Perceptions of Who we Are

In these challenging economic times, I'm noticing a pattern that breaks my heart. We have become a society of human doings, instead of human beings. We don't notice it so much when everything is going well and there's so much to do that we meet ourselves coming and going. But as people have lost jobs and are faced with possibly losing "stuff", there is a common theme. We have become so caught up in what we do and how much we have, that we have lost the sense of who we are. We are NOT what we do. Being is about WHO we are, not WHAT we are. We've got it all backwards. Is it more important that your child has the latest phone or that they have wonderful manners and know how to treat people with respect? Is it more important that you are at the top of your game or that the people coming up behind you admire and respect you for your kindness and grace?

I've been learning about core values. I always knew pretty much what I believed, but never really put it into words. Just recently I've started trying to put on paper who I want to be, who I want to be remembered as. It's harder than it seems. We tend to put our worth in what we do. I'm a singer...that's what...not who. I'm a blogger....that's what I do, not who I am. I'm a speaker, once again..a what...not who. I recently came across, in my files, a great exercise that I found many years ago tht has helped me start this process. Pretend that you have reached the end of your life...ripe old age of 90 and it's your memorial service. Many people have come to this service and are coming forward to say things about you. What kind of things do you want them to say? He was a great boss, a good mechanic, sure knew how to play golf? She was a good teacher, had beautiful hair, had wonderful style.....those are all nice things, but what does it say about who you were? NOTHING. I want to be known for the love I have for people. For the graciousness and compassion that I pray daily will permeate my life and spill over into others. For wisdom and understanding and the impact that I make everywhere I go, in everything I do. I want to be more of a WHO that shows up in the WHAT I do.

Be blessed.

Back Again!

I stepped away from blogging for a few weeks, trying to decide if I was ready for a proper website, or if I wanted to change to a different blog site or wanted just to change this one and take the next step in the evolution of life. I decided to continue with this one, honing my writing, focusing my thoughts and surrending to the growth process.

Isn't that the way life is? Constantly changing and evolving, causing us to either stagnate for a while or choose to stretch and grow? Since the beginning of the year I have been challenged and stretched on every hand. Sometimes wanting to go into my room and shut the door and never come out, but more times surrendering to the life lessons and accepting that change is needful, necessary for our growth and higher purpose.

So many things to do, to discover, to say. Oh well, tomorrow is another day! For now, good night and may the angels of the Lord encamp about you and keep watch as you sleep.

Blessings.

Leaving a Legacy

Yesterday I attended the funeral of the father of a friend of mine. I've known this family for a long time, but I have to say that I learned a lot more about this man in one hour than I did in a lifetime. I literally saw, in action, the true meaning of leaving a legacy. There is a lot to learn from his example.

In one short hour I listened to his family and friends talk about their memories of him. I watched his grandsons make us laugh and then weep as they relayed precious memories they will treasure for a lifetime. The time that he spent with each one of them, the lessons that he taught them, the memories made were a priceless gift that they will be able to pass on to their children and grandchildren. I heard his friends talk about what an impact his compassion, wisdom and sense of humor had made on them. It wasn't just a "let's be nice because he died" tribute, it was heartfelt and real and you knew he was deeply loved and truly made a difference in his lifetime.

While I don't have children to leave a legacy for, I have sisters, nieces and nephews and friends that I have the chance to make a difference for. There is an entire world out there looking for someone to accept them just as they are and love them, to make a difference, to make the invisible God visible. Just because we are not on the world's stage or in constant limelight or recognized as a great oracle, does not mean that we are not making a difference in people's lives and building a legacy that will be seen and felt for generations to come. It is our purpose, it is our gift......to pass on the wisdom and the love that God has shared with us.

Be Blessed.

Rare Treasures

Most people do not know how valuable they really are. How does that old saying go? "No one is indespensible....everyone can be replaced". Well, the truth is, no you can't. Each of us are one of a kind. Uniquely created as individuals, with our own personalities, gifts, abilities, quirks and even weaknesses. You are the only one of you. There will never be another exactly like you. And that makes you irreplaceable. It also makes you extremely valuable...a rare treasure.

Sadly, many people do not understand or appreciate their value. They are convinced that they are stupid, that they will never be good enough, that life will never be better, that they will never be anymore than they are right now. So many people think they have no talents, no gifts to share. They are stuck, hearing the same old negative tapes over and over again.

There is a passage in Marianne Williamson's book "Return to Love" that reads as follows:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I love this passage. Every time I start to doubt myself or feel bad about my life, I read it over and over until my heart once again knows that I am truly created by God with purpose and passion and gifts to share with the world.

So when you are feeling extremely unappreciated, or less than, or lonely, stop and take the time to reflect on just how special you really are. You are a rare treasure.

Blessings.