Begin
Nature
Celebration, Enhancement, Intention
I’ve never been one for resolutions. They always seemed punitive to me – starting with the belief that you’ve been “bad” and need to be “good.” They are usually black and white, leaving little room for adjustment. Most people give up on their resolutions within weeks. I merely need to count the heads in the gym every January to see this in action. People start out with the loftiest goals and, when they fail to meet them, they often internalize the failure, leading to the demise of the intention.
All of that is not to say that resolutions are inherently ineffectual. Growth and change is important and should be embraced. And it can be done while embracing your imperfect, human self. Rather than see resolutions as a single question, pass/fail exam, look at it as a process, a cycle. There is no failure, no shame in being less than perfect. Rather, each time you fall short of your intention, is simply a sign to learn and begin again.
Celebration
Take the time to celebrate what you have. Recognize the good in yourself and your life. See what is rather than fixate on what is not. Allow the gratitude to spill over into all areas.
Enhancement
Whatever we nurture, grows. Rather than trying to shore up your weaknesses, start by enhancing your gifts. Begin by building yourself up rather than tearing yourself down. Be creative; often our strengths can be utilized to mitigate our flaws.
Intention
Set your intention. See it, feel it. Believe in it and in yourself. Be forgiving; if you don’t reach your goal, recognize it and try again. It’s okay not to make it on the first shot. Keep trying and you’ll get a little better every time. And when you’re beating up on yourself for falling short, celebrate and begin again.
I wish for all you the happiest of new years. Remember that your past is the teacher that gave you the lessons you need to create the future you desire. Now go celebrate:)
The Vow
We Are Women
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Marianne Williamson
On the surface, it was a simple girl’s weekend at the beach. But much lies beneath the waves at the ocean in the form of great beauty and unexplored possibilities.
On the surface, we were five women with toned figures and painted nails, armed with the foods, drinks and clothes to celebrate a weekend away from our normal lives and responsibilities. But much lies beneath the façade of a woman in the form of great power and untapped potential.
We were more strangers than friends when we first gathered at the rented beach house late Friday afternoon. A proposal was made that we draw names – the selected slip bearing the name of the woman we were to focus on that weekend so that we could reveal her greatest gifts to her in our final conversation.
Names drawn, the weekend began. Stories were told and topics were broached. Our laughter echoed through the home and our tears stained our cheeks. Meals were prepared and consumed. We watched sunsets and sunrises from the decks and explored the roads on runs. We walked to the beach only to have to run home in the monsoon that soon appeared. We danced and sang and we didn’t get much sleep.
Through it all, we watched and we listened to the woman bearing our selected name. Becoming more aware in each moment that we all brought different gifts to the table and that we each had what another lacked.
Sunday morning came all too soon. We gathered one last time with the intent of revealing what we learned about each other. We soon realized that each woman, powerful in her own beautiful way, embodied a different characteristic of womanhood and had a lesson to teach the rest of us.
Empathy
The first gifts to be revealed were that of the woman who possessed a quiet power and a willing ear. She would observe and reflect only later to release wisdom without assumption. She embodied the feminine caregiver, the nurturer that reaches out to assist those in need. Her journey has her learning how to set boundaries and the importance of taking care of yourself before you can help others.
Lesson: Embrace your nurturing nature yet remember that you are only responsible for your own happiness and well-being.
Strength
The next up was a woman who personifies strength. Her tall, solid frame speaks to her physical power, her sturdy muscles taut beneath the skin. Her tattoos are a testament of her resiliency though life’s trials. She is larger than life and does everything to the utmost. She is statuesque in frame and in spirit, as others look up to her as a model for their own lives. She has faced opposition from those who are intimidated by her feminine strength and seek to subdue it. Yet female strength is not something shameful; it is something to be celebrated. And celebrate it we did!
Lesson: Celebrate who you are and do not allow others to force you into hiding.
Passion
This woman was the last to show up at the home on Friday. She brought sunshine in the door behind her. Her big smile, loud unapologetic laugh and sense of play brought an amazing energy to the group. She embraces her sexuality and understands its power. Rather than trying to intimidate others with her beauty, she seeks to reveal and revel in the beauty of others.
Lesson: Celebrate life’s joys and do not be ashamed of pleasure. Laugh often and laugh loud.
Voice
This powerful woman was the one who made this weekend happen. She is assertive and strong, never afraid to speak her mind or to speak up for those who can’t for themselves. She has learned how to lead through inspiration and knows how to teach and open minds without relying on preaching. When others speak, she listens and when she speaks, the world listens.
Lesson: Create change by dreaming big and inspiring those around you to dream even bigger.
Spirit
The last woman is a testament of the power of the human spirit. She is resilient and determined, not content to take the easy road. She uses her story to motivate others to move beyond hardship and struggle. She sees potential for growth and opportunity in every challenge.
Lesson: You are only a victim if you imprison yourself. Release yourself from your past and let your spirit soar.
We are women. We are powerful beyond measure.
These are blogs run by two of the other women on the trip. I’m sure they will be sharing their own experiences about the weekend as well:) Check them out!
Lessons From the End of a Marriage 