A few days ago, I posted on Twitter a thinking challenge. "Can't" is really CAN with a few complications. I had intended to have this post ready to go along with it to encourage more discussion. It's finally developing!
Reflect on that, if you wish. Do you see it? Can't starts, and indeed could not exist, without the word CAN. It has "not" added to the end to negate it. Then we get lazy and don't even spell out "not" we just take out the o, throw in an apostrophe and smoosh the contraction on the end of our positive word. We alter a whole word, a whole concept, a whole demeanor just by complicating it a little. How often do we do that, and how often do we CHOOSE that (whether or not we're admitting that truth right now)? Do we make excuses to quit when things get complicated?
When I was young, full of energy and idealism, I always believed I could do anything. Most days I still do! "Can't" isn't really part of my vocabulary; I just realize that sometimes my "CAN" takes a little longer than first planned. That isn't to say it's always easy or always as expected. Sometimes I find opportunities to struggle with a decision to do something or the manner in which to complete it. Sometimes I agree to do things without even knowing how I am going to make them realities. It can be scary when you don't know what an outcome will be when you start, but that's part of the adventure to embrace.
This fall I said "I can" and "I will" to increased leadership responsibility at work and in an organization to which I belong. I didn't know where I would "find" or "make" the time nor how I would get to each of the required events throughout the year, but I'm not worried. You see, I've become very, very good at planning and adapting. I'm quite proud of my increased skills in "logistics management." You CAN, too...but it's up to YOU to decide for yourself. I leave you with the words of two very wise individuals, Yoda and my mother.
"Do or do not. There is no try." --Yoda
"Can't never did, because can't never tried." --Pam's Mom
Distill them both and you're back to....CAN DO!.
Have a BRIGHT week. Go shine your light.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thursday Thoughts
Happy Thanksgiving! That is today's American greeting. The Canadians are way ahead of the game, you know...they had theirs in October! Did you take time to be thankful for someone or something? Did you give of yourself, your ideas, your time, your talents?
Admittedly when I was little, Thanksgiving in my schema was probably also a little about permission to be temporarily gluttonous. I was obsessed with all the food options, including the entire sensual experience of the meal--the smells, sounds, flavors, textures, even the sheer quantity of all that food. One vegetable or one pie weren't enough; we always had multiple options and I almost always wanted to eat everything. We were always thankful, knowing that it was more than just a little blessing that we had been provided with the means to have all that food, and a dear mother willing to prepare and share it all. For many years she spent more than a whole day preparing all that food to eat.
Today I got back in touch with a deeper thankfulness as I thought about so many things other than food. I didn't prepare a huge feast or over-consume; I enjoyed a little bit of what I had on hand and a little bit of some treats my parents brought when they came for a quick visit. I took time to embrace all that is good in my life, even those moments that test my character.
Tonight I'm off to grab a glass of water to sip in front of a TV movie special, do some reading, and get some sleep. I guarantee you I will not be participating in tomorrow's shopping frenzy. If you need or want to do some shopping, try staying local. Your community needs you.
Now, get some rest and go shine your light!
Admittedly when I was little, Thanksgiving in my schema was probably also a little about permission to be temporarily gluttonous. I was obsessed with all the food options, including the entire sensual experience of the meal--the smells, sounds, flavors, textures, even the sheer quantity of all that food. One vegetable or one pie weren't enough; we always had multiple options and I almost always wanted to eat everything. We were always thankful, knowing that it was more than just a little blessing that we had been provided with the means to have all that food, and a dear mother willing to prepare and share it all. For many years she spent more than a whole day preparing all that food to eat.
Today I got back in touch with a deeper thankfulness as I thought about so many things other than food. I didn't prepare a huge feast or over-consume; I enjoyed a little bit of what I had on hand and a little bit of some treats my parents brought when they came for a quick visit. I took time to embrace all that is good in my life, even those moments that test my character.
Tonight I'm off to grab a glass of water to sip in front of a TV movie special, do some reading, and get some sleep. I guarantee you I will not be participating in tomorrow's shopping frenzy. If you need or want to do some shopping, try staying local. Your community needs you.
Now, get some rest and go shine your light!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Happy Friday!
My, how time keeps rolling by! Did you realize we'd come to the "end" of another "work" week? Of course you did...most people look forward to that little change in focus, to "getting away" for a little while, or to reset for the upcoming week.
I'm loathe to admit, but i'm a little tired this week (ok, a lot tired, but not for long, right?). Usually i get a little upsurge of energy, a little boost as I realize it's "my" time once 4pm hits. It hasn't kicked in yet today, so i might need a little nap on the way home (I'm getting chauffeured, so it's ok to do that). I'll be offline tonight, but perhaps I'll check in over the weekend, and most definitely by Monday.
So "Happy Friday"--do whatever it is that you want to do this weekend. I encourage including some rest, some fun, and something helpful to others in whatever order best suits you. If you're up for it next week, let's chat about how it went, OK? Happy Friday. Peace out! ;)
I'm loathe to admit, but i'm a little tired this week (ok, a lot tired, but not for long, right?). Usually i get a little upsurge of energy, a little boost as I realize it's "my" time once 4pm hits. It hasn't kicked in yet today, so i might need a little nap on the way home (I'm getting chauffeured, so it's ok to do that). I'll be offline tonight, but perhaps I'll check in over the weekend, and most definitely by Monday.
So "Happy Friday"--do whatever it is that you want to do this weekend. I encourage including some rest, some fun, and something helpful to others in whatever order best suits you. If you're up for it next week, let's chat about how it went, OK? Happy Friday. Peace out! ;)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Anniversaries, Part 2
Yesterday, it rained all day. It seemed as if Heaven were crying for the whole world...it was a dark and dreary day, but I think maybe those "tears" were also for the joy of all the beautiful people born or celebrating relationships during this time of the year. I used to get so wrapped up in the "death" of the month I'd forget how many friends I've come to know who celebrate life in November, too! I actually know at least three people who have a birthday today.
I have been delighted to read peoples' contributions to the Facebook "Thankful" challenge. It warms my heart to see people get in touch with what matters to them and to find ways to express it to others. It's contagious, too. I try not to "overpost" so I was going to limit myself to "Thankful Thursday" updates. Well, when you rediscover an attitude of gratitude, you soon find it's an overflowing sort of feeling, and it's nearly impossible to wait till an appointed time to share the goodness. Don't wait--be glad and make it known.
Today marks 20 years (that's right, ten years and a week to the day since my first grandpa passed) since my paternal grandfather went "home" for good. When that phone rang, and stopped, and rang again, we knew. I actually "knew" when I hugged him our last visit that it was our last visit, but it wasn't overly sad. It was a peaceful understanding that his body was simply wearing out and winding down. Our earthly bodies don't last forever, you know...mine will wear out someday, too.
I woke up with a bit of a headache and the temptation to snuggle back in with my cat. I managed to resist that temptation, partly because I did it yesterday without realizing it, and partly because I feel that one of the best ways i can honor the memory of my family members is to get up and get going. They worked hard their whole lives to do good work, provide for their families, and be a positive example of behavior for others. Their word was their honor and their deeds their witness to the world.
I celebrate the time I had with these people and the values they demonstrated in their daily lives. I embrace who I am, influenced by their examples and DNA, and hold them in my heart. I endeavor to live the kind of life they might have hoped for me, and like to envision them smiling on my growth and success along the way.
I have been delighted to read peoples' contributions to the Facebook "Thankful" challenge. It warms my heart to see people get in touch with what matters to them and to find ways to express it to others. It's contagious, too. I try not to "overpost" so I was going to limit myself to "Thankful Thursday" updates. Well, when you rediscover an attitude of gratitude, you soon find it's an overflowing sort of feeling, and it's nearly impossible to wait till an appointed time to share the goodness. Don't wait--be glad and make it known.
Today marks 20 years (that's right, ten years and a week to the day since my first grandpa passed) since my paternal grandfather went "home" for good. When that phone rang, and stopped, and rang again, we knew. I actually "knew" when I hugged him our last visit that it was our last visit, but it wasn't overly sad. It was a peaceful understanding that his body was simply wearing out and winding down. Our earthly bodies don't last forever, you know...mine will wear out someday, too.
I woke up with a bit of a headache and the temptation to snuggle back in with my cat. I managed to resist that temptation, partly because I did it yesterday without realizing it, and partly because I feel that one of the best ways i can honor the memory of my family members is to get up and get going. They worked hard their whole lives to do good work, provide for their families, and be a positive example of behavior for others. Their word was their honor and their deeds their witness to the world.
I celebrate the time I had with these people and the values they demonstrated in their daily lives. I embrace who I am, influenced by their examples and DNA, and hold them in my heart. I endeavor to live the kind of life they might have hoped for me, and like to envision them smiling on my growth and success along the way.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Another Great Day in Pam-land
Everything about today was nice: The weather, the cozy feeling at home, the quiet time by myself to relax, reflect, laugh, and create. My only "fail" for the day was spending a little too much time compulsively checking for messages online... Next week, I shall invoke a no computer on Sunday rule or something. The computer is great--useful and fun. I just want to make sure i'm not becoming a slave to my toys when i have so many other wonderful ways to occupy my time.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Bittersweet Anniversaries
Sometimes "milestone" anniversaries are tough. November in general is a challenging month for me because it usually gets darker and cooler, and it's a natural time for life to end for many. It's been 30 years since my Daddy had to walk into that room and tell his little girls why Mommy was crying. Her Daddy had just died. I don't remember exactly what words he used, but i remember that he gently and lovingly explained in the context of our faith and the finality of a single life as we know it on this earth, that Grandpa wasn't coming back.
'He got up and went to the barn to take care of the cows, like he did every day, and had a heart attack. He died doing what he loved, caring for others. We believe that his spirit went to heaven and that we'll be reunited there someday.'
That's a lot of pressure for a young father--comforting a grieving young wife and two little girls! I don't tell this to make you sad or depressed, but rather to speak to the beauty of what my parents did for me my entire life. They kept us safe but didn't shield us from reality. Death is part of life and we became comfortable with that transition rather than fearing it. We knew there would be sad times and had experienced that recently with the death of our beloved cat Spooky. We went to funerals to pay our respects and say our "goodbyes." We learned to comfort each other in those moments and to be that support in time to remind people that life does go on, the sun does shine again, and you can still experience true and lasting joy. Through the years there have been many times i missed Grandparents or felt a little cheated for the short time I had with them, but mostly I was able to remember the special times I DID have with them. It's powerful stuff to remember specific good times with someone you love many, many years later. It's also really, really neat to feel them so strongly in your heart it's like they never really left.
So, if you're having a tough time, or you know someone else who is, please know there's someone who's been there and ready to help.Our finite minds need the polar descriptions to understand our feelings sometimes. We need those times of sadness to truly appreciate the depths of how glad we can be. So make today, and every day, a bright one!
'He got up and went to the barn to take care of the cows, like he did every day, and had a heart attack. He died doing what he loved, caring for others. We believe that his spirit went to heaven and that we'll be reunited there someday.'
That's a lot of pressure for a young father--comforting a grieving young wife and two little girls! I don't tell this to make you sad or depressed, but rather to speak to the beauty of what my parents did for me my entire life. They kept us safe but didn't shield us from reality. Death is part of life and we became comfortable with that transition rather than fearing it. We knew there would be sad times and had experienced that recently with the death of our beloved cat Spooky. We went to funerals to pay our respects and say our "goodbyes." We learned to comfort each other in those moments and to be that support in time to remind people that life does go on, the sun does shine again, and you can still experience true and lasting joy. Through the years there have been many times i missed Grandparents or felt a little cheated for the short time I had with them, but mostly I was able to remember the special times I DID have with them. It's powerful stuff to remember specific good times with someone you love many, many years later. It's also really, really neat to feel them so strongly in your heart it's like they never really left.
So, if you're having a tough time, or you know someone else who is, please know there's someone who's been there and ready to help.Our finite minds need the polar descriptions to understand our feelings sometimes. We need those times of sadness to truly appreciate the depths of how glad we can be. So make today, and every day, a bright one!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Busy Week and Great Things Happening!
I hope you haven't felt abandoned...time often escapes me and I'm still working on building new things into my schedule as I eliminate those old things that no longer work or serve purpose. Today then, we have much on which to reflect, catch up, and share. Sorry it's been more than a week! Forgive, ok?
Some great new things in my life:
+ "Area Governor of the Year" and "Newly Appointed Division Governor" for D65 Toastmasters
+ successfully served in other roles that day as a full participant in an awesome conference
+ Taking an Amateur Radio licensing course
+ Taking an online discussion course in "Teaching for a Positive Future"
+ Looking forward to a new profile pic
+ So grateful for the support and encouragement from a variety of sources lately
This morning, amid all this other excitement and the daily duties of an academic library assistant, I came across a really cool guy online. His name is Nick Vujicic and he has a very empowering mission. What struck me was an inspirational video he shares on http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/ he calls "Passing On The Torch."
“You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16)
I really think that's the verse that inspired me to start this blog recently. You see, I don't remember telling the world when i started it or signed into twitter, but when i was creating my name and thinking up rotating passwords, i was singing the song, "This Little Light of Mine" --and that's what I want to do; I want to shine my light and encourage others to do so all around the neighborhood/world.
Thank you so much for stopping in today. I hope that during this season of "thanksgiving" you'll seriously consider that facebook challenge to list something for which you're grateful, that you'll check out that video link above, and that you, regardless of your label of "faith" or "worldview" will spread good things wherever you go.
Some great new things in my life:
+ "Area Governor of the Year" and "Newly Appointed Division Governor" for D65 Toastmasters
+ successfully served in other roles that day as a full participant in an awesome conference
+ Taking an Amateur Radio licensing course
+ Taking an online discussion course in "Teaching for a Positive Future"
+ Looking forward to a new profile pic
+ So grateful for the support and encouragement from a variety of sources lately
This morning, amid all this other excitement and the daily duties of an academic library assistant, I came across a really cool guy online. His name is Nick Vujicic and he has a very empowering mission. What struck me was an inspirational video he shares on http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/ he calls "Passing On The Torch."
“You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14,16)
I really think that's the verse that inspired me to start this blog recently. You see, I don't remember telling the world when i started it or signed into twitter, but when i was creating my name and thinking up rotating passwords, i was singing the song, "This Little Light of Mine" --and that's what I want to do; I want to shine my light and encourage others to do so all around the neighborhood/world.
Thank you so much for stopping in today. I hope that during this season of "thanksgiving" you'll seriously consider that facebook challenge to list something for which you're grateful, that you'll check out that video link above, and that you, regardless of your label of "faith" or "worldview" will spread good things wherever you go.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Choose Wisely
This morning I had an opportunity to choose how I would react to a situation that annoyed me. I believe I could have chosen even better, but am glad that I didn't choose worse. I hope that when life's little curve balls come flying at you, you'll choose wisely. Remember, if you can (I'm still working at this) that most people are doing the best they can with what they have in the moment and none of us know all the undisclosed contributing factors to any scenario. If we keep in our hearts pure intentions, we might keep those little lights shining brightly.
Have a wonderful weekend and I'll endeavor for something light next week. <3 P
Have a wonderful weekend and I'll endeavor for something light next week. <3 P
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Reset!
Some days almost slip away before we feel we're "ready." Today is like that, but it's ok. Today, instead of getting totally caught up in all the woulds, coulds and shoulds, I took some time to "reset"--I realize i can't do everything i'd like in the time i have today, so i did a few of the things i needed to and a few that i wanted to do. Tomorrow is a fresh start with new goals and it is full of opportunity. Embrace the power to choose your next action and live peacefully with the results. Get some rest, re-set, and have a great day.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
"Happy"
Today's reflection is on what makes us happy and the challenge, what we do to help others feel happy.
There's so much I could say I keep changing the anecdotes and the bullet points! I'm going to offer a partial list as a prompt and let each of you, dear readers, fill in with your own. Maybe soon i'll talk in more detail about some of the many things that make me happy.
Nature: sunshine, rainbows, local (or exotic) flora & fauna; water
People: Smiles, Friendship, "FUN"
Goals Achieved/"Success" (personally defined each occasion)
Experiences involving multiple senses
Challenges/Opportunities to Grow (personally, professionally)
Others?
There's so much I could say I keep changing the anecdotes and the bullet points! I'm going to offer a partial list as a prompt and let each of you, dear readers, fill in with your own. Maybe soon i'll talk in more detail about some of the many things that make me happy.
Nature: sunshine, rainbows, local (or exotic) flora & fauna; water
People: Smiles, Friendship, "FUN"
Goals Achieved/"Success" (personally defined each occasion)
Experiences involving multiple senses
Challenges/Opportunities to Grow (personally, professionally)
Others?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Mid-day Musings: "FUN"
Reflection can be good. So, sometimes, is simple, joyful FUN. Today I invite you to think about those things that make your heart light. If you could change your appearance, your persona, or anything else, just for a little while (say, for a masquerade party) who might you become? What might you say or do?
Now...is this character really part of you? Is this someone with whom you'd like to be more in touch? What is it that makes you happy? Free? Light-hearted, filled with glee? Can you reach it, hold it, share it?
Name it, and make it so. Have FUN today and every day.
Now...is this character really part of you? Is this someone with whom you'd like to be more in touch? What is it that makes you happy? Free? Light-hearted, filled with glee? Can you reach it, hold it, share it?
Name it, and make it so. Have FUN today and every day.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Happy Birthday!
Whether it's your "real" birthday (it is for at least two people I know as I write this) or not, take a minute to think about how you feel on that special day. Do you feel loved, important, celebrated? Do you recognize in yourself those amazing combinations of qualities that make you, YOU? Do you take the opportunity to refresh yourself, refocus, and articulate what happens next? Do you take charge of the events of the day? If yes, then YAY! If not, why?
Each and every day can be a new birthday. Each day the sun comes up, we wake up, and we start making choices about how we will spend our resources (our time, our money, our energy...). Celebrate yourself and your new beginning today and every day. Why limit yourself to just a few hours of feeling special? Hopefully you know that you are...so carry that warm happy feeling with you all year. It's bound to do you or someone you meet some good.
The party's ready to start, and you're the guest of honor. Happy Birthday!
Each and every day can be a new birthday. Each day the sun comes up, we wake up, and we start making choices about how we will spend our resources (our time, our money, our energy...). Celebrate yourself and your new beginning today and every day. Why limit yourself to just a few hours of feeling special? Hopefully you know that you are...so carry that warm happy feeling with you all year. It's bound to do you or someone you meet some good.
The party's ready to start, and you're the guest of honor. Happy Birthday!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Welcome!
If you have ever been to my home, you know that you are loved...I seek ways to make people comfortable. If you have ever been to my home, you also know why i am reluctant to invite others into the space. You see, my standards for myself are so high, I don't always meet them (have I ever, I wonder?), and I'm too proud most times to let people see those areas of my life where I feel that I fall short. I spent my early years aspiring to "perfection" rather than "excellence." In doing so, I set myself up for cycles of disappointment and missed out on valuable time with others. Several years ago I read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver and it had a profound impact on my perceptions of service, hospitality, and fellowship.Although I still struggle with pride and projection, I hope that I am allowing myself to be more open to positive interactions with others and that they are seeing more love and less stress. This I hope for you, too.
For those not familiar, there is an old story about two sisters who were preparing for a visit from a very special person. The one sister, Martha, with whom i often most readily identify, was busying herself with all the details of the household--cleaning, cooking, making the place "presentable." The other sister, Mary, whom I now try to emulate more regularly, was so excited to see her guests that she ran out to greet them (and presumably, offer a big hug and a hi, how are ya?). Both these women had very loving, giving hearts, but their focus varied greatly. One's strengths were in logistics and the other's were in interpersonal communication. Both are critical skill sets, yet we need to find a balance. It is important to be prepared to welcome people, but it is also important not to be so worried about what they might see that isn't "perfect" that we forget to help them truly feel welcome.
I offer this to all of you as we progress toward a season of gatherings so that you might remember to enjoy your time with each other more and concentrate less on what the space looks like.I offer this to myself as a reminder today that my purpose this weekend is to value my friendships, not stress about the state of my space (even if it does require more attention). Time is a limited resource, and whatever time we have here should be spent in loving interaction, not obsessive worry about other's perceptions, or even our own.
May today and all your future days be bright ones! ~pma
For those not familiar, there is an old story about two sisters who were preparing for a visit from a very special person. The one sister, Martha, with whom i often most readily identify, was busying herself with all the details of the household--cleaning, cooking, making the place "presentable." The other sister, Mary, whom I now try to emulate more regularly, was so excited to see her guests that she ran out to greet them (and presumably, offer a big hug and a hi, how are ya?). Both these women had very loving, giving hearts, but their focus varied greatly. One's strengths were in logistics and the other's were in interpersonal communication. Both are critical skill sets, yet we need to find a balance. It is important to be prepared to welcome people, but it is also important not to be so worried about what they might see that isn't "perfect" that we forget to help them truly feel welcome.
I offer this to all of you as we progress toward a season of gatherings so that you might remember to enjoy your time with each other more and concentrate less on what the space looks like.I offer this to myself as a reminder today that my purpose this weekend is to value my friendships, not stress about the state of my space (even if it does require more attention). Time is a limited resource, and whatever time we have here should be spent in loving interaction, not obsessive worry about other's perceptions, or even our own.
May today and all your future days be bright ones! ~pma
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)