Important to begin with feeling

Think about the last time you began something important. Are you thinking about it?

Good - now ask yourself how you began it.

Did you make small, tentative first steps? Or did you jump in with gusto?

Promise yourself that the next time you kick off something important in your life, you'll start with a ceremony where you declare your feelings.

The reason to do this is simple, we need a certain amount of ceremony in our lives to mark important occasions. Our societies and groups that we belong to have the usual ceremonies that are standard practice for new beginnings or endings (Christenings, Graduations, Weddings, Funerals, etc.).

We, however, can and should, create our own ceremonies to mark the beginning of a new chapter in our life. These may be very private ceremonies or they may be very public, but we do or should hold them.

I am a big believer in public declaration so that those for whom we care, are able to support us as we move forward. What is your ceremony to celebrate the new in your life?

Make a difference.

How would doing this support your vision for your life and your world?

There are hundreds of ways, in all shapes and sizes, to make the world, your community, your neighborhood a better place. The collective wisdom, talent, and passion of those over fifty is astonishing. The world needs us. So, why not start a foundation, join an animal rescue team, mentor a child, teach a class, run for mayor, or revitalize your town square.

Let me tell you about Amy. She knits every spare minute in her day. She obviously loves knitting and is very specific about what she knits, which are tiny caps. Twice a year Amy donates the caps she’s knitted to her local hospital’s neo-natal unit. She knows her caps make a difference to the babies and their families and she feels great about it.

What organization, human issue, community project or problem speaks to your heart?

Given your talents and skills and time, what type of commitment would be a great fit?

Be still and listen to what your heart says.

 Today lets look at the words "should and shouldn’t”.

The idea of looking at what is right in your world is made harder by the stereotypes that we impose on others and ourselves.  As we try to move forward, we may be faced with those who will give us advice. The advice is well meant, but comes down to people trying to dictate to you what you should or shouldn't do with your life.

We have a  position available where I work as a result of the person who was in the position moving to a new location. The young person who is now in the position is very good at the job. We need someone, she has the skill sets, but not the training for the position. To keep the position, she has to take further training. Human Resources is putting a great deal of pressure on her to take the training, however she is resisting because the timing is not right for her now.  I suggest that she should listen to her heart and make her decisions .

When you are deciding to do or not do something, one of the process that may occur is that at first you might hear a faint or not so faint voice in your head saying: “you’re too old,” or “that’s too risky” or “you can’t do that.”


Trust me: this is not your heart speaking!


Don’t be swayed by what others think your life is supposed to look like. Don’t think for a moment that this stage of your life has to be lived by anyone else’s standards.


Be wary of any internal or external advice that begins with: “You should” or “You shouldn't"


Be brave enough and confident enough to listen to your heart. You may or may not have regrets later, but you will have another story to pass on to your grandchildren.

Focus on what is right in your life.

There has been a lot of negative news lately, Pensions are under attack, in its rush to serve Chinas need for oil, our environment in BC is under threat by our Federal government, the unemployment rate has just gone up, and the amount of new jobs created was under the estimates of the economists.

The governments claim to that they are the best hope Canadians have for economic stability seems to be in question. Phew, too much negativity so with all of the negatives swirling around us at this time, I want to focus on the positives in our life.

We all know of people in our lives that embody the power of focusing on what is right. Let me tell you about Jennifer. Her life was pretty normal, with her share of ups and downs, that is--until a few years ago. Jennifer quit her job, moved to another Province, completed her college education and was just ready to launch a new career when she was diagnosed with MS. Shocked by the news, she took immediate action with determination not to let it stop her. She took the next step, got professional license, and started a new career.

After a couple of years, the MS was compromising her ability to walk, so she opted for surgery, with the hopeful intention that the surgery would allow her to keep walking. Something went wrong and the surgery left her paralyzed from the chest down. As you might imagine, Jennifer got very depressed.

Within the next year something shifted within Jennifer. She decided she was going to have a life worth living regardless of the obstacles. Today, she is a strong presence within the MS community. Her generosity and talents make a difference for others. And her attitude and commitment make a big difference for herself.

Here is a way to start to focus on the positives in your life:

Commit to asking yourself at least twice a day: What’s going right? Write down what is going right and then share it with someone else. Do this for at least 30 days and see what happens.

Ask others what is going right in their life. Notice what happens when you ask others what’s going right for them. You may have a surprisingly different conversation.

Begin now training your thoughts to focus on what is right about your life. Start by answering these questions, and then everyday for the next month focus on one or more of these questions. You may be surprised how your outlook on life changes over the next month.

What are 3 things going right in my work?

What are 3 things going right in my relationships?

What are 3 things going right in my spiritual life?

What 3 things are going right with my financial life?

What 3 things are going right with my health?

What 3 things are going right with my social life?

 

Remember that Happiness IS an inside job.