grateful

At this time of immense stress, I think it would be beneficial to stop and remember why all of these happenings are truly amazing and causes to be grateful.

I am excited for my new job and the new faces it will bring.  I'm excited to learn many new things and also to work so close to my last office so that I can continue strengthening my relationships with people there. 

I am excited for this professional women's group in all of its potential.  I am excited to encourage women to participate in committees and to see their passion and support further this organization.

I am excited for friendships that are growing and continually amaze me, and especially for the friends who have been there most recently- I've needed that! 

I am excited for my relationship with the love of my life and all of the opportunities for growth which it brings.

I am excited for my family and all the wonderful things that are happening in their lives.  I am excited to see my cousin next week!

Signing off

xo

le sigh.

Just now I was updating the links to "people who inspire me" on fb.  And the first three I thought of were men (Dalai Lama, Jesus and Paulo Coelho).  Why is it that women continue to play such a less prominent role in this world? Why does it seems that notable women are usually recognized for being the first woman to do something men have done for years or for furthering the cause of womens' rights?  I want to see women recognized in the same capacity in the same world as men.  I want to see women in leadership roles not presiding just above women and children but all people, including men.  Noted for business.  Noted for vision.

OK, Vaishali.  There's one. Now I just wish they would have an icon for her on FB!

xoxoxo

TaTa Twenty-Ten

In 20 years from now, I pray that 2009 and 2010 will be remembered as the crash course years whose lessons carved space for the lingering peace that would define my life starting in 2011.  While 2009 was the year of betrayal and lay-off then forgiveness and professional re-invention, 2010 brought three cases of nauseating heart-ache that were each rewarded with the sweetness of superior life.  The lessons memorialized below now stand as my personal guidebook for living (at least until supersceded):

*Acting with grace, regardless of the BS being smashed in your face, is the only way to move forward in clear conscience. 

*The criteria for working harder should be a positive response to not only the question of "Will I be happier once work pays off?" but also "Am I happy doing the work itself?"

*Life is precious and beauty fleeting.  You can't take it personally when unexpected crap decides to bear its ugly head.  Again: Act with grace.

*People are better motivated when kind words mask the discomfort of "constructive criticism."  The art to getting better results from a person is a concept to be explored.

*If you find yourself in a state of confusion by all means, take a hiatus!  Don't continue blindly, hoping a new experience will clarify... Step back and examine what you've already experienced and find your answers there.

 *If life isn't fulfilling, focus on the people around you and the beauty in relationships there.  There is always opportunity for happiness.

Signing off, 2010.

xoxo

awni

quiet

it's the strangest thing. it was there all along. countless books plainly stating that thoughts are the cause of suffering.  so i tested it out.  anytime i think pointlessly, i replace thoughts with a repeat of my own little mantra.  ....does that make me more airhead? 

Tseretnisid

It's amusing and perhaps more telling of a person to observe not the things that interest them but that DISinterest them. Here's a peek at my list:

*politics and current events
*avoiding glucose, soy, etc. for energy's sake
*sports of all kinds (unless it's a social event)
*meditation (unfortunately)

What's on your list?

dedication

if there is one thing i know, it's that life ain't smooth.

it tossles us around and topples us on our heads
...then other days it embraces us
with its soft rays of warmth.

i knew a man who aspired for neutrality.
he described two occasions in his life that were infused with elation
and that was it.

is he crazy?
or are we?

are the ups really paired with the downs?
...or are they independent forces struggling for power?



to be continued.