1-11-11….The Significance of ‘ONE’

ONE 

One primarily deals with strong will, positivity, pure energy. The number One reflects new beginnings, and purity. The symbolic meaning of number One is further clarified when we understand One represents both kinds of action: physical and mental. This combined with Ones urgency for new beginnings, we begin to see Ones recurring in our lives indicates a time to exert our natural forces, take action, and start a new venture. One encourages us our action will be rewarded in kind.

To begin the New Year, my meditation will be focused on the word ‘ONE’.  It reminds me of each individual in my life; that although I wear multiple hats, I am only one person. That one is harmonious, unifying all the different parts of my life into one balanced, positive center. The universe provides and I plan to be intentional in partaking of all it offers. Stay Tuned for the journey.

Starting Fresh

Just the other day

As promised, I am starting off the week with a post. I had been cogitating on a topic until it struck me that this would be an ideal moment to reflect on what it means to “start fresh”. 

Why am I thinking about the concept of “starting fresh”? Perhaps it is the desire to continue shedding those elements of my life that are not or have not served me well. Perhaps it is the dream-work being done to launch a consulting firm. Perhaps even, it is the acceptance of unexpected events and learning to accept the things that I cannot change. Perhaps, “starting fresh” means ridding myself of the counter-productive thoughts that at times, lends to procrastination.

The wise words of Albert Einstein have been echoed quite frequently lately….truly… insanity can be defined as “doing what you have always done and expecting different results”.  So, starting fresh would work concurrently changing previous, unsuccessful actions.  Many times, the act of letting go or “ending” an era is necessary to initiate a beginning. This theory is in harmony with the work of William Bridges in the book “Managing Transitions” when he offers a framework for how humans experience change. Namely, there is an Ending, The Neutral Zone and Beginnings.  For example, losing a loved one inevitably evokes a beginning of a life that does not include them (whether life be better or worst).

So, what I am going to do for myself, is to list 2-3 endings that I have experienced within the last 6 months and at least 1 ending that I need to facilitate in order to continue improving my life.  Just thinking about this will force me to keep my eyes on the mirror and the image it reflects.  This exercise may work for you too!!

Now….I’m a Master!!! :)

After a little over two years completing an Executive Master’s Program at American University/NTL (one of the top 10 schools in the nation for this concentration), I have received a Master’s of Science in Organization Development.  Shortly after I took “the Big Walk” on Mother’s Day,  one of my son’s posted on Facebook “My mom just got her Masters, now I’ll never hear the end of it about college!”…..and he was SOOOO right.

Now, it is time to do something with my education. On the horizon is the realization of Boundaries Unknown Consulting, along with a few other ventures.  Stay tuned…..things are going to get interesting!!

Need a “Vacation FROM Vacation”?

The cute and simple beach look

If you are in my age range (not saying I am old, just not in my twenties anymore), have a demanding career, perhaps have children and so on; you MUST know what I am feeling right now. 

I just returned from a week long vacation in Myrtle Beach.  I was thrilled to be able to spend this time with my 4 teenagers since the last few spring breaks have been filled with my pursuit to complete a Master’s Program.  We had a oceanfront condo which allowed that breath-taking view of the ocean that I love so much.  We checked out a few Ripley’s sites (the museum, moving theatre, etc.), spent time on the beach, at the pool, in restaurants, Alligator cove, the malls (of course).

Guess who needs a “vacation FROM vacation”?  I love my teenagers, however; vacations with them require some work.  You are still managing their personal dynamics, worried about doing things that will please them all and doing lots of running to and fro.  Being a single parent has me being the one to do it all. 🙂  I have been blessed to be able to provide my kids with quality recreation.

Now, Mommy needs a vacation of her own.

I can only be ME

Today, I’m thinking back to a time in my life when I was constantly sacrificing my authentic self to please others. 

I can only be ME

The people in our lives tend to have these ready-made scripts for us and they expect for us to play our roles without fail.  We are not necessarily provided with these scripts upfront to study and hence have the opportunity to choose if we want to be this character.  However; those around us obviously are expecting for us to “know” and to behave accordingly. 

 It matters little if this character truly represents who you are as a person, your authentic self. Only that you convince others that it is.  There is minimal gratification for these life actors (such as I was for so long) because unlike professional actors, you are not allowed to step out of that character without being met with some sort of punishment.

I gave myself permission years ago to burn the scripts and be me.  I realize that there are parts of me that some will love and others may loathe. Not everyone will agree with my opinion. Some will share my values/beliefs and others will struggle to understand my point of view. Some will like my hair, my dress, the way I speak and others will prefer that I change it.  Some will want me to make the choice that he/she feels is right and instead of what I feel in my heart is right.  And that’s all good. It will always be that way. 

What is important is that you know who you are and that you are comfortable with the person staring back at you in the mirror.  Toss the script and live!!