" Used ... "

“ ... You come walkin' round here

Actin' like we're somethin', ohh

Then you up and disappear

And make it real clear that we're nothin'

I've been used

Damaged by you

Yeah cuz I've been used

Guess I knew

Cuz that's what you do ... “

~ Hayden Panettiere ~ Used ~

***

The catch phrase used these days is “mindfulness”.  With many defining it as “heart-mind”, being present and being fully aware in the moment.  Mindfulness can be viewed as a holistic approach or tool that can have profound affects on your mind, behaviours, habits, health and well-being.  

Yet mindfulness can and has been overused too.  Some consider it a social movement, others a lifestyle trend.  When mindfulness becomes something we do than the essence of what it is, fades.  Rather, mindfulness is a part of emotional intelligence, empathy, compassion and kindness ... which are our natural states of being.  Mindfulness is a constant not something you do once in awhile at meditation class.

And so mindfulness carries a big intention.  It has been said to be “the awareness that arises through paying attention on purpose in the present moment, and non-judgementally”

My teacher explains  that when practicing mindfulness, an intimately attentive frame of mind arises, where we experience relaxation and alertness, and overall equanimity.  Mindfulness is not a badge of enlightenment or a successful achievement.  There are no expectations or requirements.  Allowing us to BE fully and give permission for others to BE them.

Being mindful, being present as we are, authentically.  Giving our fully attention and awareness to the one in front of us in that moment.  Selecting our words with compassion and kindness. And appreciating what life has to offer, regardless of the challenge or joy.  

... its about moments. moments of being true. and being you. moments of listening to your heart. and following where it leads. moments to nurture your soul.and nourish your mind. so find your power. and stop hiding. admit your pain and fears. admit your love. and dare to live. shine your light sweet soul. all the way home ... 

www.walkstrong.ca

" Important ... "

“ ... Maybe if I liked being alone 

I could give you your life back and let you go ... 

I guess I'm important, 

but what about them standing there they can't get in ... 

They're smiling at me, I guess they're used to this. 

Maybe I'll stop wondering when I'm gonna die.

Maybe then I'll stop holding so hard to my life.

Maybe next time I see my reflection my mind won't be with me ... “

~ Lisa Marie Presley ~ Important ~ 

***

Recently I was asked this question ... Who is the most important person?  As we pondered, the answer came back as the person in front of you right now.  Perhaps not the answer you would expect.  As we are taught that WE are the most important person in the world.  Yet consider this ... the most important person you will ever meet is the one in front of you ... the most powerful thing you will ever say is what you are about to say right now ... and the most important moment in your life is the one you are in at this time. 

We have been in situations where we drift into autopilot and zone out.  We are not fully present ... unless the situation changes.  A situation like when we meet someone with an impairment, with a disability or something that slows us down.  We may begin to articulate our words better, listen fully and simply soften up a bit.  We take better care to check for understanding.  We become more thoughtful in being present fully, so we don’t miss anything.  We allow the person in front of us to be the most important and what we say may be more thoughtful.  As for the moment, we only have this one ... and now the next ... and so on ...

Personally, I remember a time when the company I worked at had a Vice President with a speech impairment.  He was young and had suffered a stroke early in life.  He was working his way back AND he was our keynote speaker.  It took everything in the audience to listen fully, be present fully and completely aware of what was being said.  It made us truly listen, really listen.

So what if we took that approach in every interaction?  Not judging those in front of us, but giving ourselves fully and completely in the moment.  Are we able to slow the chatter in our minds?  And how much extra time would it really take?  Yet in a society that is about convenience, it can be a challenge for some to slow down.

Life is beautiful as it reflects back what is inward.  If we feel a void where we are not truly heard, it may be a time to explore if we are hearing ourselves.  Our higher self recognizes that those in front of us are another expression of the Divine.  So as we treat those in front of us as the most important person in that moment, we are truly giving this gift back to ourselves.

www.walkstrong.ca

" KickStart ... "

You want me to come over

I got an excuse

Might be holding your hand

But I'm holding it loose

Go to talk then we choke

It's like our necks in a noose

Avoid the obvious

We should be facing the truth

Start to think it could be fizzling out

Kinda shocked because I never really had any doubts

Look into your eyes, imagine life without ya

And the love kickstarts again

Starts again

And the love kickstarts again

Starts again

~ Example ~ KickStart ~ 

***

We all set an example by simply being.  And for those of us with the extra challenge of a health concern, it is critical.  Being Present.

We focus on the future generation and our children when leading by example, being good role models and parents.  Yet there are times when we need someone to lead us.

During times of uncertainty and darkness, 

we look to those with strength and courage to lighten the load.

During times of sadness and grief, 

we look to those with love and support to carry us through.

Personally speaking, it has been possible to still live, hold a job, take care of families & friends, and remain active in the community ... with cancer.  Now, life has more meaning, more purpose, more value.  Now, living this life is about creating an environment where others can feel comfortable in sharing what they are facing.  A calling, a purpose ... whatever it may be, regardless, it feels good to be useful.

And there is always help along he way.  Blessed to have a few in my life who inspire me every day with their passion, their zest, their spark, their wisdom, their guidance and the simple love of life ... no matter what challenge they are facing.  They motivate me to live authentically from heart and soul because they’ve taught me that perhaps this diagnosis is a part of my life and not necessarily the cause of my death.

We find ourselves in situations out of our control.  Cancer can be one of them.  It is unpredictable and it is a game.  A game to get ahead of it and neutralize it.  And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, there is another lesson to be learned.  A journey full of suffering and blessings all packaged into one.  

Acceptance ...

Leading by example implies you take responsibility and choose as what you are going to do with your challenge.  And so you have a choice ... do you let it define you or do you let it drive you?  Because either way, life is happening through you, not to you.  Choosing what you do with it determines how you live ... your example to all those around you.  The way you live, act and behave matters.  Consider what your influence, how you want to be remembered and what is your legacy.  

Because setting an example by the way you be 

is the only authentic way to positively influence your world ...

www.walkstrong.ca

" Discover ... "

On the city and your skin now

I didn’t have to be afraid

I didn’t have to feel so stupid

I can see myself

I can feel ...

This is where I am

I see the city rise up tall

The opportunities and possibilities

I have never felt so called ...

Remember that

Oh how I look back and reflect

How I felt it

How it set

I don’t have to feel so wrong now ...

Discover ...

~ REM ~ Discoverer ~

***

What does it take to discover who YOU really ARE?  An illness, a death, a tragedy ... perhaps.  Regardless, the process is a scary one ... a mirror in front of you seeing if you can let go of the mask of who you have been and embrace who you really are. 

I said to Russ the other day, 

“ I finally feel like the person I am meant to be ... 

life is starting to be in alignment ...”.  

And honestly, quite a relief.  

For most of us, it is easier to simply play the “roles” expected of us, so that we maintain images and ideas around who we are.  This falsehood can become comfortable ... well it did for me, because I thought if “they really knew who I was” they wouldn’t like me.  I was afraid to reveal who I really was, simply because I didn’t feel like I was worthy of it.

Also, I realized that the more insecure I was, the more egotistical I was ... yeah chew on that for awhile, cause I sure did!  So how does that work?  Well, you think “everything” has to do with you ... you are consumed with others opinions, decisions and reactions that “must” be because of how you look and are.  Reality check:  only MY life revolves around me.

Funny how discovering of self happens when it does.  Meaning there is no set age or event that instigates this as some may not even experience all the lessons they need to learn in their current life.  Simply, it is meant to be according to where we are on our journey and what it is we are here for in this life.  

What does life ask of you, versus what do you ask of this life?  

essentially, our greater purpose ...

And yes, discovering my authentic self has been a painful experience ... being vulnerable, having to let go of years of conditioning ... people who no longer serve me as I scratch the surface of the core of my soul and being.

What do we really know ... that the only guarantee in life is continual change because you can’t count on it going as you planned.  Life delivers various misfortunes, mostly beyond control, and the you that is always in control is an illusion.  Now I am learning no matter how intelligent I may think I am (or my ego thinks) I will only create turmoil for myself by clinging to this false identity.

We often hear about “walking your own path” ... so what does that mean?  I see it as stepping up a staircase ... learning that each step directs you towards discovering what no longer resonates with the you YOU are.  Oddly stepping "up" can feel like falling "down" because of what you let go ~ the familiarity, the comfort, the safety and the solitude ... or the people, ideas, behaviours and beliefs.

This has rattled me to the core, to my soul ... to my essence and has been very lonely at times.  Yet understanding who I really am involves overcoming misconceptions about who I am not.  

The greatest challenge I face after discovering me is 

learning how to respond to life in light of this insight and wisdom ...

Ultimately, I hope that knowing what is essentially me will prepare me to meet the chaos of life with a clear mind and an open heart.  I hope that developing this clarity and awareness will provide much comfort and stability when it is needed the most ... 

"Read my mind ..."

"I never really gave up on

Breakin' out of this two-star town

I got the green light

I got a little fight

I'm gonna turn this thing around

Can you read my mind?"

~ Killers ~ Read My Mind ~

***

LIVE AUTHENTICALLY

 BELIEVE

HOPE AND PEACE

FAITH

SURVIVE

SMILE

JOY

FEARLESS

PRAISE GOD

ENJOY LIFE

ALIVE