What causes someone to take their life for granted? I just found out a very close friend is seriously ill and the long term prognosis is not good. In addition, I have recently experienced two traumatic deaths in my life; my younger cousin, and a very close friend, who had a massive heart attack at age 54. The sadness of these losses is deep and life changing. In fact, I have been very slow at returning to some of my responsibilities …..almost as if I am slogging through, much like a slug. It doesn’t feel good at all. However, there are days when I am incredibly energized, productive and feel as if life is “exactly the same”. Yet I know that is not the truth.
This is the essence of this article: truth.
What is truth? What is your personal truth and how are you living consciously with it? These are big questions, and ones I truly enjoy churning over, because the breakthroughs and life lessons that I find each time I do, truly alter the manner in which I live my own life. The bottom line is, we are here to live our own lives, to the fullest degree we can — at least that is my understanding and intention.
One of my definitions is to be authentic — truly authentic in word, action and deed; using mind, body, and spirit. As difficult as this appears, one of my big lessons is learning the art of saying “NO”, for the correct, soulful reason. Creating healthy boundaries, asking for help and recognizing that resources are available has been a struggle. Feeling I can do it all, yet knowing I truly am not able, nor do I really desire to accomplish it all
In identifying a little piece of truth, here’s one of my revelations — I need to listen more carefully, so I respond with authentic information and discern drama from reality. The listening I am speaking of is the silent, quiet, calm space of my heart — that is where real answers lie. The distractions of life, even the difficult life experiences, can be a veil to what is truly going on inside. The art of saying “no” is the art of closing down technology, phones, TV and other people’s opinions, thus closing off the world for short periods of time. In those moments of deep quiet and solitude, the truth comes forth. For me, it is acknowledging to you that I was not practicing what I teach……. And now my lesson comes full circle.
I am sitting quietly, listening to what I appreciate in life……… it is the ability to be quiet, listen, and be guided by my truth.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
That life is going to throw curves and I may not always be prepared, yet I have learned that in the end, there is a lesson that I needed to learn. Each time they come around, they are different, and as long as I trust myself, I will be able to manage the moment.
What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I am learning to really grab each moment, and I appreciate that I do not need approval or acceptance from others when it is a decision from my heart.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
This past month, I stepped down from a Board of Trustees position at our Temple after 19 years of service. I would like to believe that during that time, the decisions that I was part of creating, will have a positive long term impact on the future of that organization. Taking the action to step down, was a moment of clarity, truth and courage. My goal is to look to this decision as I accept other responsibilities in the future.
We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I will leave an item down in one room, truly believing I will remember where I put it…. like my night retainer. Then laugh at myself, when I need that item. Sometimes it reveals itself quickly, sometimes, it will be the next day. I always laugh and my own foibles!
“I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my ability to truly see the person in front of me (or on the phone), and step aware from the drama. I may not succeed every time to the extent my heart wishes; yet I know that I love myself enough to find the way to see the love in others.
