Here I Grow Again
One of the things that I consistently experience in life is the desire to learn and grow. The act of stretching and expanding my
consciousness and knowledge base brings me joy. It is who I am. When my schedule brims to overflowing with delightful opportunities to be the best I can be, I can experience a bit of that dreaded overwhelm. At those times, I wonder what it would be like to get a job at Target and spend my weekends reading Danielle Steele novels. Then I wake up from what would be a very scary dream for me . I prefer to continue to walk on the path of discovery; it has a much more interesting view.
I have been on a new path to the destination of having my book published. Sharing the Joy Factor approach with the world is all that is truly important to me these days. I am learning so much in the process-imagine that!
In November I enrolled in the Next Top Self Help Author competition. Over the last 2 months I have been learning from many masters what it will take to win the Grand Prize, which is a publishing contract with Conari press. I am excited and optimistic about winning this contest. I am also nervous, terrified, trusting, joyful and a myriad of other emotions that I get to experience when you put yourself out into the world this way.
When I was getting my training to become a Professional Life Coach, I was told that living a fulfilling life is a radical act. That is why I will continue to source experiences like this contest, which partners vulnerability with strength, clarity with intention and tenacity with joy. This combination is one where I can be my best and expect the best. With this attitude, I know I am a winner, no matter what.
Learning and growing is not an activity that I enjoy doing alone. Another place for me to expand is leaning into others for support. People’s basic nature is to help, mine is, yet sometimes it is so darn hard for me to ask for help.
My declaration today is-Here I Grow Again: I will do it with Joy, Love, Support and Trust.
Join me on my journey and let’s all grow again in this new year!
Wisest Decision
Day 10 of Reverb10 has me pondering the wisest decision I made this year and the results.
Kim and Wendy at Mile 60 of Beautiful Backroads!
It is easy to think of a few of the not wise decisions, like eating dessert after a big meal last night-oy. It was my mom’s birthday cake, how could I resist?
It was what I did not resist this year that supported my wise decision.
At the moment that I said in fall of 2008 that I was going to ride my first Century (100 miles on my bicycle), in fall of 2009, I had no idea what I was getting into it. That happens alot for me. And I like stretching myself that way.
The training started and stopped, started and stopped , started and stopped. The day of the ride came and thank goodness, it rained. I love riding my bicycle in good conditions, I am not willing to suffer to reach my intentions.
I was disappointed and grateful in the same breath. Intuitively I knew that I was not ready. I also knew I would be soon.
Fast forward to this year. I made the commitment to riding my century at Beautiful Backroads in September of 2010. I trained both mentally and physically for this audacious goal. As the day got closer, I knew I was ready and set myself up with the right gear, snacks and peeps to support me. Ready to go–off I went and I completed the ride with ease, joy and a lot of fun!
The wisest decision that I made about that ride is sticking with me each and every day. I broke the 100 (actually 106 miles!) into smaller pieces. There were SAGs (rest stops) every 15 miles or so. I focused on riding 15 miles and then 15 more miles and so on, for 7 stops, including the finish. Those bites sized pieces were easy for me to digest. As I move forward in achieving other important things in my life, I remember to break them down into smaller bites, so that I can enjoy it more. Just like I really did enjoy that birthday cake last night!
Party Time
Charlene Neville at Spring LEAF 2008
It is interesting to me how my socialness (is that a word?) has evolved over the years. Pondering what gathering “rocked my socks” in 2010 as todays Reverb 10 prompt makes me realize how partying in my forties is so different than my thirties and twenties. For some of my friends, they are still partying like it is 1999. Our gatherings seem to be more tame; dinner with a small group of friends vs. large, loud parties. We prefer to go to The Variety Theater, Center Stage or Tabernacle to see live music rather than the Omni or the Dome. My desire for true connection has me craving these more intimate events on a regular basis.
With that said, the highlight event for me this year was definitely the weekend we spent at the LEAF festival. Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) is the annual pilgrimage that we take each year (sometimes twice a year) to Black Mountain, NC. We have been feeding our spirit at this event for the last 6 years. Imagine a gorgeous lake, surrounded by amazing trees, mountains and 5000 people gathered to listen to music, poetry, and to dance. This place is a feast for our senses. Delicious food to eat, beautiful art to see, touch and experience and healing pleasures for the mind, body and soul.
I love that it is a family festival. Witnessing the gorgeous people, just having a blast is so uplifting. There are 4-5 venues at LEAF that you can watch music. I clearly remember being at Eden Hall watching a local Americana group performing. There was a couple with their 1-2 year old baby, all dancing together. Smile, giggles and pure joy eminated from this beautiful trio-it made my heart sing. I had to get up and dance with them!
The combination of nature, live music, gorgeous people, my husband, friends-both new and old, Veggie Things and the kids Artists Market have me deem this gathering the best party of 2010! In honor of this reflection, I am going to put on my Wood Brothers cd-the new band that we fell in love with this year at LEAF and dance around the living room with the doggies. Love to savor these memories!
Beautifully Different
One of my blogging idols, Patti Digh, shared the concept of Reverb 10 on her site. I love the idea and am enrolled in
the concept of blogging every day in December. The posts will be about the topic that Reverb 10 shares with us. It is all about reflecting on 2010 and preparing for 2011. For me, it is going to be flow of conscious, minimal editing and maximum sharing from the heart–fun, exciting and scary all in one blogpost! You can learn more about it here. In the meantime, I am commited to 10 minutes a day on the given topic-let’s see what shows up…..
A smile, holding the door, letting you in in traffic, my accessories, my perspective on life, my joy in crying at the drop of a hat and watching others do the same–deeply feeling all that is in the world. These are some of the things that I see as making me beautifully different and that create more joy and beauty in the world. Even the items on this list that may be seen as small acts of kindness, can make someone’s day.
I love the concept of making someones day. What is even better is when I get to do it on a regular basis. This idea of daymaking was introduced to me many years ago by David Wagner. Over years of repitition, it is now a habit. At first, I craved the acknowldegment and appreciation from these gifts of kindness. Today, it fills my heart just from the selfless act. I say selfless, because I expect nothing in return, yet it does make me feel so good. It is a true win-win.
Next year I am stepping into some new leadership roles. I am thrilled about the opportunity to share myself from a place of authentic expression. My desire is that it gives more people an opportunity to express themselves as beautifully different and share their gifts with the world–that is delicious!
Delicious Breadcrumbs
Wendy with the masters of passion, Chris and Janet Attwood
It has always been fascinating to me that parents and teachers expect kids that are getting ready to finish high school to know what they are going to be when they grow up. There is so much pressure for them to know much more then they can comprehend at seventeen years old.
Because of my life experience, I am an advocate of kids that do not have a clear idea about their career path to attend the University of Life for awhile. That is where I received my ChB degree from. I am a Compassionate Human Being and share this degree with pride. This break in formal education and training allowed me to really ponder what it was I wanted to contribute to the world. Sometimes this reflecting happened consciously and other times it was more on a subconscious level. Either way, it let me start to uncover what I was really passionate about.
Most people I know in their late thirties and early forties, have no idea what they want to be now that they are adults. They are meandering through life, creating a little of this and a little of that; somewhat enjoying the journey, yet not getting the most of what they want out of their life.
What do you want to accomplish? Do you have the seeds of the next Martin Luther King germinating? Maybe a little bit of Martha Stewart or even Emeril? Some people are here for a grandiose purpose, others for something that is a bit more tame. Whatever mark you are here to leave on the world, it all starts with knowing what is important to you and how to design your life around that.
Chris and Janet Attwood, authors of the NY Times Best Selling book, The Passion Test, say that our passions are the breadcrumbs that lead us to our purpose in life. The flavor of these breadcrumbs will change over time, however, they always guide you to the essence of what will bring you the most fulfillment and success in your life.
As 2010 comes to a close, take some time to uncover what your passions are and let them lead you to creating a new year filled with all of the things that you desire and deserve. Buy a book, take a class, hire a coach-whatever you do, find the breadcrumbs that will lead you home; home to living your purpose and being the best you can be—just for you!
Gratitude Gumbo
The power of a “gratitude – attitude” is delicious. Deborah Norville in her book, Thank You Power, says that two small
words, thank you, can change your life. She goes on to say, it is not just about the words, it is about the mind-set that accompanies them. I love that!
If you are someone who is focused on raising their Joy Factor, you know that being conscious about the yummy combination of your positive thoughts, feelings and actions will move you in the direction you want to go with joy and ease. Gratitude is another piece of the gumbo.
I am a fan of acronyms. Here is one that will help you to embrace a gratitude - attitude. It will not only make you feel better, Norville shares studies that show it will improve your health, optimism and resilience in tough times.
Grow where you are planted. You are where you are in your life for a reason. When you can remember that and go with the flow, it will be easier to express gratitude for what is, rather than always focusing on what could be or what was.
Reset your mindset. When you notice that you are spending more time complaining or blaming, push the reset button and notice what you are thankful for. It could be the car you are driving, the food you are eating or the house that you live in-you get to choose. Keep track of these delicious nuggets by writing them in a gratitude journal.
Accentuate the positive. Where do you want to shine the light? On what is working or what is not working? Choose what is working and share that with others, they will thank you for it.
Treat every day as a gift. Unwrap it and find the wonder in the newness and possibility that is there. Be thankful for it and savor the gift of today.
Imagine the possibilities. If you do not like what you are experiencing right now, use your thoughts to shift it. Say thank you to yourself for choosing to get yourself out of the doldrums of the day.
Two words. Thank you-use them often. Say thank you not only with your words, but also with your eyes and smile.
Unite with others. We are all connected human beings that desire to be appreciated, loved and acknowledged-act accordingly.
Delight in beauty. Nothing enhances gratitude more than spending time in nature. You cannot help to feel thankful for the glorious sights, sounds and smell. Step outside today.
Enjoy the journey. Don’t worry about getting there; because once you get there, it is time to go someplace else! Savor the everyday moments, relish in all that is so you can truly enjoy this adventure called life.
Sprinkle a bit of gratitude into each and every one or your days. You will feel amazing and so will others around you. I will have seconds of this gumbo please.
Just Don't Do It!
Over the years I have invested lots of time and energy to raise my Joy Factor. What I have noticed is that sometimes I have to “clean out the closet” to make room for new thoughts, perspectives and beliefs to live a life I love. Here are a few tips from a master on what you may want to “get rid of” in your internal closet of a mind to allow space for all that you deserve and desire. Enjoy!
Just Don’t Do It!
Over the years I have invested lots of time and energy to raise my Joy Factor. What I have noticed is that sometimes I have to “clean out the closet” to make room for new thoughts, perspectives and beliefs to live a life I love. Here are a few tips from a master on what you may want to “get rid of” in your internal closet of a mind to allow space for all that you deserve and desire. Enjoy!
Words of Wisdom from Louise Hay
Louise Hay has taught me so much since I was first introduced to her in the early 80′s. She shares the key to joy and how to obtain it in this video. It all starts with loving yourself. Louise teaches you an affirmation/mantra that I continue to use today. Take a few minutes and enjoy her wisdom-who knows, it could change your life.
A Gift to Me and Now to You
Last night I completed facilitating an 8 week pilot of The Joy Factor with a group of recovering drug addicts at a local
residential recovery center. It was an amazing couple of months. Even though one of the participants told me that when the program first started, he thought I was right off of the koo-koo train, he grew to love and learn from my passion and commitment to living a life we love. He gifted me with this poem and I now share it with you. My soul resonates with most of it, I hope yours does as well.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
Whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
-
The Joy Factor
Welcome fellow Happiness Pioneers! You've come to the right place if you are looking to raise your Joy Factor. My vision is for everyone to live a life aligned with their passions and full of joy. The intention of this site is to offer you juicy nuggets that will increase your experience of joy and delight. Take a look around, grab something yummy and share the joy.
Follow Me
Joy Posse
Bernadette Peters (8)
Corinne Chaves (6)
Deb Cooperman (9)Derek Nowatzki (9)
Dr. Andy Vantreese (7)
Erica Burns (6)Fran Asaro (8)
Juliette Mansour (10)
Michelle Goss (7)
Rebecca Ewing (15)
Sandra Kellim (6)Sherry Wheat (2)
Tamara McElhannon (8)Tracey Lynne (3)
Tricia Molloy (12)
Trish Carr (13)
Wendy Watkins (78)