Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
It's a new day!
The outward freedom that we shall attain will only be in exact proportion to the inward freedom to which we may have grown at a given moment. And if this is a correct view of freedom, our chief energy must be concentrated on achieving reform from within. ~ Ghandi
When was the last time you REALLY took time just for yourself? Several years ago, my then 16 year old stepson, Christopher, asked me what I wanted for Christmas. Exasperated with his recent behavior, I quickly exclaimed, “PEACE, peace would be nice.” Without missing a beat, he replied that I should ask for something that he could actually give me. Out of the mouths of babes! I admit that his statement took me back a bit, however, as I thought about it, I realized exactly how right he really was.The peace that I longed for could not come from anything, or anyone, outside of myself. I had ALL of the power WITHIN myself to bring about a more peaceful state of being. It did not matter that work was insanely busy, or that the children were exhibiting the typical adolescent mania, or that my husband and I were at odds in how we were raising our respective children. I alone had a choice in how I would “be” in each of these situations.That was the beginning of a decade long journey toward creating a more peaceful existence. I began asking myself what I REALLY wanted, and WHO I wanted it with. Next, I set about educating myself, gathering new tools and surrounding myself with people who supported my journey toward peaceful living.
When was the last time you REALLY took time just for yourself? Several years ago, my then 16 year old stepson, Christopher, asked me what I wanted for Christmas. Exasperated with his recent behavior, I quickly exclaimed, “PEACE, peace would be nice.” Without missing a beat, he replied that I should ask for something that he could actually give me. Out of the mouths of babes! I admit that his statement took me back a bit, however, as I thought about it, I realized exactly how right he really was.The peace that I longed for could not come from anything, or anyone, outside of myself. I had ALL of the power WITHIN myself to bring about a more peaceful state of being. It did not matter that work was insanely busy, or that the children were exhibiting the typical adolescent mania, or that my husband and I were at odds in how we were raising our respective children. I alone had a choice in how I would “be” in each of these situations.That was the beginning of a decade long journey toward creating a more peaceful existence. I began asking myself what I REALLY wanted, and WHO I wanted it with. Next, I set about educating myself, gathering new tools and surrounding myself with people who supported my journey toward peaceful living.When I say more peaceful living, I do not mean sitting around in a quiet, candle-filled room meditating in solitude all day. I mean living a very active, productive life, surrounding myself with the people and things I love, going to the places that nourish my soul, eating the foods that sustain a healthy body, and serving a world that brings me joy everyday. Perhaps for you that means exercising, reading, writing, hiking, traveling, enjoying friends and family, or pursuing meaningful work or new and exciting hobbies. Simply— it means taking time for yourself and for the people you love. Living your life with gratitude and with the expectation that the possibilities are endless.
A new day gives us the perfect opportunity to begin anew. This is my hope for you in the coming days and weeks. A rediscovery of yourself and of your true purpose...trust in your own ability...belief that you have choices...and a knowing deep within you that your possibilities truly are endless.
I look forward to supporting you in your journey toward more peaceful living!
Blessings
Janet
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