Baby Steps…
It is amazing watching a baby learn how to walk. They move forward a step
or two, fall down, get back up and try it again…and again…and again. It always makes me wonder what is going on in their mind. Are they thinking, “I can do this?” or “This is so hard?” or “I think I will just keep on crawling?”
After two life changing experiences a couple of months ago, I felt like I was learning to walk again. I found myself affirming all 3 of those statements at different times of my journey. Each one made me feel different and of course, those feelings determined the actions that I took.
I went into both of those experiences with a tremendous amount of optimism. That optimism kept me afloat as I realized things were not going to be as good and easy as I hoped they would be. First, I did not make it past the first round of a contest I thought I was going to win. Second, I had a surgical procedure I thought I would heal from in two weeks and I was not fully back to Wendy until 7 weeks after the procedure-yikes!
Both of these experiences taught me some wonderful lessons – imagine that?! The funny thing is I thought I already knew these lessons-not! The learning continues….and I pass it on to you.
1. Slow Down – When I drive to fast, I miss my turn. When I move through life at breakneck speeds, I miss the beauty of the moment. Each moment contains what I value in life-connection, joy, peace and love. After surgery, I could not do anything – I had to stop and then recalibrate to a slower speed. You do not need an operation to do that, all you need is the desire to enjoy the moment and use it to make intentional decisions that will create your best life.
2. Don’t Try So Hard – Abraham-Hicks talks about letting go of the oars and moving downstream, rather than paddling hard to go upstream. When I allow the my passions to fuel the direction that I am going in, I am able to reconnect with spirit and disconnect from my negative ego and move forward with more ease. I incorporated sitting with spirit each morning and journaling my desires. Taking this time for me was just what I was craving. The craving was satisfied as I moved forward in my life with ease.
3. Honor my Passions - Each and every day I connect with what is most important to me – my Top 5 Passions. From there I make decisions as I slow down and let go of the oars. Magic happens from this place. With so many things to do, places to go, people to see and so much information to absorb, my passions are the compass that guide me in the direction that feeds my spirit. When my spirit is fed, I am creating the life I love with ease.
Today, when I fall down, I get up, wipe my knees and move forward one small step at a time. This moves me towards my destination, while truly enjoying my wonderful journey! What will your next step be?
the best present ever
As the year ends and people are celebrating various holidays by sharing gifts with each other, I thought I’d share a gift with you readers.
As you’re well aware (you’re reading a personal growth blog after all), there are skillions of pathways to growth and wellness. There’s meditation and feng shui, yoga and rebirthing, art therapy and Reiki, coaching and chakra regeneration (and if there isn’t there should be). There are so many different ways in, and I highly recommend that you find your favorite way(s) and go.
And if you’re even remotely called to write, don’t wait. Pick up a pen and write today.
It doesn’t matter where you start – randomly pick a word from the dictionary; write about the weather; your favorite movie; your favorite food; the song that you can’t get out of your head; the one that got away; what you want; the last news story you heard on TV that pissed you off; the first time someone you cared about died.
Write for 5 minutes if you feel overwhelmed by the blank page. Then write tomorrow for 5 more; or try for 10. The day will com
e when 50 minutes will feel like not nearly enough, I promise you.
Give writing some time and attention and it will bless you exponentially now and in the future.
I read in a book somewhere (if only I could remember who said it*) that writers live twice – once when it happens, and again when they write. I’d add one more life to that list: we live our lives again when we re-read what written.
What an amazing present for yourself: to unwrap your life again and again through writing. Reading your old writing can help you solve problems, de-stress and get perspective. It can amuse, educate, enlighten and comfort you. It can remind and inspire you; provide focus. Writing can set you on your way to a new adventure. Writing is an amazing gift.
Go ahead, give yourself a present.
Happy New Year.
<3 Deb
*if you know who said it, leave a comment; i’ll be eternally grateful. 
Is Passion a Compulsion
Have you ever run a marathon? NOT me. I hate running. I’ve tried…oh how I have tried. It never hooked me. I did not feel the endorphins. I simply struggled to get through the measly mile or two of torture.
It has hooked a friend of mine. I recently attended a race where my boyfriend’s twin brother ran a FIFTY-mile trail race through Pine Mountain, Georgia.
Is he crazy? Half of me admires him, the other half ask, why, why, why?
I’m amazed that the body can do that, and I think that is a big factor for him too. The difference is that I can be satisfied looking on from the sidelines, while he must make the 12-hour trek to prove it to himself.
I understand this, a little. I had a compulsion to travel the globe and did so for almost 2 years. I couldn’t be satisfied with seeing cultural shows on cable. I had to see it, experience it, and immerse myself in it. It wasn’t always easy, I was lonely here and there, but ultimately, I had a ton of fun and wouldn’t trade the enriching experience for anything.
Another area I do this is when I paint a painting (www.tamara-art.com). EVERY painting has a point where I think… it’s unsolvable…just toss it, but I cannot. I have to push through to the end. I have to make it work because the end result gives me the greatest sense of accomplishment. The end result makes it joyful.
I’m beginning to think that passion is just another name for a compulsion with a payoff, that being, accomplishment, joy, endorphins…
Is stress and redemption part of the passion process? How do we choose our passions? Do passions choose us?
These are the questions swimming around in my head today. I’d be interested to hear what your passion is about. Maybe, you have the answer.
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!
Don’t Let the Bast**ds Get You Down!
Ever wonder why despite the ups and downs you continue doing what you do? Why you continue the daily grind, sometimes seeing little in return? Me too. Sometimes I think, “Why am I busting my a** doing this?” Where’s the reward? And then something magical happens to remind me…
It’s our big, annual event, the Prosperity Conference & Expo, a two-day coming together of like-minded, positive, success-oriented people joining forces with the express purpose of building our businesses and building our lives. A lineup of success speakers, millionaire mentors and victim to victory triumphs meant to inspire, educate and motivate. And the ultimate goal – to change lives. Marianne Williamson, author of “Return to Love” among other “Course in Miracles” based books said:
“Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
That’s the goal of the Prosperity Conference – to demolish fear so that we embrace our power and use it to make our world not just better, but the best we can make it.
This year was the pinnacle. This year the breakthroughs were extraordinary. People sought me out the entire weekend to share their Ah-Ha Moments, the perfect partnerships they created, their epiphanies, that one thing they needed to see, hear, feel that’s now taking them to the next level. It was magical. Really, magical.
They reminded me that the time, effort, energy and work required to make the conference happen was beyond worth it. Putting on an event for hundreds of people is a major undertaking: selling tickets, managing speakers, enrolling volunteers, on and on and on…it was easy to get lost in the details and forget what I was working toward.
I’m changing my world even though I don’t always see it right away. So are you. In every person you touch, you change your piece of the world. You may not have a big annual event to provide immediate testimony, but you are changing your world nevertheless. What’s your vision, your dream? Look right now at your day to day, remind yourself of your vision, your passion, your dream. Keep going. There’s no feeling in the world like accomplishing what you set out to accomplish. It’s magical, it’s powerful and it’s joyful!
Don't Let the Bast**ds Get You Down!
Ever wonder why despite the ups and downs you continue doing what you do? Why you continue the daily grind, sometimes seeing little in return? Me too. Sometimes I think, “Why am I busting my a** doing this?” Where’s the reward? And then something magical happens to remind me…
It’s our big, annual event, the Prosperity Conference & Expo, a two-day coming together of like-minded, positive, success-oriented people joining forces with the express purpose of building our businesses and building our lives. A lineup of success speakers, millionaire mentors and victim to victory triumphs meant to inspire, educate and motivate. And the ultimate goal – to change lives. Marianne Williamson, author of “Return to Love” among other “Course in Miracles” based books said:
“Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, our greatest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”
That’s the goal of the Prosperity Conference – to demolish fear so that we embrace our power and use it to make our world not just better, but the best we can make it.
This year was the pinnacle. This year the breakthroughs were extraordinary. People sought me out the entire weekend to share their Ah-Ha Moments, the perfect partnerships they created, their epiphanies, that one thing they needed to see, hear, feel that’s now taking them to the next level. It was magical. Really, magical.
They reminded me that the time, effort, energy and work required to make the conference happen was beyond worth it. Putting on an event for hundreds of people is a major undertaking: selling tickets, managing speakers, enrolling volunteers, on and on and on…it was easy to get lost in the details and forget what I was working toward.
I’m changing my world even though I don’t always see it right away. So are you. In every person you touch, you change your piece of the world. You may not have a big annual event to provide immediate testimony, but you are changing your world nevertheless. What’s your vision, your dream? Look right now at your day to day, remind yourself of your vision, your passion, your dream. Keep going. There’s no feeling in the world like accomplishing what you set out to accomplish. It’s magical, it’s powerful and it’s joyful!
Joy Factor Kind of Morning
This scenic message on how to raise your Joy Factor is brought to you by Wendy and the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Take a few minutes to savor the beauty and be reminded of how to create a life that you love!
Down in My Heart
I got that Joy Joy Joy Joy down in my heart!
Where!?
Down in my heart!
Where!?
Down in my heart!
I got that Joy Joy Joy Joy down in my heart!
Down in my heart to stay!
Do you know this song? Have you ever heard it or sang it yourself? Well, for me, the words of this song are burned into my memory. Who knows how many times they were voiced when I was an impressionable youngster at Vacation Bible School or in the kitchen helping Mom prepare dinner well before I knew the power of thought.
I haven’t thought of or sang this song in many moons, but as I prepared for this month’s post there it was. It appeared out of the depths of my mind and wouldn’t let go like a catchy pop song hook. Odd thing is that the more it replayed itself, the happier I got. I can’t tell you if it was because it drummed up some feelings associated with a carefree time in my life, because music has a way of touching our soul, or because of the power of the words that were being sung.
In any event, this long lost song reminded me of my love of MUSIC and its ability to effect my mood!!! Music appeals to us all. I have yet to meet a person that didn’t enjoy music. It is a universal love with varying genres that suit many different tastes.
I had lunch with a friend of mine earlier this week and he brought me some Compact Discs that he had burned for me. The Band was the Avett Brothers. I loved it! It is interesting to me how my musical tastes have evolved over the years. This kinda blue-grassy twangy country vibe was surely not on my radar back when I was idolizing Eddie Van Halen. But there it was creating Joy Down in My Heart!
Find some music that uplifts your spirits and make it a part of your daily routine. The Joy down in your heart is waiting to Dance!
Small Business Owner Finds Joy in the Creative Moments
Barry owns “The Filling Station” deli down the street. He makes a mean Cuban and my favorite egg salad and bacon sandwich. He’s a hard worker. In fact, most of the conversations we have are short and on the run, because as you know, small business can encompass most of your life.
But the other morning Barry came into the coffee shop right before opening, and we were able to have a slightly longer conversation. Barry was lit up, even before having his caffeine. That weekend he did something that allowed him to express his creativity and passion – he catered a nice dinner for just one couple celebrating their anniversary.
Barry talked about the menu items, the special requests from his client, the way he set the table and how he was able to ready the meal and leave the couple to be alone and enjoy their wonderful date. Barry described how the clients’ wife looked at her husband, and how that warmed his heart.
It was fun to see such enthusiasm on Barry’s face and hear such passion in his words – all because he was able to express his creativity. If we could all do that from time to time, we could really make a positive impact on the world around us with our joy.
Do you express your creativity through painting, song, writing, problem-solving, gardening or a wonderful meal? Figure out what lights your fire like Barry and be sure to make time to do it.
The Peacock
Yesterday I was reminded of magnificence!
I am enjoying time in Northern CA this week. I assisted the Passion Test certification training in San Francisco last weekend, which was the start of my magical journey. That work is so transformational-I am honored to take people through the Passion Test process of clarifying what is most important to them in their life.
I came to Sebastopol to spend the rest of the week with my family. One things that we do each year I come here, is to visit a hot springs. This year we went to Vichy Hot Springs in Ukiah, CA. The mineral baths there are over 150 years old. It was a very relaxing couple of days.
I did an amazing 2.5 hour bicycle ride through the vineyards up there. As I was heading home, I came to The City of 10,000 Buddhas. Needless to say, I had to stop. It was exquisite. It is a Buddhist temple and retreat center. I rode around for a bit, until I came across a peacock in all of its glory. You met him in the photo at the beginning of this post.
My #1 passion is to stand in my power, while being connected to my heart. I believe that this is what the peacock was doing. This experience called me to share these words with you–a reminder for all of us:
“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.” Marianne Williamson
Go and let your light shine, and shake your tail feathers while you are at it!
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 (77)