & supervisors called “Managing Employees Who Have Rotten Attitudes or Lousy People Skills”.
My first instinctual reaction was this is going to be a joke e-mail. When I opened it the content looked like the real thing, and thought man someone has way too much time on their hands to make up a fake poster like this. Then I realized this is an ACTUAL course.
So the concept behind the course I suppose is good, trying to get the best out of the people you work with.
However the language used on in this course poster holds a lot of presuppositions which are unbelievable to me when I think that they are targeting leaders in our organizations.
First you have the course title “Managing Employee Who have Rotten Attitudes or Lousy People Skills” then speckled throughout the description the author repeatedly refers to employees and their attitudes as “weak”, “crummy”, “lousy” in one instance “just plain stink”.
By the language alone this begins to devalue the “problem” employee in the eyes of the manager/supervisor and is actually quite demeaning to read.
The second thing that stands out for me in the course is as statement that “Employees who don’t know how to get along with others – or worse yet, WON’T get along with others – make life hard for everyone around them, especially you, their manager.”
It talks of making them feel like you “hear” them. (And yes it put it in quotes)
The pictures in the poster of the employees look like they are depressed not weak or crummy. They look truly unhappy.
The course description ends with, “Enroll today and end your frustrations for good!”
How ominous does that sound?
Is this really what this company thinks are skills leaders in our society need? Tools to take care of the trouble makers (them)?
Where is ownership, where is the compassion? (Where is the "me"?)
Where is the let’s get curious about what is underlying all of this behaviour to truly make a difference in way you (and the employee) engage with each other?
I look at my workplace and I see the leadership within. There is such a variety of leadership styles in our workplace. And I see the leaders who make the biggest impact and have the happiest employees in our organization. They are the ones who are showing up… authentically being themselves and encouraging others to be their selves. Encouraging growth and valuing it, in their selves and others. This is what true leadership is.
What is it going to take for people to get it? Just sit back and allow yourself to imagine what a fantastic environment “work” would be if the leaders who were there showed up and encouraged you to do the same?
Breathing is good. There is always more.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Stopping the Cycle
I had a big night of insights last night and I metabolized quite a bit, yet for this insight I know that it is just the tip of the ice burg.
At the same time I know I have stopped history from repeating itself, by speaking of my past experience.
By voicing it as I see it happening again and saying "Wait, this is how those words affected me.... I don't want to see that happen here."
And it stops... at the very least it will be noticed when it begins to happen and a choice can be made in that moment... "Is this who I am and how I choose to move through my world? Or is this a demon from my past running a tape from my childhood of behavior that may have been modelled to me?"
With that, it already is different. You can no longer not know.
As we move through generations we evolve. We don't have to be our parents, we can be different.
And by no means is that meant to show disrespect to them, they worked with what they had and what was modelled to them by their parents, etc.
It is simply growing and recognizing... if it doesn't feel right to me I don't have to choose this way of parenting my children.
And there is always tomorrow...
At the same time I know I have stopped history from repeating itself, by speaking of my past experience.
By voicing it as I see it happening again and saying "Wait, this is how those words affected me.... I don't want to see that happen here."
And it stops... at the very least it will be noticed when it begins to happen and a choice can be made in that moment... "Is this who I am and how I choose to move through my world? Or is this a demon from my past running a tape from my childhood of behavior that may have been modelled to me?"
With that, it already is different. You can no longer not know.
As we move through generations we evolve. We don't have to be our parents, we can be different.
And by no means is that meant to show disrespect to them, they worked with what they had and what was modelled to them by their parents, etc.
It is simply growing and recognizing... if it doesn't feel right to me I don't have to choose this way of parenting my children.
And there is always tomorrow...
Monday, March 26, 2007
Woman Awakening
I look around me with my eyes wide open and my breath deep in my body. And I see you.
I listen with my ears and my attention deep at the base of my spine. And I hear you.
I close my eyes and know with in myself that you are present, you are home.
My journey is so new, yet it seems I have been doing this forever, it feels so right.
To see other people begin to wake up to their own potential is intoxicating.
To be present when some else finds the sacred within themselves is inexplicable.
To witness a woman claim back her LIFE is simply brilliant and awe inspiring.
Knowing that I have been an invitation for women to awaken to this in themselves has been fantastic, to be a witness to their brilliance, their unlimited potential just by being themselves… there is nothing like it.
Yes our lives can change in an instant, if you allow yourself to become curious and ask the bigger questions. If you take ownership for your life, it will never be the same.
Breathe, follow the impulse, and “know” you are so much more.
Life is good… and there is always more.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Beauty of Innoncence
I was sitting with Sara playing with her "guys" (small stuffed bears) and she started pretending one was sick. So my bear was supposed to be the doctor bear.
Well her "guy" was getting upset at my doctor because I wasn't playing right. I was supposed to make him feel better.
Ready for this?
With some deep breaths and by holding him close.
The beauty of innocence, the power of being you.
Well her "guy" was getting upset at my doctor because I wasn't playing right. I was supposed to make him feel better.
Ready for this?
With some deep breaths and by holding him close.
The beauty of innocence, the power of being you.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Through the Eyes of a two year old
What an adventure our walk turned out to be.
It seemed like everything was "new" for Sara, and it probably was.
Who knew the ducks wouldn't be like the cute little yellow ones Sara knows from TV?
Who knew that the squirrels would run away from an excited two year old?
Who knew that encountering dogs along the way would be a scary thing?
Who knew the little girl would walk around singing at the top of her lungs through the forest!
What a joy it was.
And what is in store for Jessica & her Dad this afternoon? Ha, ha, ha I know but she is sitting here reading it so I won't say!
Who knew?
It seemed like everything was "new" for Sara, and it probably was.
Who knew the ducks wouldn't be like the cute little yellow ones Sara knows from TV?
Who knew that the squirrels would run away from an excited two year old?
Who knew that encountering dogs along the way would be a scary thing?
Who knew the little girl would walk around singing at the top of her lungs through the forest!
What a joy it was.
And what is in store for Jessica & her Dad this afternoon? Ha, ha, ha I know but she is sitting here reading it so I won't say!
Who knew?
Spring has Sprung
the grass has ris... I can never remember the next part of the saying.
Today is a beautiful sunny day in Dartmouth, the skies are blue, the temperature is above zero, and my FAMILY is going out for a walk in the park.
Mike suggested the place for the outing, Sara of course loves to be outside, I am estatic my family is actually going to be doing something together, and Jessica doesn't want to come.
Breathe. I am frusterated beyond measure and I found words coming out of my mouth that very much the "command and control" way of parenting.
"You are coming whether you like it or not". I cringe as the words come out, yet at the same time I am longing for this family outing to happen.
So now I have a choice point. Allowing her to go back to her friends house as the rest of us go out as a family, if she chooses to. Or making her do what I want her to do.
Breathe, follow the impulse, and stand in what your body knows is the right thing.
I'll give her the choice.
In each moment we have the power of choice...
Today is a beautiful sunny day in Dartmouth, the skies are blue, the temperature is above zero, and my FAMILY is going out for a walk in the park.
Mike suggested the place for the outing, Sara of course loves to be outside, I am estatic my family is actually going to be doing something together, and Jessica doesn't want to come.
Breathe. I am frusterated beyond measure and I found words coming out of my mouth that very much the "command and control" way of parenting.
"You are coming whether you like it or not". I cringe as the words come out, yet at the same time I am longing for this family outing to happen.
So now I have a choice point. Allowing her to go back to her friends house as the rest of us go out as a family, if she chooses to. Or making her do what I want her to do.
Breathe, follow the impulse, and stand in what your body knows is the right thing.
I'll give her the choice.
In each moment we have the power of choice...
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The power of coming home
For those who know me, you know how I find it important to me to stay connected with the women I have been on this journey with over the past year and a bit.
I find it refreshes and brings joy back into my life to have these bigger conversations with people. Not to bitch and complain. (like I did in my last post... so easy to slip into what we "knew" for so long). But to have real conversations about things that are meaningful to us.
Reconnecting with women who have felt within themselves the power of coming home.
These days I have also been blessed with attracting new people into my life. Women who are searching, women who are seeking, women who are through doing what they have been doing for the past 35-45 yrs of their lives.
They have come to seek me out. Perhaps seeing how I am moving through my world. Perhaps having read some of my articles or having seen my programs advertised. Asking if I would take some time to listen. Take the time to talk. Take the time for a new friendship.
And it never ceases to amaze me, the number of them who are game. Who are up for the "what else is out there for me"; the "I know there is more to it than this" in their lives.
And I've seen them. I've witness their sacred moments when they have claimed back their own power (no longer giving it to the boss, boyfriend, mother, father). I've seen them know within themselves... deep down in that place where spirit touches tissue, that they are worth more and capable of more. And then they step into it.
I'm thinking of a woman now who I have been coaching for almost 6 months now and she is simply blossoming... coming home.
And I'm not the only person who sees it... and it is simply fantastic. I have learnt so much about myself in witnessing her courage and strength coming forward.
Witnessing the power of someone coming home... this is where it's at. This is where I want to be, growing, evolving, decloaking, BEING... all the while witnessing that sacred in other women... welcome home.
I find it refreshes and brings joy back into my life to have these bigger conversations with people. Not to bitch and complain. (like I did in my last post... so easy to slip into what we "knew" for so long). But to have real conversations about things that are meaningful to us.
Reconnecting with women who have felt within themselves the power of coming home.
These days I have also been blessed with attracting new people into my life. Women who are searching, women who are seeking, women who are through doing what they have been doing for the past 35-45 yrs of their lives.
They have come to seek me out. Perhaps seeing how I am moving through my world. Perhaps having read some of my articles or having seen my programs advertised. Asking if I would take some time to listen. Take the time to talk. Take the time for a new friendship.
And it never ceases to amaze me, the number of them who are game. Who are up for the "what else is out there for me"; the "I know there is more to it than this" in their lives.
And I've seen them. I've witness their sacred moments when they have claimed back their own power (no longer giving it to the boss, boyfriend, mother, father). I've seen them know within themselves... deep down in that place where spirit touches tissue, that they are worth more and capable of more. And then they step into it.
I'm thinking of a woman now who I have been coaching for almost 6 months now and she is simply blossoming... coming home.
And I'm not the only person who sees it... and it is simply fantastic. I have learnt so much about myself in witnessing her courage and strength coming forward.
Witnessing the power of someone coming home... this is where it's at. This is where I want to be, growing, evolving, decloaking, BEING... all the while witnessing that sacred in other women... welcome home.
No Content...
I find myself compelled to write tonight and I don't have the slightest clue what about yet, so as I often do, I will let my fingers do the talking.
I've been finding at times I am exhausted. I don't feel burnt out... just tired. It is almost as if I am trying to pack too much into my days, trying to be there for everyone who asks, and getting back into the dance of wanting to please.
I just started a new job, the people I am working with are fantastic yet I am feeling inside myself that I should be doing more for the group. I don't have the slightest clue what that "more" is yet because I haven't yet claimed my space in the group. This feeling of in am I enough for them still plagues me although I thought that was the old me... things still creep up. Oh how the old culturally conditioned / early childhood systems stick with you.
The good thing is I can now recognize these as habit or strategies I used in my past, and choose to move through my world differently.
At work it's Year End, so my co-workers at my old position are going crazy with the additional workload I used to take care of for them (year end was mostly my job). My replacement is a temp who has not mastered the financial systems, so I have offered to help see them through year end. Well time is ticking and I'm still waiting...
Each time I would go to show the temp how to do something (to assist them) I would get bombarded with requests and questions from the 3 project managers.
1. Overwhelming
2. Where is the respect when someone is working with someone else?
3. I have allotted my time for a specific purpose, I have a full time job and you need to respect that.
I asked my old boss the other day to talk with the other 2 project managers and make a list of the things they would like me to work on for them this year end (and also to make sure it is not something either they or the temp can do) and I would come in on the weekend to complete the tasks. To help ease their work load.
Tomorrow I go to meet with my old boss to go over his projects, I have allotted an hour of time and I also asked that he get that list and that I not be bombarded with the other stuff when I am meeting with him. I told him my work load in my current job and that I would appreciate it if we could keep on task.
This post is way too much like bitching and complaining... it is making me feel blah!
I'm going to start a new post right now on some of the more important things going on in my world right now!
Stay tuned...
I've been finding at times I am exhausted. I don't feel burnt out... just tired. It is almost as if I am trying to pack too much into my days, trying to be there for everyone who asks, and getting back into the dance of wanting to please.
I just started a new job, the people I am working with are fantastic yet I am feeling inside myself that I should be doing more for the group. I don't have the slightest clue what that "more" is yet because I haven't yet claimed my space in the group. This feeling of in am I enough for them still plagues me although I thought that was the old me... things still creep up. Oh how the old culturally conditioned / early childhood systems stick with you.
The good thing is I can now recognize these as habit or strategies I used in my past, and choose to move through my world differently.
At work it's Year End, so my co-workers at my old position are going crazy with the additional workload I used to take care of for them (year end was mostly my job). My replacement is a temp who has not mastered the financial systems, so I have offered to help see them through year end. Well time is ticking and I'm still waiting...
Each time I would go to show the temp how to do something (to assist them) I would get bombarded with requests and questions from the 3 project managers.
1. Overwhelming
2. Where is the respect when someone is working with someone else?
3. I have allotted my time for a specific purpose, I have a full time job and you need to respect that.
I asked my old boss the other day to talk with the other 2 project managers and make a list of the things they would like me to work on for them this year end (and also to make sure it is not something either they or the temp can do) and I would come in on the weekend to complete the tasks. To help ease their work load.
Tomorrow I go to meet with my old boss to go over his projects, I have allotted an hour of time and I also asked that he get that list and that I not be bombarded with the other stuff when I am meeting with him. I told him my work load in my current job and that I would appreciate it if we could keep on task.
This post is way too much like bitching and complaining... it is making me feel blah!
I'm going to start a new post right now on some of the more important things going on in my world right now!
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Dance...
Single Mothers / Single Mothers on Assistance this is where my attention has been going towards. This is an area in my life where I know I can make a difference and impact... on how many it's unimportant, so long as I reach one I am happy.
I find myself consider alot lately this whole parenting paradigm.
I find myself most times feeling like I still am a single mother, even though my children's father is back in our lives. I feel very much alone in this "adult" world of parenting.
Having to be responsible, taking care of the house, taking care of the kids, taking care of their health (mind, body and spirit). And then having to make up stories about this man I want my children to look up to. This man I want very much to be a partner in our relationship, after all he is also a parent of our two girls and thus begins the dance of deception.
Dancing is a metaphor for this game I play where I know the type of man I want my children to look up.
I want my girls to be able to see their father loves them, by his actions, not his words. I want them to know he is interested in them, in who they are and who they are becoming. I want them to know he considers them a priority and not a burden.
And I have found myself in the past doing things to cover for him, not because he asked me to but because I felt compelled to make it "alright" for my kids. Making up stories (that I wasn't even sure were true as actions speak louder than words) about how much he really does love them, how proud he is of them, how much they mean to him... and I know because children are brilliant and that they know how they feel... and these words I tell them are contradicting what their bodies and emotions are telling them.
And what I know now is that is crazy making stuff. Imagine, if you (as an adult) met someone who had no interest in what you were doing, what you were accomplishing, not even really willing to talk with you except to criticize or occasionally inquire about your day. And imagine, if you had a mutual friend who kept telling you, they really like you, they really are proud of your accomplishments, they are so interested in your life.
How would you feel?
Now imagine being a child and these people are your parents.
I'm sure there are a few of you who did experience this in your own childhood.
So how do I end this dance I find myself dancing? I have already spoken up and said I was no longer willing to settle for less... and yet I find myself sucking it back up for a bit. I have seen changes being made already.
I figure I will wait a bit then enter the conversation again. Are these changes happening because it is what I want or are they being made because this is something you have found within yourself that you would like to improve upon? And how long do I wait?
The song has changed but I am still dancing.
I find myself consider alot lately this whole parenting paradigm.
I find myself most times feeling like I still am a single mother, even though my children's father is back in our lives. I feel very much alone in this "adult" world of parenting.
Having to be responsible, taking care of the house, taking care of the kids, taking care of their health (mind, body and spirit). And then having to make up stories about this man I want my children to look up to. This man I want very much to be a partner in our relationship, after all he is also a parent of our two girls and thus begins the dance of deception.
Dancing is a metaphor for this game I play where I know the type of man I want my children to look up.
I want my girls to be able to see their father loves them, by his actions, not his words. I want them to know he is interested in them, in who they are and who they are becoming. I want them to know he considers them a priority and not a burden.
And I have found myself in the past doing things to cover for him, not because he asked me to but because I felt compelled to make it "alright" for my kids. Making up stories (that I wasn't even sure were true as actions speak louder than words) about how much he really does love them, how proud he is of them, how much they mean to him... and I know because children are brilliant and that they know how they feel... and these words I tell them are contradicting what their bodies and emotions are telling them.
And what I know now is that is crazy making stuff. Imagine, if you (as an adult) met someone who had no interest in what you were doing, what you were accomplishing, not even really willing to talk with you except to criticize or occasionally inquire about your day. And imagine, if you had a mutual friend who kept telling you, they really like you, they really are proud of your accomplishments, they are so interested in your life.
How would you feel?
Now imagine being a child and these people are your parents.
I'm sure there are a few of you who did experience this in your own childhood.
So how do I end this dance I find myself dancing? I have already spoken up and said I was no longer willing to settle for less... and yet I find myself sucking it back up for a bit. I have seen changes being made already.
I figure I will wait a bit then enter the conversation again. Are these changes happening because it is what I want or are they being made because this is something you have found within yourself that you would like to improve upon? And how long do I wait?
The song has changed but I am still dancing.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Words Flooding on to the page...
My friend Sarah and I met last night with an amazing woman Louise connected us with . This woman is one of the few in our world who has discovered her authentic self is where she wants to be (and she discovered this on her own).
Thinking, being, feeling, healing in ways that are deeply meaningful to yourself. KNOWING your own truth. Coming home to yourself. There is no way to explain it other than feeling "right" with yourself.
Trusting in that truth, your truth. And knowing that is where the power lies.
The next step… allowing yourself to surrender. Surrender to the full expression of your unique signal in this world. Letting your culturally conditioned beliefs about what you are "supposed" to be like (quiet, loyal, obedient, a good girl) fall away, and be still as you stand in the sacred of your own truth.
Recognizing that what others think of you isn't your business. Living your life for yourself, in ways that are meaningful for you.
Because your reality is not my reality. As my reality is not hers. We are individuals experiencing our own lives each in a unique way.
We are the creators of our reality. How we choose to act or react at any given time alters the direction we are going on our personal journey. How choose to look at the events in our lives (our outlook) impacts the direction of our futures. The attitude and energy we express in our world either attracts or repulses things in our lives… but ultimately it is our choice on how we proceed.
As Winston Churchill once said "You create your own universe as you go along".
One connection brought these thoughts flooding into my awareness. The words are not what I set out to write about, but here they appeared before me… it is what I needed to be said.
Tomorrow is a new day. A new adventure. What is in store? Who will I become? Who knows? There is always more.
Thinking, being, feeling, healing in ways that are deeply meaningful to yourself. KNOWING your own truth. Coming home to yourself. There is no way to explain it other than feeling "right" with yourself.
Trusting in that truth, your truth. And knowing that is where the power lies.
The next step… allowing yourself to surrender. Surrender to the full expression of your unique signal in this world. Letting your culturally conditioned beliefs about what you are "supposed" to be like (quiet, loyal, obedient, a good girl) fall away, and be still as you stand in the sacred of your own truth.
Recognizing that what others think of you isn't your business. Living your life for yourself, in ways that are meaningful for you.
Because your reality is not my reality. As my reality is not hers. We are individuals experiencing our own lives each in a unique way.
We are the creators of our reality. How we choose to act or react at any given time alters the direction we are going on our personal journey. How choose to look at the events in our lives (our outlook) impacts the direction of our futures. The attitude and energy we express in our world either attracts or repulses things in our lives… but ultimately it is our choice on how we proceed.
As Winston Churchill once said "You create your own universe as you go along".
One connection brought these thoughts flooding into my awareness. The words are not what I set out to write about, but here they appeared before me… it is what I needed to be said.
Tomorrow is a new day. A new adventure. What is in store? Who will I become? Who knows? There is always more.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Not there yet always there...
I just wanted to give a shout out to Anne, welcome home from your trip and I am very happy to see a new post from you.
Equally surprising was to see Ray's return with some words of wisdom and living in the "now". It was nice to see your words Ray!
So I think of how sometimes we begin to think we are going through life alone. Alone in our thoughts, alone in our troubles, alone in our successes, alone in our utmost joy... yet we are never alone... there is always someone there (whether we see them or not) on the same wave length connected to us in what we are moving through... yet not necessarily standing beside us.
Welcome back onto my holodeck Anne & Ray... Your words always have some resonance for me.
Equally surprising was to see Ray's return with some words of wisdom and living in the "now". It was nice to see your words Ray!
So I think of how sometimes we begin to think we are going through life alone. Alone in our thoughts, alone in our troubles, alone in our successes, alone in our utmost joy... yet we are never alone... there is always someone there (whether we see them or not) on the same wave length connected to us in what we are moving through... yet not necessarily standing beside us.
Welcome back onto my holodeck Anne & Ray... Your words always have some resonance for me.
Awaiting April...
As a good friend of mine says (and I love it) I am "all jazzed up" about stepping into my workshops next month. I am excited about who I can touch and what I can invite them to consider. I am excited about what each person who shows up will in turn bring to me.
Things seem to be really moving full steam ahead with my workshop "Discovering Authentic Self and Consciously Parenting" and I can hardly wait for next month to arrive so I can begin this new chapter of my evolution, directly facilitating a program that will ultimately cause an awakening in others.
A co-worker signed up for my workshop today and it served as a big reminder to me how I was revealing my workshop to only a selected audience. It never even occurred to me that people in my work place may be interested or may know people who are interested. It never occurred to me that my friends and family may be interested or know someone who would be interested.
Not occurring to me... the one who is always speaking of living large and being out there "in all aspects of my life". Yet still found myself sectioning off parts of myself for this experience.
I am so happy this came into my consciousness now... before the workshop is completely filled up. So I can share and get a good cross section of people who are interested in taking back their own lives.
This looks very much like the future I envisioned for myself... working with others, inviting them to consider their own potential and how they can shape their worlds in a way that holds meaning for them.
Life is indeed good, I can't wait for tomorrow...
ONLY 36 more sleeps until my workshop begins! *grin*
Things seem to be really moving full steam ahead with my workshop "Discovering Authentic Self and Consciously Parenting" and I can hardly wait for next month to arrive so I can begin this new chapter of my evolution, directly facilitating a program that will ultimately cause an awakening in others.
A co-worker signed up for my workshop today and it served as a big reminder to me how I was revealing my workshop to only a selected audience. It never even occurred to me that people in my work place may be interested or may know people who are interested. It never occurred to me that my friends and family may be interested or know someone who would be interested.
Not occurring to me... the one who is always speaking of living large and being out there "in all aspects of my life". Yet still found myself sectioning off parts of myself for this experience.
I am so happy this came into my consciousness now... before the workshop is completely filled up. So I can share and get a good cross section of people who are interested in taking back their own lives.
This looks very much like the future I envisioned for myself... working with others, inviting them to consider their own potential and how they can shape their worlds in a way that holds meaning for them.
Life is indeed good, I can't wait for tomorrow...
ONLY 36 more sleeps until my workshop begins! *grin*
Thursday, March 08, 2007
International Women's Day
This afternoon I had the opportunity to step back into a room full of women who had just spent the day with each other for a Women Awakening program Louise created with a celebration of women, International Women's Day twist.
I came in for the final 2 hours of the day. I came into a room full of energy and bonding of women who knew each other, women who work with each other, and a whole lot of women who just met each other today.
I arrived for the book signing event. There were several authors of the Sekhemet Rising book project on hand to tell their stories, speak of their experiences and sign their chapters of the books.
And I had the opportunity to connect with some new women who can give me contacts for my workshop "Discovering Authentic Self and Consciously Parenting". For future programs... to create space that is free to the Single mother on social assistance ... or mother on social assistance, funding obtained by community programs for me to travel to their communities to provide this to them.
I came home from this event, and there is an e-mail from a journalist of a local paper, who saw my workshop poster and was curious to find out more about it. Who knows where this will go?
I am excited about what the upcoming months hold for me. One foot in front of the other... constantly moving forward... keeping time for me to breath, be still, and engage.
Life is good, tomorrow is another day.
I came in for the final 2 hours of the day. I came into a room full of energy and bonding of women who knew each other, women who work with each other, and a whole lot of women who just met each other today.
I arrived for the book signing event. There were several authors of the Sekhemet Rising book project on hand to tell their stories, speak of their experiences and sign their chapters of the books.
And I had the opportunity to connect with some new women who can give me contacts for my workshop "Discovering Authentic Self and Consciously Parenting". For future programs... to create space that is free to the Single mother on social assistance ... or mother on social assistance, funding obtained by community programs for me to travel to their communities to provide this to them.
I came home from this event, and there is an e-mail from a journalist of a local paper, who saw my workshop poster and was curious to find out more about it. Who knows where this will go?
I am excited about what the upcoming months hold for me. One foot in front of the other... constantly moving forward... keeping time for me to breath, be still, and engage.
Life is good, tomorrow is another day.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Living BOLD
Finished recording a CD conversation today with Louise for the Women Awakening Series called "Single Moms: Struggles and Strengths" The CD will be a complement to my workshop Discovering Authentic Self & Consciously Parenting next month.
I can hardly remember what we actually talked about while doing the CD other than in broad terms it was my experiences as a Single Mother. It will be a surprise for me to hear the first cut when the editing process begins.
What keeps coming to mind in how much of a difference we can make in peoples lives by simply being ourselves, and standing alone, speaking up and being heard.
I understand this can be a scary thing for some people. What will other people think? Who am I to talk about what is meaningful to me? Who am I to be able to do that and feel good about it?
Who are you not to?
I enjoy living BOLD and unapologetic... I enjoy engaging in life respectful to my authentic self and not harming others. I enjoy living my life in a way that I find meaningful. I enjoy speaking my truth. And I can't imagine living a life that I do not engage in this way.
For me, the notion of not being bold and unapologetic means I lose myself. It means I make myself small again, it means that years of culturally conditioned self (you can't do that, say that, you are worthless, you are stupid) wins again. It means I go back to sleep.
For me, the notion of not engaging in life respectfully to my authentic self means I rob myself of joy, passion and meaning.
For me, the notion of not speaking my truth means I keep others small. Now I'm not talking about going out and preaching or dictating to others how I think they should live; but standing alone speaking what is true for me, not only writing articles, but having them published with the intention of awakening others, means so much to me. For me, to remain silent is equivalent to "shutting up".
I am living BOLD... and will continue to do so. It is my intention to continue to grow myself and to wake up others (who are restlessly sleeping) to the notion of the unlimited potential. To keep this intention being BOLD will serve me well. I can become a beacon for those restless women to see and hear, I become an invitation for them if they chose to awaken and engage.
Life is good. Tomorrow is a new day.
I can hardly remember what we actually talked about while doing the CD other than in broad terms it was my experiences as a Single Mother. It will be a surprise for me to hear the first cut when the editing process begins.
What keeps coming to mind in how much of a difference we can make in peoples lives by simply being ourselves, and standing alone, speaking up and being heard.
I understand this can be a scary thing for some people. What will other people think? Who am I to talk about what is meaningful to me? Who am I to be able to do that and feel good about it?
Who are you not to?
I enjoy living BOLD and unapologetic... I enjoy engaging in life respectful to my authentic self and not harming others. I enjoy living my life in a way that I find meaningful. I enjoy speaking my truth. And I can't imagine living a life that I do not engage in this way.
For me, the notion of not being bold and unapologetic means I lose myself. It means I make myself small again, it means that years of culturally conditioned self (you can't do that, say that, you are worthless, you are stupid) wins again. It means I go back to sleep.
For me, the notion of not engaging in life respectfully to my authentic self means I rob myself of joy, passion and meaning.
For me, the notion of not speaking my truth means I keep others small. Now I'm not talking about going out and preaching or dictating to others how I think they should live; but standing alone speaking what is true for me, not only writing articles, but having them published with the intention of awakening others, means so much to me. For me, to remain silent is equivalent to "shutting up".
I am living BOLD... and will continue to do so. It is my intention to continue to grow myself and to wake up others (who are restlessly sleeping) to the notion of the unlimited potential. To keep this intention being BOLD will serve me well. I can become a beacon for those restless women to see and hear, I become an invitation for them if they chose to awaken and engage.
Life is good. Tomorrow is a new day.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Global Theatre
One of the things that struck me last week during one of our conversations in Engaging was just how messed up our "culturally conditioned" selves are.
Taught to us from almost day one is not to cry, not to be upset when it's inconvenient for our parents, to "use our words" (even though we may not have grasped them yet), be nice, share, don't hit, give "so and so" a hug or kiss good bye (and when we don't we get scolded).
As we grow up, we are told to shut up, don't be stupid, be a good child, don't talk back, don't be unpleasant, say thank you, say you are sorry (when you really truly are not).
As teenagers trying to gain independence we are told we are being stupid, think before you speak, you are worthless, you will amount to nothing, if you keep that up you will see what you end up with, or I can't wait until you move out of this house.
All in the name of "love".
And then I look around at some of the people in this world...
People pretending to like you, to enjoy this, to do that.
People PRETENDING to be happy with their lives... settling for less.
People talking about the weather or the ball game, never really taking the time to TALK to the people they pretend to care about.
Pretenders... acting like they are living a meaningful life... are they?
Are you?
What is stopping you?
Taught to us from almost day one is not to cry, not to be upset when it's inconvenient for our parents, to "use our words" (even though we may not have grasped them yet), be nice, share, don't hit, give "so and so" a hug or kiss good bye (and when we don't we get scolded).
As we grow up, we are told to shut up, don't be stupid, be a good child, don't talk back, don't be unpleasant, say thank you, say you are sorry (when you really truly are not).
As teenagers trying to gain independence we are told we are being stupid, think before you speak, you are worthless, you will amount to nothing, if you keep that up you will see what you end up with, or I can't wait until you move out of this house.
All in the name of "love".
And then I look around at some of the people in this world...
- People who do things because they don't know how to say "No". They do things because they feel intimidated. They gossip, they talk about others to make them seem so much worse that they must look better in comparison. They do things and then resent others for "making" them do it. Or they do not do it and find an excuse as to why it hasn't gotten done. And they become sick, stressed and cynical; they are often out on leave or spend their days complaining to co-workers about their miserable work lives (busy being the victim).
- People who relish in the misery of others because it makes them feel "big". They find people to intimidate, make fun of, push around. They pass the buck, the paperwork, the responsibility, the blame. Although they appear to be in control of things and all the people around them they are often compensating for some inadequacy that is buried deep within themselves. They also find themselves getting sick, often have heart attacks or suffer from high blood pressure.
Many other types of people out there... people who are also sleep walking. Zombies not awake to themselves. Not will to stand up and take responsibilities for their own lives. Not willing to create their future.
And last week it struck me... All around us are millions of actors, and the world is a stage.People pretending to like you, to enjoy this, to do that.
People PRETENDING to be happy with their lives... settling for less.
People talking about the weather or the ball game, never really taking the time to TALK to the people they pretend to care about.
Pretenders... acting like they are living a meaningful life... are they?
Are you?
What is stopping you?
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Going big... and reeling it back in...
Over the past week I have really allowed myself to engage in the "what if's" of my life.
I have made some huge declarations and set things in motion. Loving it, Living it and moving forward.
Now it's Sunday.
Hmm, I start a new job tomorrow with the Finance Branch in my department. I am excited to work with the people who I will be working with. I am also mindful of how "Monday" will be serving me in the now.
This is a weird feeling for me... I'm not feeling excited about starting this new job today. I'm kind of feeling... empty.
And what comes to mind is how big I allowed myself to plan things out last week. How fantastic my workshop is going to be in April and how many other programs I can get into place in the immediate future, to work with and ignite women, single mothers, and single mothers on assistance.
I am very mindful of what holds PASSION for me in my life... do what you love and love what you do. Those who are successful in life are following their passion, and all of the other cliches.
Today I'm feeling a little empty. I'm feeling a little bit of "it's in all about the details" which is hard to wrap your head around when you have been engaging in the Bigger Picture things in this world.
And I know that getting up and starting this new job tomorrow will be interesting and enjoyable... and it's not what I am passionate about, but it serves me for the NOW.
So as I contemplate tomorrow, I may as well start doing my taxes while I'm in a detail and empty mood.
:o)
Finance... taxes... if anyone knew me as a child and watched me do math they wouldn't be surprised that as a 31 yr old woman I have been known to still count on my fingers...
Bah, thank god there is always tomorrow... and there is always more.
I have made some huge declarations and set things in motion. Loving it, Living it and moving forward.
Now it's Sunday.
Hmm, I start a new job tomorrow with the Finance Branch in my department. I am excited to work with the people who I will be working with. I am also mindful of how "Monday" will be serving me in the now.
This is a weird feeling for me... I'm not feeling excited about starting this new job today. I'm kind of feeling... empty.
And what comes to mind is how big I allowed myself to plan things out last week. How fantastic my workshop is going to be in April and how many other programs I can get into place in the immediate future, to work with and ignite women, single mothers, and single mothers on assistance.
I am very mindful of what holds PASSION for me in my life... do what you love and love what you do. Those who are successful in life are following their passion, and all of the other cliches.
Today I'm feeling a little empty. I'm feeling a little bit of "it's in all about the details" which is hard to wrap your head around when you have been engaging in the Bigger Picture things in this world.
And I know that getting up and starting this new job tomorrow will be interesting and enjoyable... and it's not what I am passionate about, but it serves me for the NOW.
So as I contemplate tomorrow, I may as well start doing my taxes while I'm in a detail and empty mood.
:o)
Finance... taxes... if anyone knew me as a child and watched me do math they wouldn't be surprised that as a 31 yr old woman I have been known to still count on my fingers...
Bah, thank god there is always tomorrow... and there is always more.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Can no longer not know... what I know
Engaging... what a week.
The things I discovered about myself this week have forever changed who I am. I can never forget the things that moved through me.
I made some big decisions on just how I will be leading my life from now on. Just how I will engage with my world.
And it is huge... much like who I know I am.
I am no longer settling for less than I deserve in any aspect of my life.
I am no longer going to wait for my ideal future (the one I envision) to happen TO ME. I have already begun to take steps for my future... to create and manifest a life that is meaningful to me.
My home life is evolving, finally. Funny how I found it easy to decloak and be myself at work and with friends, but not at home with my family (the people who I love most in this world). So this week I chose to decloak, to reveal the massive presence I have become in the world, and invite Mike to continue the ride. I made clear what I wanted... and that I was no longer willing to settle for less than. I want to be seen for all I have done and all I am creating, in ALL aspects of my life.
And because I chose to decloak and engage, it will no longer be the same... and this is fantastic.
My passion... my passion for working with women and awakening others to their potential and their lives. I am taking steps to making this a larger part of my world... of my future. I have some upcoming meetings this week to discuss outside funding for future Workshops. So perhaps I can give them directly to Single Mothers on social assistance, so they too can come to discover that their are brilliant and full of potential as well.
I have gain great clarity on how my life will be and I have begun engaging to manifest my future towards that goal.
I can no longer not know... what I have come to know this past week.
Life is good, and tomorrow is another day.
The things I discovered about myself this week have forever changed who I am. I can never forget the things that moved through me.
I made some big decisions on just how I will be leading my life from now on. Just how I will engage with my world.
And it is huge... much like who I know I am.
I am no longer settling for less than I deserve in any aspect of my life.
I am no longer going to wait for my ideal future (the one I envision) to happen TO ME. I have already begun to take steps for my future... to create and manifest a life that is meaningful to me.
My home life is evolving, finally. Funny how I found it easy to decloak and be myself at work and with friends, but not at home with my family (the people who I love most in this world). So this week I chose to decloak, to reveal the massive presence I have become in the world, and invite Mike to continue the ride. I made clear what I wanted... and that I was no longer willing to settle for less than. I want to be seen for all I have done and all I am creating, in ALL aspects of my life.
And because I chose to decloak and engage, it will no longer be the same... and this is fantastic.
My passion... my passion for working with women and awakening others to their potential and their lives. I am taking steps to making this a larger part of my world... of my future. I have some upcoming meetings this week to discuss outside funding for future Workshops. So perhaps I can give them directly to Single Mothers on social assistance, so they too can come to discover that their are brilliant and full of potential as well.
I have gain great clarity on how my life will be and I have begun engaging to manifest my future towards that goal.
I can no longer not know... what I have come to know this past week.
Life is good, and tomorrow is another day.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Anticipating the Unknown
Tonight I sit here exhausted.
It has been a intense week with the women who have chosen to step into the Engaging process.
I have gained such clarity on many aspects of my life and in particular in the direction I am going.
After lunch today I went over to my work and took care of some loose ends that I knew I had to do. I withdrew myself from a competitive process for a higher paying job.
I have become very clear that I need to be passionate about what I do... money doesn't create happiness for me so why continue pretending that I would be happier at that other job.
I am clear that my future lies where my passion is, and in the meantime why expend my energy on competitions for a series of jobs I am not passionate about?
What I know.
What I know is the job I begin on Monday is one where I will be working with people who communicate and work as a real team.
What I know is that the people I will be working with already value the leadership skills I have discovered over the past year and are already recognizing ways that I can engage to the benefit of the group.
What I know is that this position I have will be a fantastic place for me to be at this stage in my life.
What I also "know" is that not many people decide to drop out of a competition that is at a higher level simply because they are clear they do not want to do that kind of work.
What I "know" is that other people are going to look at that and question why is she dropping out?
AND what I KNOW is that I am very clear that money does not equate happiness for me any longer.
The interesting thing is that right after I did all of this (i.e. withdrew from the competition) my throat started to feel funny (left side, thick) and I started to get hot (feverish).
I am curious how much of this is tied to what I know will be my mothers reaction to my decision, and I am also very aware how her model of the world (go for the job with the most money, financial security is of utmost importance, etc) is not my model of the world any more.
And what I know is that if I am getting curious about this, it holds resonance for me...
Big Week.
I have also had very tough conversations with someone I love very much this week. I have been clear to who I have become and what I need to move on and grow. And I am still anticipating the unknown with this one.
So I have been very clear... I want to be seen... for who I have become. I will no longer settle for anything less than that.
The person who I was last year would have settled... the person I am now and who I continue to become will not.
And I am not this person, so I don't have the slightest clue how they are processing this one... for me it is an unknown... and I wait.
The thing about the Unknown is that I know it will hold growth for me. Which ever way this thing turns out... I am clear in what I stand for.
What I want in my life and what type of people i want in my life... all of it.
I am clear that I will continue to be just who I have become... always growing... always engaging... living large, with passion and drive... for everything that is meaningful to me and for the future I know I am creating.
Tomorrow is another day... and there is always more.
It has been a intense week with the women who have chosen to step into the Engaging process.
I have gained such clarity on many aspects of my life and in particular in the direction I am going.
After lunch today I went over to my work and took care of some loose ends that I knew I had to do. I withdrew myself from a competitive process for a higher paying job.
I have become very clear that I need to be passionate about what I do... money doesn't create happiness for me so why continue pretending that I would be happier at that other job.
I am clear that my future lies where my passion is, and in the meantime why expend my energy on competitions for a series of jobs I am not passionate about?
What I know.
What I know is the job I begin on Monday is one where I will be working with people who communicate and work as a real team.
What I know is that the people I will be working with already value the leadership skills I have discovered over the past year and are already recognizing ways that I can engage to the benefit of the group.
What I know is that this position I have will be a fantastic place for me to be at this stage in my life.
What I also "know" is that not many people decide to drop out of a competition that is at a higher level simply because they are clear they do not want to do that kind of work.
What I "know" is that other people are going to look at that and question why is she dropping out?
AND what I KNOW is that I am very clear that money does not equate happiness for me any longer.
The interesting thing is that right after I did all of this (i.e. withdrew from the competition) my throat started to feel funny (left side, thick) and I started to get hot (feverish).
I am curious how much of this is tied to what I know will be my mothers reaction to my decision, and I am also very aware how her model of the world (go for the job with the most money, financial security is of utmost importance, etc) is not my model of the world any more.
And what I know is that if I am getting curious about this, it holds resonance for me...
Big Week.
I have also had very tough conversations with someone I love very much this week. I have been clear to who I have become and what I need to move on and grow. And I am still anticipating the unknown with this one.
So I have been very clear... I want to be seen... for who I have become. I will no longer settle for anything less than that.
The person who I was last year would have settled... the person I am now and who I continue to become will not.
And I am not this person, so I don't have the slightest clue how they are processing this one... for me it is an unknown... and I wait.
The thing about the Unknown is that I know it will hold growth for me. Which ever way this thing turns out... I am clear in what I stand for.
What I want in my life and what type of people i want in my life... all of it.
I am clear that I will continue to be just who I have become... always growing... always engaging... living large, with passion and drive... for everything that is meaningful to me and for the future I know I am creating.
Tomorrow is another day... and there is always more.
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