Speaking of “Being Thankful”

Why Be Thankful?

First, I must say that none of us need one designated day per year to express thanks. I am hoping that everyone will think about how good it feels to give thanks and to receive it and then will share the experience whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Why be Thankful? Well, there are always the obvious reasons like my teenagers, parents and siblings, close friends (both new and old), a home, a career and transportation.  However; I took a few moments today to think about the little things that we don’t often express appreciation for but if lost, would sorely missed.  Those things that we take for granted regularly. 

For instance, I am thankful to have ten fingers available to type this message. I am thankful to be able to appreciate the colors, sights and sounds of the world. I am thankful that my mother raised me to be something more than a domestic woman, not because there is anything wrong with that woman but because there is so much more that a woman can be.  I am thankful for my artistic gifts like writing poetry, stories, songs and the ability to sing.  I am thankful for being blessed with strong intuitive skills. I am thankful that there is food in my refrigerator and pantry, that I am able to breathe on my own and that I can jump up and down, dance, scream and laugh! 🙂

I am thankful that despite the efforts of some, I am still here…still standing…still shaking things up. I am thankful that I AM…because I am like all people, like some people and like no other; all at the same time.  I am thankful to be able to see the world differently than many and to accept and appreciate those who are different from me or than what I am accustomed to.

I am thankful to you for reading this blog and I’d be thankful for any thoughts you would like to share about the things you are thankful for….that you don’t often think about. 🙂

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!!

What’s missing?

You still peeking?

Every now and again, I feel as though this life…my life…is missing something essential.  It is not that I am unhappy, or that I am struggling.  I am actually quite fortunate as a single mom in that regard.  I have a great career, 4 beautiful teenagers, fantastic family and friends, a place of my own, a nice car, I can write, sing, dance, I have been to some wonderful places.  Life is not perfect, however; it is satisfying. 

Even still, I have these moments where I experience what can only be described as an empty space.  I feel like there is an essential element that is missing that would make me feel more complete.

Perhaps, I am in love with my fantasies. My imagination sometimes has me caught up in the rapture of possibilities.  What could be? What should be? What can be? and what cannot be.  Perhaps, there is someone reading this short blog right now…….feeling the same way that I do.   Wondering what is missing? or “Knowing” what is missing with no clue of how to attain it.

The quandary is figuring out what to do, if anything.

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!!

All the best intentions

Most recent ME _ 🙂

In my heart of hearts, I have had ALL the best intentions of updating my blog weekly. If for nothing else but to ensure that I have some means of creative expression in my life.  Isn’t it funny how “all the best intentions” count for absolutely nothing at the end of the day? Think about it.

If I intended to make it to one of my son’s football/basketball game and didn’t make it, will my “intentions” count as much as actually being there?

If I intended to submit a deliverable at work and failed to do so, will senior management appreciate my “intentions”.

If I intended to pay my electric bill but not got around to it, will Pepco notate my account with my intentions?

If someone tells you that they had every intention of writing you a letter, sending you a card, paying you a visit, keeping their word (you get the picture) yet these never come to fruition, how would you feel?  Sure, you appreciate the thought but tell the truth….in the back of your mind you are thinking “it sure would have been nice if you had actually done it!

Intentions are an admirable start however; it is the actions that realize your intentions that truly matter.  Where would I be?, Where will I be? What hope would my teenagers have?…..If I stopped at my intentions.