Just When The Caterpillar Thought Her Life Was Over, She Became A Butterfly

This is a recurring problem for me....there are days when it seems no matter what I do or how hard I try or work I always fall just a little short of my own expectations. Coming in "fourth place" in my own life may not sound so bad, but it's hard for me to swallow.

I know, it sounds like my own pity party or self-sabotage in a way. Sometimes I give up too easy or end up being a little too hard on myself, but here's the little mantra going on in my head on those days.. "no matter what I do, the house isn't clean enough, I always forget to pay that one bill, spend a little too much on the grocery shopping, don't cook enough of the right food, never caught up on laundry, bathrooms."

The list goes on because I also worry I'm not reading enough to my kids or don't love them enough and will screw them up beyond repair. I worry that they are in too many activities or not enough, that they don't play outside enough or have enough down time. I worry that I'm too lenient or too hard on them.

Sometimes, I beat myself up because I work too much, spend too much time reading on the computer, don't eat enough or eat too much, don't exercise enough. I try to be a good friend but I worry that I don't say the right thing, remember important dates or that I'm not a good enough listener, talk too much or not enough.

Then, there's the personal "not good enough", you know, the little inventory we do on ourselves thinking my hair is out of style, my boobs are too small, my butt is too big, I have more freckles than I used to and I'm just a little fashion clumsy.

Clearly, if that's not enough, there are even days when I hate myself because even though I'm trying so hard to become someone different, someone healthy and someone authentic and whole, I seem to fall short of even that.

So, then, I read this little quote..."Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she became a butterfly." And I thought to myself, maybe those are the days we are actually growing and changing into the "butterfly" or, rather, our true authentic selves. I think every woman has a day or two where she can't see the true beauty of who she is and, in general, we tend to be very hard on ourselves. After all, we're not supposed to be perfect and learning to accept yourself with all your strengths and weaknesses creates a feeling of peace within.

Everything Happens For A Reason: V-Day Approaches...Valentine's Day

Everything Happens For A Reason: V-Day Approaches...Valentine's Day: "If you're like me, we'll probably bump into one another at Walmart buying a box or two of Valentine's cards for school.  I'm lucky enou..."

V-Day Approaches...Valentine's Day

If you're like me, we'll probably bump into one another at Walmart buying a box or two of Valentine's cards for school.  I'm lucky enough to still have an eight year old in the second grade who truly loves to decorate cards for her teacher, friends, classmates...and me!  I'm also completely sold and participating in the chocolate part of this holiday - after all, chocolate is my personal "Prozac", if a little bit makes me feel better, then a whole lot is going to make me feel fabulous, right?  Forget about the calories, I'm just going to over-indulge in my favorite holiday.

Surrounding Valentine's Day are a few other holidays we can slip in as well which benefit me personally, such as today, Friday, February 11th which is National Hug A Tall Person Day.  Yes, I am tall at 5-feet 10 1/2 inches or so without shoes, I'm all legs and this is the one day I can celebrate that instead of being frustrated in trying on pants that are way too short.  So, if you run into me at school, the grocery store, etc., I'm lovin the hugs today.

I was reading David Mott's "Single Dad blog" which I stumbled upon in "stumble upon".  I like his writing because he cuts right into the meat of real life.  He was sent a website to review for the February 13th Holiday "Love Your Mistress Day".  I laughed so hard when I read his review.  He couldn't support the site, but he did find immense humor in it and I recommend you read it just for the humor.  In short, it's a website that hooks up women with a "sugar daddy" and they have classifieds that detail what or whom, rather, they are looking for.. (i.e., single mom looking for help paying the rent, seeks sugar daddy).

Here's the link below, click on it for a few laughs and a good read:



Happy Valentine's Day to all of my friends and loved ones. Hugs to all you tall people today. Don't forget, the most precious and priceless gift of all is love, patience, tolerance and forgiveness = unconditional love.

Peace

Everything Happens For A Reason: A Courageous Spirit

Everything Happens For A Reason: A Courageous Spirit: "Let's face it, life is complicated, but if we take just a moment to examine our lives and consider all of the tough situations we have been ..."

A Courageous Spirit

Let's face it, life is complicated, but if we take just a moment to examine our lives and consider all of the tough situations we have been through...well, you're here today reading this so that makes you a survivor!  Sometimes, I wonder who it is I really am and where I belong.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like this at one time or another and, yes, at times I feel a little envious when I read about people who go on some fantastic spiritual pilgrimage to get in touch with their spiritual self.  I think these feelings are good, they remind me that there is something else I am meant to do, like I am not yet whole.

Each of us battles our own feelings at one time or another of low self-esteem, worthlessness or insignificance and it's time to change that.  Remember, those times when you feel "blue" are fleeting and you have to remind yourself of these few words... "this, too, shall pass.."

In the meantime, getting in touch with some basics of our human consciousness might help spark a little fuel for the "soul".    There are three basic parts of our "consciousness" emotions that govern our instincts which, on a daily basis, we are so busy, we probably don't recognize it.  

Take for instance, a young child, if you watch a younger child you see they "live in the moment".  Their priorities are much different than an adult's (of course).  However, remembering to get in touch with your inner child reminds us of the most basic level of consciousness where the "flight or fight" reflex exists or where you store your will to survive.  So, this is your "basic self" or your subconscious instincts/intuition.

Then, there's the conscious self, the center of logic and reason which, of course, we need to survive.   The key is to getting our conscious self and our subconscious self to work together a little more harmoniously.  In this way, we become more open to change while still maintaining our creativity.

The higher self is a radiant aspect of our consciousness.  This is where our "true voice" resides that taps into our ultimate spiritual self.  The "higher self" is always with us, you just have to learn to hear that little voice in your head that most of us have spent a lifetime tuning out from childhood.  The higher self is fully aware, full of selfless courage, wisdom and love.  Not enough people are aware of our higher selves and those who are may not be in touch with the other parts of their conscious and subconscious...getting all three to work together helps us to exist with powerful leverage attaining greater awareness and inspiration in our lives that we are all a part of.

Remember, the knowledge that you have a plan for your life and that you are working toward achieving something meaningful is the easiest way to feel good about yourself and about your life.  Eliminate obstacles in your way or personal insecurities that put you in a "victim" mentality in life which ultimately robs you of the pleasure of achieving your goals. 

If you don't have a plan for your own life, you're going to be a part of someone else's life.  So, your challenge for this week is...what can I do today or this week to make my life better?

Let me know, I'll share in your achievements!

Everything Happens For A Reason: The "Heart" Of A Woman

Everything Happens For A Reason: The "Heart" Of A Woman: "This past Friday was the American Heart Association's 'Go Red For Women' campaign in support of healthy hearts and prevention of heart disea..."

The "Heart" Of A Woman

This past Friday was the American Heart Association's "Go Red For Women" campaign in support of healthy hearts and prevention of heart disease and stroke.   http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx.   This is a great time to take inventory of not only our heart health, but the fact that our "hearts" are a very integral part of what a woman is.   Here is a message that was sent to me some time ago, but I think it really captures a woman's "heart"

Women have strengths that amaze men
They bear hardships and carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous
They fight for what they believe in
They stand up to injustice
They don't take "no" for an answer, when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have
They go to the doctor with a child or a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when friends get an award.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet are strong when they know there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors
They will drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show just how much they care aabout you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

However, if they have one flaw..it is that a woman forgets her own worth.

February is a great month to start thinking about prevention of heart disease and stroke, eating a healthy diet, exercising and watching our vital signs.  As women, we need to take time to take care of our own health which is not an easy thing when we are juggling busy work schedules, our children's soccer and piano practice, snow days, caring for our aging parents, it's hard to squeeze this in, but I don't need to tell you that, you already know it.

A woman's heart is far more than the clinical pathophysiology, her heart is who she is and everyone she touches, every day, knows that.  So, taking care of our "hearts", feeling good about who we are, valuing ourselves is also just as important.  Each day presents a new opportunity for you to create a better life and achieve your heart's desires.  What one thing do you do  daily to feel good about yourself?  What actions do you take to change your life for the better?  Today, you have a fresh chance to take care of your physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Be nice to yourself and replace your "self-talk" with positive statements.  Love what you see in the mirror.   Instead of focusing on the "imperfections" focus on your best features.  Support other women because when you support women, you are supporting yourself.   When we stop worrying about being "perfect", following our passions and being true to ourselves we become more in touch with the authenticity of our genuine strengths that make us the nuturing caretakers we are, every day.