I had a little bit of an emotional hangover this morning. With the surge of cortisol and stuff after the election, I felt a bit wiped out. But I also felt some inspiration about what might be a step in a direction that feels right.
My friend Lisa created Crossing Party Lines, an nationwide convening of folks to have tough conversations that lead to understanding. I participated in one of her beta sessions in Oregon about a decade ago. I totally remember the experience and have shared it with folks over the years. I was very involved in progressive civic activities at the time and it was at the session I was paired up with the then chair of the Republican Party for the state of Oregon. What an enlightening experience! Today, instead of stewing in hatred and anger, I want to see where connection and seeking to understand might lead. Perhaps setting up a local CPL chapter through my Bell Street Chapel Community with another church might pan out. Perhaps reaching out to people in my social media circle who have different political views might lead to a step in that direction as well. Of course, I have no idea where either of these will go, if anywhere but as I continue to swim in my feelings and also look at being in a place to see if one conversation might lead to some kind of healing, why the heck not?!
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Happy November 1st everyone! I am kicking off the new month, the month I turn The Big 60, with some challenges and joy.
This is National Novel Writing Month and for the next 30 days, I have challenged myself to just write each morning. What I am NOT doing: writing a novel nor going to freak out if I don't make my daily intention of just writing; striving for a word count or page goal. What I am doing: leaning on a creative collaborator to help me stay accountable; keeping my expectations in check and commiting to a SFD. I have been working on a book idea for a freaking decade, so no hurry. 🤣 But I am using that creative project as fodder for this month's challenge. In the meantime, I am loving the colors of the season and also pursing another creative passion. I was asked to submit for a healthcare acting project and also a self-tape for a drama. Just call me Dr. D as in determined to live an adventurous life, baby. I have returned to Scotland for my third visit and being here fills my soul with so much joy. Namely, I get to spend time with my Darling Daughter who attends the University of St. Andrews that was founded in 1413. It is the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. St. Andrews is a seaside town northeast of Edinburgh, on Scotland’s east coast. It's known for its many golf courses, including the Old Course, with the landmark Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole. There is also a botanical garden just outside of downtown proper. My annual visits always land on break week and the town is quite empty, which I enjoy. Someone once told me there isn't any good food to eat here and I beg to differ! My daughter and I enjoyed an amazing dinner at Rogue (reservations recommended) that included crispy pork belly for me and a sirloin steak for Lila. Not only is the food amazing, the natural beauty will take your breath away! The beach was a mere 10 minutes or so away. Unfortunately, during this visit, the famous Pier is closed due to repairs but I have walked on it during previous visits. I also did some beach-combing during this visit - one of my favorite things to do! If you would like to take a gander at photos from previous visits to Scotland, including some reflections and photos from my stay in Edinburgh, check out my previous blog by clicking here!
"Don't hate me because I am beautiful. "
Does anyone remember that commercial? What a joke it is now, but back then, it was very effective advertising. I'm listening to my new favorite podcast - @wecandohardthingspodcast - And this is very topic is the discussion (I encourage you to take a listen to it). As the hosts share some reflections of their own lived experiences, I can't help to think of certain experiences I've had... One memory that came to mind was a professional experience working with a "progressive" organization in Portland, Oregon. A board member approached me and suggested that I stopped wearing makeup because I wasn't doing any favors for the feminist cause by wearing it. And a staff member was overheard saying the only reason why I was successful in my role was because of how I looked. I am not kidding you. I wish I was. Fast forward to current day. When I entered my 40s, gender ageism became very apparent and was one of the main reasons to leave Oregon and move to the Northeast. I figured folks in New England had a better sense and appreciation for old things! It was during that transition two very important things happened: I decided to stop coloring my hair and welcome my glorious silver sparkle shine through and I stopped wearing makeup with the exception of periodically wearing some fun lipstick. These 2 things have proved to be the most amazing things I could have done for myself and my confidence. Now, don't get me wrong. Yes, I like to feel pretty. But I find it very interesting that making these changes that were in an opposition of society's rules have actually fueled the fire of feeling the most beautiful in my life. Go figure. As a multi passionate creative, I do a lot of things! Yes, it's hard to get immediate goals met because I am stretched thin in a variety of ways, but I wouldn't change a thing.
But goals I do set. I like to use the word intentions as there's a little less pressure 🤣 But I have learned from thought leaders that by being intentional about goal setting you can actually get stuff done. And this adventure broad has a lot of stuff she wants to take care of and experience in the years to come. Many people have said, how do you do it all? Well, I use a number of approaches and one is constant learning. For example, I've really been leaning into growing my business enterprises and one of my challenges is in the area of sales. I have been reading a lot of books and picking and choosing some great tips and one that I had an aha moment with is the 30 day rule. Basically, what you do in the next 30 days is going to impact the next 3 months of your life. So, for example in the context of building a business, if I choose not to meet with anyone to talk about anything, guess what's going to show up over the next 90 days? Nada. Ziparoonie. With this reminder, I've invested time to make sure I'm doing something everyday. I'm also thinking about my personal life too whether it's my creative projects, traveling, coordinating events - if I don't do anything none of those things are going to happen. It isn't rocket science however if we don't invest or lean into it it's just not gonna happen. I want to live the best life I can and when I have access to resources and support, I want to not ignore them and see how I can do all these things and live a life of enjoyment and challenge. My question for you is, do you set goals (or whatever you call them) And if you do, how do you make sure you get sh*t done? I would love to hear from you! I've been thinking a lot about expectations for myself as well as others. It's come up in a few recent conversations I've had with friends and it's got me really thinking about it.
The way I choose to show up in life is to do what I say I will do and if I can't or change my mind, I strive to let others know of my shift. I also strive to live by the Golden Rule of treat others the way I would want to be treated in a situation. So, here is my question: is it a "high" - aka a stretch - expectation to hold for someone to do what they say unless they advise of a change of plans? I am soooo curious about this! When someone does what they say they are going to do, that is integrity. So, if they don't follow through on it (nor advise of a change of plans), does that mean they lack integrity? I am working on that other Golden Rule of recognizing I cannot control another person's behavior, I am only responsible for my response to it...but dang, this one is bit more of a challenge to navigate. 🤣 Another question is: how do you balance accountability with grace if balls are dropped? Very interested to read your insights! Can we talk about fear for just a second? Oh, it's not really my favorite topic for discussion. I'm also not a big fan of anxiety. But these things show up, don't they?
Today is my annual mammogran aka Boob smoosh. It is uncomfortable in many different ways. The last one I had put me in a major tailspin of fear and fortunately, it turned out just fine. What I remember about that experience was an attempt to come to terms to whatever the results turned out to be would help me live a life of intentionality and no regrets. And, girl howdy, I have lived that way ever since. No regrets. You know how much I love social media - it is a space to share stories and celebrate - but one must be mindful of what is on it. A few month's back, someone posted a comment along the lines of, 'it isn't a matter of if you will have cancer but a matter of what kind'. Now, I don't recall if that was the exact post but that is what I took away from reading it. It came to mind today and then with selective self-talk I reminded myself that is absolutely NOT TRUE for the obvious reasons. I am down talking my fear today. I won't shush it away entirely because all feelings are real and offer something for me to learn. I think today's adventure in healthcare points out several ideas for me to think about one of which is, no matter what, I will be okay. ❤ I love to travel. Whether it is a trip to another country or a new-to-me place in my own neighborhood, exploring is totally my jam. Recently, I hopped on a plane to revist my former home city: Portland (the one in Oregon). I lived there for close to 30 years and in hindsight, the experience was the fodder for my life of adventure. While living there, I connected with my creativity and passion for storytelling through my time as a volunteer and employee at KBOO Community Radio. I became a mom to my darling daughter, Lila, and I also suffered through menopause there (not fun). I fell in and out of love so many times, I think I have had my fill of those kinds of shenanigans. Check out this short video with some thoughts about the changes in Portland and coming 'back home' after leaving five years ago. Just click on the image below! This was my third visit to Stumptown since leaving in the summer of 2018 to move to New England, but it was this visit that I made peace with some of the lingering unresolved feelings about my life here. By doing so, it opened up a big ole space to fill up with joyful experiences while visiting. I enjoyed reconnecting with my friends and family. I also explored places of long ago and learned of things that are no longer. I was also smitten with some of the new shiny things now found in Portland. Here's a list of the 30+ places I visited during my two week Pacific Northwest Adventure:
I covered a lot of ground while I was here and thank all my friends and family who joined me on the daily adventures. I look forward to a return visit in a couple of years!
Are you into the woo woo? I am. 100% buy in on the power of mystery, manifesting, and all things possible.
Over the past decade, I have been leaning into the wisdom of personal development. It all started when I crossed over the line of becoming a 'woman of a certain age'. I started navigating a new set of challenges that left me more exhausted then motivated to challenge them. Part of this kick off to a so called better life included an exercise of writing of an essay of sorts about my 'dream life' by describing it in detail. Later, it became more of a list of intentions. Because I keep EVERYTHING 🤣 I came across some of those reflections. What a moment to see how much that came into being! Dreaming of a day filled with a variety of activities and all of connected to collaboration with others, has manifested itself into reality. I am not kidding you. I am not pulling your leg. I am not blowing smoke. A life I had hoped for is now a life I live. Now, truth be told, it is not exactly as described, but let me tell ya, much of it is pretty on the mark. When I started the 2nd half of my life (in my 40s), I initially absorbed the overwhelm of loss. Loss of youth. Loss of opportunity. Loss of dreaming big. And then I realized that was total bullsh*t. It has been far from an easy trek but what a freaking adventure it has been...and will continue to be so until I am only a faint memory. So, to anyone who is curious, fed up, ready to roll, do the work. Dream it up and walk into it. It is so worth the effort. ❤
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AuthorLet's create a BIG life one small adventure at a time! Here are a few of my experiences - perhaps you may find a little nugget or two that inspires you to take your own baby step to living your dreams! Archives
November 2024
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