Meaningful Conversations

It was nice to come home after my time last week at Oceanstone for the Emerging Futures experience. More than a few thoughts and insights entered my consciousness during these 3 days with a few surprises for me.

When considering the WEL-Systems Catalyst and CODE Model Coaching programs for my future growth, I felt a bubbling up of excitement from my solarplex up through my chest to my throat. I also experienced a small sense of fear... am I capable of this?

Yes I am. I am more than capable of standing alone, decloaked for all to see. I have expressed this time and time again in the past year at work, in workshops and facilitation workshops or speeches. I am up for my SELF.

Jessica and I went to the salon early on Saturday morning then picked up Sara and ventured forth to a community barbecue at her school. It struck me that for the amount of children that were there, only a handful of adults were on hand. It definitely saddened me to see that parents are too busy to come down with their children to a FREE BBQ and enjoy 2 hours as a family with others in the community.

For me that speaks loudly of the need for parenting workshops and family events. There is a definite need for families to reconnect with one another. Parents need to make a commitment to take some time out to make time for their families away from the TV and computer, interacting, talking, growing together.

I had a challenge with Jessica on Saturday night. It was a big one which I will not discuss the details (in order to respect my daughter). However the consequences to her actions had to be discussed and understood.

What I also decided to do was to post a few posters on her wall in her room. I have invited her over the next 2 weeks to add to the posters as she sees fit, then at the end of two weeks I will help her for a pledge to honour her SELF.

There are 4 posters on her wall. I can't remember the exact words but they are as follows.

1. What are some words or feelings that describe who the "real" Jessica is?
2. What are some of the things you want to be remembered by? (things you have already done and/or things you will do in your future)
3. What are some things you can do to contribute (or offer) to our community?
4. What are some ways you can make our family have more fun together?

When discussing this with her I told her I don't want anything negative on the wall, I want everything that is positive about her, things that make her feel good, things that may make those around her feel good. I explained to her how we will create a pledge (her emerging future of sorts) afterwards so she can have a nice reminder of the brilliant person she is full of love and compassion to look at on those days where she may not remember it.

Life is good... tomorrow is a new day... there is always more.