16 posts from July 2009

Found this blog while searching the net, and really found the author's comments inspirational..please enjoy

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Knowing I Will Die Someday, How Then Shall I Live?
Jul 17th, 2009 by Judith Rich

I know this sounds like a really “heavy” subject to be bringing up, especially now, in the middle of summer, when everybody just wants to escape the heat and curl up with a romance novel at the beach, or go to the mountains, pitch a tent, drop a fishing line and dangle your feet in a cool mountain stream and forget the world.

I’m choosing now to bring up the “D” word? Not to worry. I don’t want to talk about death. I want to talk about life.

I know, it’s not exactly light, summer reading, but hey, the sudden death of Michael Jackson three weeks ago coupled with the reality of my own breast cancer diagnosis three months ago has brought this important question to the forefront of my awareness in a new and urgent way.

One thing I’ve learned from both these events is there’s only now. If it’s on my radar screen, I best write about it now. And that, after all, is the point of this post.

I said I wasn’t going to talk about death, but let me just say this: the very fact of our death is ordained at the moment of our first breath, yet human beings live their lives, for the most part, in deep denial of this truth. The unexpected death of a loved one or the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness smacks us in the face; tears away our denial and forces us to look squarely into the abyss of our own mortality. I’ve just come back from taking a look into that abyss. I’m quite happy to be back.

But like I said, the focus of this inquiry is not about death. It's about life. Our death, like it or not, is a given. Our life is not. Life is merely a creative possibility that we shape and mold according to the choices we make during our time here on earth. Given that we know how the story ends, in some form or fashion we die, how do we make the time we spend here worthy of the life we've been given?

Within each of us, there is an innate call to connect to the greater whole in our own, unique way. We're called to actualize our potential, discover and develop our gifts and contribute them in some way that makes a difference in the human condition.

Each of us is called to be in service to life in a way that only we can fulfill. There is no one else who has the same combination of gifts or talents as you. You're one of a kind. Given your life is yours to create, what kind of life do you want to live?

I was in my mid-30's when that question first arose for me. Up until then, it had never dawned on me that I had any choice in the matter. I was just putting one foot in front of the other, doing what I thought I was expected to do. Graduate from college, get a job, get married, start a family. My life was already laid out according to the messages from my parents and the culture in general.

I followed the rules and did all the things I was expected to do; but there was another dynamic at work in me that did not line up according to plan. Some deeper part of me wasn't buying it. I was living the life I thought others wanted for me, not the one I wanted for myself. I couldn't fit myself into that box, even though I was the one who'd constructed it. I was compelled to leave that life in search of the authentic life I sought to live.

That search has taken me far and wide and I'm happy to say I've found my purpose and lived in alignment with it for the past forty years.

Today, I'm much closer to the finish line. Sensing its increasing proximity puts a fine patina on the richness of whatever is left of my life. I feel a quickening, a knowing that while I may still have decades left to live, it becomes even more important that my remaining years be lived in service to my purpose. This is not the time to kick back and coast. Now post cancer, I've been given another chance at life, an opportunity to continue to make a difference. How will I use it?

Each of us has a choice about how we live out our days in this lifetime. We can live in lockstep with how we've been conditioned and never question whether or not the choices we're making are truly our own or if we're merely following the script we've been given.

On the surface, this might seem the easier approach. Follow the rules: don't make waves, live to please others, ignore your own feelings, keep a low profile, don't upset anyone, be careful what you do and say, be concerned about what other people think of you, be in control at all times, avoid difficulties and anything unpleasant. Lots of people live this life and seem to do it well, at least on the surface.

Having worked with thousands of people over the years that have lived according to these unwritten rules for being human, it's clear that while this life might give the appearance of working, it comes at a heavy price. The price? Knowing who you are, that's all. But in the end, that's everything. So what's the alternative?

Another possibility is to live a life that is sourced from the deeper waters of the Soul. As I've said before in other posts, the soul has its own agenda. Sooner or later, it will have its way with us. The soul comes to fulfill its purpose. The sooner one can discover that purpose and align with it, the more grace we experience in the journey.

A life lived "on purpose" is not necessarily an easier life. It can be very challenging because you're not avoiding anything. Some of us come with strong and powerful lessons to complete. Living on purpose insures that you'll be continuously learning, taking new territory, dealing with uncertainty. But knowing that a larger purpose is being served and becoming aligned with that purpose puts one on a track that is supported by the very process of life itself. You were meant to fulfill your purpose.

Your purpose becomes your point of reference, your personal GPS. Choices that were obscure now become obvious. You operate from a level of Higher Being as opposed to being driven by the automatic, reactive, conditioned Ego. You learn to access your own wisdom and trust it. Imagination and intuition spark creative responses to life instead of automatic reactions. What once looked like a huge risk becomes the next obvious step in the direction of your authentic life. You begin to sense yourself moving in the direction of "home", your deeper truth. Your dreams take form. This is a life lived with intention. This is a life lived "on purpose".

My purpose is to serve the planet in awakening to a higher consciousness. For forty years, I've been in service to my purpose through teaching, training, coaching, speaking and writing, being a mother and a friend.

How do you see your life unfolding? Knowing you will die someday, what do you see most important to fulfill in the life you have left to live? Are you on/off track? Can you see the path of your purpose? What steps do you need to take now to step into this life?

Blessings on the path.

Hello friends :o)

Just got back from a family vacation in Wisconsin - Stayed in a cabin in the woods.  Spent lots of time walking my mom's new dog and sitting by the riverbank.  Vacations are very addictive..will have a hard time going to work tomorrow...

Hello friends,
A few days ago I received this strange email in my account, claiming to be sent by a "doctor" from the Institute of Cancer Research (which is a real organization).

This is obviously a scam designed to solicit personal information and money - I was about to delete the email and I thought I might dissect the Scam and post it here for my neighbors to see.  While I'm surprised that people really fall for these emails, it appears it is still happening..

******************************************************************

The Institute of Cancer Research: Royal Cancer Hospital (Notice the use of a real organization to lend credibility)
Company Limited by Guarantee.
Registered in England No. 534147.
VAT Registration No. GB 849 0581 02.

Dear Sir/Ma

In response to the initial Job search Directory (extremely vague premise, no name attached to this "directory"), let me write and inform you of an important Job opportunity that would lead you through the path of Financial upliftment and freedom in this time of World Economic Crisis. (do people really speak like this? Note the use of capitals and large words)

The above named Company is a Research Institute that embark on continuous research and seeking Funds from donors,sponsors and clients all over the World. (This is a real institute, that does accept donations..nice use of actual organization)

What we need you for? (finally, here's the pitch)

1. Receiving Payments from our Clients, donors or sponsors inform of Checks

2. Cash the Payment at your Bank

3. Deduct 10% which is your instant commission on every payment processed

4. Forward the balance 90% to the information we will provide for you here later on.
(Perhaps the scam is using fraudulent checks in hopes you will send them real money, or maybe they will ask you to send personal information such as a bank account or credit card number to "secure" their investment)

Advantages?

You can easily do this work without leaving your present work

You don't need a capital or any money to start (not sure how anyone could fall for this line)

If  you are interested fill the form below:

Name...................................

Address......(Not a P.O Box)...................................

City.....................

State.................................

Zip Code..........................

Cell Number.................................

Phone Number....................................

Sex.............................................

Age......................................................

Present Job.......................................

Send all replies to : dr.smith4unn@gmail.com (This is the actual email address included in the note - As if someone from the Cancer Research Institute would be using a personal gmail account for donation transactions?)

Best Regards,

Research Director (No last name, vague and unable to trace)

I love walking through a farmer's market, fresh produce looks far more appealing than the pre-packaged fare.  If you are feeling inspired to eat something healthy, check out this article from Planet Green..

Save Money, Lose Weight, and Eat Green for a Week with this 3-Step Sunday Set-Up

by Laurel House, planetgreen.discovery.com

While it's great in theory, preparing healthy, whole, organic meals every night of the week can be quite the feat. If you're a mom and you're also responsible for feeding an entire family, the task can be even more time consuming. Instead of stressing about how you are going to pull it together night after night, Sunday Set-Up is your plan-ahead solution.

Kathy Kaehler, a working mom, celebrity personal trainer, and healthy living television spokesperson, created Kathy Kaehler's Sunday Set-Up to help make daily meal prep more practical. The idea is that every Sunday you "set-up" your meals for the week by shopping at your local farmers' market (or natural food market) and selecting, then prepping foods that can be made into a week's worth of recipes.

Eat Healthier Whole Meals by Planning Ahead

More than streamlining the nightly evening ritual, Kathy created this set-up to help moms incorporate more healthy, organic, home-cooked meals into their children's lives. "Families today rely too much on take-out and ordering-in. Our children are not learning how to prepare healthy meals. By implementing Sunday Set-up into your routine, you will save money, eat better, eat healthier, feel more energized, gather as a family more often, and you may even lose some weight."

Sunday Set-Up is as easy as 1-2-3:

   1. On Saturday or Sunday afternoon, take your kids and go shopping at your local farmers market or grocery store, picking up the freshest ingredients possible. Bringing the kids is key, as it gets them excited about the healthy ingredients, and includes them in the meal selection (making it more likely that they will actually eat it).

   2. On Sunday afternoon or evening, chop, par boil, and grill the ingredients necessary for a week’s worth of meals and snacks. This includes vegetables, rice, pasta, and chicken.

   3. After the chopping and preparing, store the fixings in clear glass containers and place them at the front of your refrigerator. That way, you will be excited about all of the mix and match possibilities for meals and last-minute healthy snacks for the week and your kids can easily help themselves to more wholesome options.

Kathy Kaehler's Sunday Set-Up Shopping List

   1. Brown rice (organic)
   2. Whole wheat pasta (organic)
   3. Kidney Beans (organic)
   4. Kathy's Kale
   5. Chopped Onions (organic)
   6. Boiled Eggs (organic)
   7. Chopped Peppers Orange, Red and Yellow (organic)
   8. Boiled Chicken Breast (organic)
   9. Small grape tomatoes (organic)
  10. Broccoli (organic)
  11. Cauliflower (organic)

Of course, shopping seasonally, locally, and organically is always the greenest way to go. Use the above list as a base, then make changes according to availability.

Found this little gem online and thought you might find it interesting..
We have a shoes off policy in our home, something my husband brought over from his childhood.
Do you wear your shoes in the house or not?

37 Reasons Why You Should Have a Shoes-Off Policy
from the blog "Shoes Off at the door, Please"

1. Carpets are not easy to clean.
2. Carpets absorb dust and become breeding grounds for dust mites, causing the development of asthma and allergies.
3. If you do not have a carpet, the dust will not be absorbed and you are likely to breathe it in.
4. Shoes can leave marks on wood, PVC and marble floors.
5. Shoes can scratch wood flooring, especially if they have high heels.
6. Boots and high heeled shoes can cause wear and tear to carpets.
7. That goes for rugs as well.
8. Shoes pick up small particles of grit that cause wear and tear to carpets.
9. Shoes pick up traces of petrol fumes and industrial pollution.
10. Shoes can pick up pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals.
11. Shoes pick up traces of animal excrement.
12. Ever noticed how much chewing gum there is stuck to the streets?
13. In a square mile, there are more insects than people on the planet. How many do you think you have squashed on your shoes?
14. If you have a crawling baby, do you want him or her to be exposed to the dirt from people's shoes?
15. In rain or snow, you are less likely to get the floor wet.
16. If you live near a beach, you will bring less sand into the house.
17. If you have a crawling baby, you will do less damage if you accidentally step on him or her.
18. If you get mad and kick the cat or dog, you will do less damage (apologies to animal lovers).
19. If your children play rough, they will do less damage.
20. It creates a less formal atmosphere.
21. It creates a greater sense of relaxation.
22. Your guests will become more like you by removing their shoes and will feel part of the family.
23. An Asian, Scandinavian or East European visitor will feel more at home.
24. It teaches children the importance of respecting and looking after things.
25. Psychologically, removing your shoes helps you to enter a frame of mind where you keep your everyday troubles outside your home.
26. It is more comfortable.
27. It is healthier for you feet to take your shoes off during the day.
28. Small children with growing feet should wear shoes only to the minimum.
29. If you wear high-heeled shoes, your feet badly need a break.
30. You can put your feet up on the sofa without taking your shoes off first (Don't tell me you put your feet on the sofa with shoes on?).
31. You can put your feet up on the coffee table without taking your shoes off first.
32. If you ever visit Japan, it will seem less weird.
33. If you are ever arrested and they confiscate your shoes, along with your belt and jewelery, it will seem less weird.
34. Your feet smell less if you do not wear shoes all day.
35. When you lovingly chastise your children, you will have a slipper to hand.
36. It was a Biblical custom (come on, did they wash their feet with shoes on?)
37. Do you really think the Saints in Glory are going to trample the sparkling, clean New Jerusalem with shoes on?