We LOVE making a big deal about our “puppy” Cruzer when we come home from an outing. Here’s a small glimpse of one of our favorite “magic moments” each day. The best part is Cruzer doesn’t mind giving “Puppy Hugs” any time we want “extras.”
Essentially, his head gets snuggled up on our shoulder, cheekbone to furry face. His body leans into ours. He practically straddles us. And, of course, the tail is wagging in every direction. I’m certain if we had tails, ours would be wagging too.
We’ve all had that feeling of “being connected”. This could be described as “coming from a place of love” or “being in your power”. Perhaps it’s when we’re with a significant other, playing with a child, performing at work, or doing something you’re confident at. This isn’t necessarily “romantic in-love”… it’s just open, warm and giving to others. You’re confident and centered in yourself. Unconditional love and acceptance. Isn’t this the energy we’d like to live from all the time?? I know I would. So…
Are you coming from Love?
But then, something happens. Somehow we’re thrown off-center. Someone rejects, threatens or gets upset with us. We react. We get insecure. We close ourselves off to others, and shut-down. Or maybe we start to judge others, or worse yet “make up stories” about what’s going on with another. Perhaps we sense others are judging us, and then don’t feel that we’re enough – or that our contribution is not going to be received. Maybe we judge or make ourselves wrong. Maybe we become overwhelmed by others, or uncomfortable with the level of intimacy that is brewing. Someone wants something, we’re not sure we’re able or wanting to give. Maybe we get attached to an outcome, and then don’t believe we can get what we want – or fear we won’t do something perfectly. Lots of things can shut us down.
What takes YOU out of Love?
Physically, that space around our hearts tightens up and if we’re really paying attention we can feel ourselves shutting down. The energy shifts from our hearts to our protective and defensive heads – seeking separation.
Coming back to Love…
1. Awareness – This is the first step. Notice … are you coming from love? Are you open? Are you closed? Is the conversation in your head about connecting or separation? Is there compassion or judgment? Is there love or fear? What’s going on?
2. Get Curious – What created the separation or closing down? Are you making up a story about the person judging you, being a victim, or manipulating you? Did you get insecure? What’s the root cause?
A few weeks ago, I flew to Dallas to reconnect with my work colleagues from 20+ years ago. My first real job was with “Technical Recruiting Associates”. Yes, for the first four years out of college I was a “headhunter,” finding top-notch computer programmers for my favorite clients, including Price Waterhouse, IBM and American Express. We were a tight-knit group, who celebrated top performance by going on a cruise each year (I was #2 in the company for three of my four years).
Facebook reunited many of us “old-timers” this past Fall via internet. Then, the owners thought it would be fun to host a reunion at the end of January. How could I miss seeing all the people who had shaped my early years?
Not only did this small company set the stage for business practices that would shape my life forever, this is where my path of “personal development” began. Through tears of gratitude, I finally got to express my appreciation to Karen DeGraffenreid — in person, 22+ years later. I wouldn’t be who I am today without THIS beginning.
KAREN & MARY
It was surreal to step back into a “happy hour” setting with all of my old colleagues — who pretty much looked the same. Maybe a few extra creases around the eyes marking the passage of two decades. And, all the personalities I knew and loved are as vibrant as ever!
TRA ALUMS – 20+ Years Later
DuWee, Anji, Diana, Mary & Kristin
Of course, a few things have changed and evolved since our journeys began at TRA back in 1988. Why oh why was it cool to have “big hair” back in the day?
In a spontaneous email, I promised I’d share a few old photos of my “big hair” days. Here I am at one of my infamous Xmas Parties. You’ll see I pretty much look “the same” — except for the BIG hair, shoulder pads and a few creases around the eyes. Oh to be young again!
With all the choices available to us each day, month and year, how do we optimize our path? To help me clarify my focus for the new year, I added a new ritual — the “Yes/No List.”
Knowing what I want to say YES to consistently, and what I want to say NO to consistently, is proving a valuable compass over the last several weeks. Every time I bump up against a “choice point,” I go inside and see how my YES/NO list could nudge me.
To create your own Yes/No List, pull out a sheet of paper, drawing a line down the center. On the left column, label it “YES TO” and on the top of the right column, label it “NO TO.”
Then allow the inspiration to flow. (I spent a week or so contemplating my yes’s and no’s…so when I got to my sheet of paper, it was a breeze.)
The Power of Inner Choice: 12 Weeks to Living a Life YOU Love
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Everyday Inner Peace is about maximizing YOUR inner peace. Whatever is interfering with your inner peace is temporary, unnecessary suffering. Here you’ll find tips, strategies and inspiration to return to relaxed bliss … in minutes. Everything is better in life with an abundance of "inner peace."
