The Neverending Second Chance…
2012 is here and we are well on our way into the New Year. As I set my sights on the year to come I still continue to reflect over the last year of my life. I never make New Years’ resolutions. I feel my life is nothing more than practice and my only goal is to continuously be in process of creating something better than before. To me, the whole idea of making a resolution is only a sheer attempt to rebound or fix something wrong. That has never really resonated with me.
As time continues to unfold I find myself growing closer to understanding the truth in finding peace, love, joy and embracing the richness of life itself. Growing up I remember hearing adults complain about getting older. I always imagined that when I reached their age life would really suck, but so far I have discovered the complete opposite.
With that being said, I am not claiming the last year to be anything comparable to a series of beautiful summer days with refreshing cocktails on the patio. There were definitely many memorable and wonderful moments, but take my word when I say it also had its fair share of challenging times. People always talk about starting a new year with a clean slate. I love that idea and I am all for fresh starts. In fact, I have taken far more than my share of chances at hitting reset, but sometimes a totally fresh start is not necessarily what’s best. If it helps me build a greater foundation for living a richer, fuller life of meaning then its worth holding onto.
I think one of the most unfortunate realities I faced in 2011 was witnessing the loss of life. It is one thing when someone passes on in their later years but it is a whole different kind of grief when the life that is lost is a young one. There is no way to ever prepare for the turmoil that follows the moment a young life has lefts us in physical world.
One morning late last spring I woke up early and set out for my usual run. I was working a lot and having difficulty sleeping at the time so I was extremely tired. It would have been much easier to stay in bed. Despite my grogginess and internal banter of complaints I pushed myself out the door and started down the street. I was not even half way down the block when I heard…. “You don’t have to do this. You get to.”
Almost immediately I felt the presence of many of those who have passed on to the spirit world. Those words were really true. I didn’t have to get up that morning and do anything, but for the single reason of simply being alive I was given the privilege. I was suddenly made aware of the richness of my life. How could I have been so careless and selfish for so long? Straining to see through sleepy eyes is never fun, but it was also something that was no longer an option for those who have passed on from this life and neither was the beauty in taking a deep breath of the morning air. I realized I had a second chance; a second chance to exercise the privilege to be alive.
Almost immediately my tired eyes were opened to a new world completely saturated with grace. I believe in that moment I received a message that made me aware of an invaluable gift and it was not just meant for me, but also meant for you. It was the gift that revealed my life and yours is nothing more than a constant flow of second chances. A series of second chances that the ones you dearly loved never got. Each moment in every day is a second chance to live, breath, walk, talk, love, learn and grow.
I invite you to put some thought into this and how deep your second chances run. They are not something you get at certain times or special circumstances. They are in every moment of every day in every breath and every choice. Taking your second chances means you get to…
Appreciate those times in life you call a “pain in the ass” simply because you can.
Be excited about your birthday regardless of the number because it is a privilege to age.
Wake up early to witness the miracle of watching the sun rise or making the time in the evening to see the sun set.
Forgive, accept and love yourself enough to let go of anything that doesn’t feed your soul life energy.
Stand tall on your own because you’re capable and stronger than you thought possible.
Take advantage of the opportunities you have taken for granted for far too long.
Love again…. And again… And again….
I think the message here is pretty clear. There is no way for you to be alive and there is nothing that you can do that does not come accompanied by a second chance.
Perhaps Richard Bach said it best when he said, “Here is a test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished; If your alive it isn’t.” The truth is you will never be able to change the past or bring back those you love but as divine grace would have it you’re still here and that’s no accident. I know that some times the heaviness of our grief can make it feel impossible to make any movement away from the depths of despair. If this is you then just remember this…. It’s not about you. Its about honoring those you love because you can and that’s the way they would have it. Feel their love in your heart and deep in your soul and take your chance.
It is a beautiful thought to imagine that the life and legacy of those you love can carry on through your willingness to take a second chance. The question is… will you take yours or will you just let them slip away?
May you live each day dwelling in second chances not because you have to…. but because you get to…
Much love and many second chances my friends! Xo,L 
“Love is Blind”
A few months ago I received this email from a friend. He shared a beautiful story that literally touched me so deeply it brought me to tears. After you read this I invite you think twice and remember his story anytime you’re rushing about your day and quick to judge. I’m always amazed in what the world reveals when we take the time to walk in awareness.
I meant to get this out much sooner, but I guess everything comes in divine timing… Thank you Eric you have inspired me. And the rest of you… Enjoy! Much love and many blessings! xo,L:)
I was at Target in downtown Mpls and it was very busy. I don’t recall if it was at the lunch hour when everyone is rushing about to get their lunch in or just after 5 when everyone is rushing about to finish their errands and leaving work so they can head home but it was busy. As was I.
These are the times I find I need meditation. These are the times I practice for, yes? It is very easy for me to feel connected and at peace when sitting in a room with 20 others doing the same or alone in my apartment and its quietude. When I am rushing about in the world I can get very far from my quiet place so I work on walking meditation. It paid off for me on this day.
I was walking to the checkout when I noticed a man and woman arm-in-arm heading into the store. They looked very happy and were clearly in love. Not a gushy over-the-top type of love but a sincere and profound love. This was immediately apparent.
I saw that the man was overweight. Not terribly so but he did have quite a belly on him. He appeared to be around 40-45 years old, he was balding and had longer hair. He didn’t dress particularly nice, but he wasn’t slovenly either. He just looked as if he had put on some comfortable clothes and had combed his hair from out of his eyes. The man wasn’t homely, but did nothing to improve his looks. They didn’t seem to concern him.
On his right arm was a younger woman about 30 who was simply radiant. She dressed in a very average way also but was she so beautiful that she could have worn anything and stood out in a crowd. She was just naturally quite beautiful.
She laughed into the man’s ear as he walked with an air of calm and satisfaction. In the man’s left hand was a service animal. They were walking to the counter for assistance with their shopping.
Both the man and the woman were completely blind. Upon closer inspection I could see this in their eyes.
In the past I would have seen a couple who were clearly incompatible and dysfunctional. What would such a beautiful woman be doing with a man like this? He must be rich. She must have ridiculously low self-esteem. Or perhaps blind people are desperate. Or crazy. Or both. Or all of the above.
I would have thought of the shame it was that she was so physically attractive and wasting it on that man. I perhaps would have tried to insinuate myself. I would have judged the situation and done so poorly.
Instead what I got to see was genuine love in action. So here were two people who did not care for appearances. There was no superficiality. There was no pretense. The love I witnessed was nearly overwhelming. Two people had found each other and shared in each other’s being. They did not worry about their hair or make-up or manner of dress. They were not even capable of such things. They did not even live in a world where they dressed humbly. They dressed for the sake of keeping the weather from them and that was all. And they loved each other. I was able to witness this because I worked to stay present and found love where it was: everywhere. It was a wonderful experience.
I have read about how our experiences change when given a different scope. Like the man with apowerful telescope has a different, and perhaps more broad, understanding of the world and universe due to the extension of his vision. I can see how this could be true. Given this experience, however, I can also see, by simplifying and reducing, how our understanding can be expanded in this way too. This to me is a lovely paradox.
I really hope you are well, Lesley! Thank you for sharing your experiences! Keep up the good work! Have a great day!
-Eric
“Who’s BOLD?”
“Life is a journey not a destination”. I’m not sure what magnificent human being can take credit for coining that phrase but who ever it is… thank you. Time and time again those words have delivered a magic tone that reminds me to be and act on the present moment.
Today I’m writing to share with you something I have been dealing with on my journey. Recently I found myself feeling like my life had become stuck in a scene from the movie “Ground Hog Day.” To some degree everyone reading this has been there and can relate to what I am saying. I know my life is extremely blessed, so what I found most confusing was the wrestling match between my gracious heart and a feeling that I can only describe as dull. In my mind, the best way to break free from mundane living is to get creative and shake things up. It seems easy enough and doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that a break in routine is needed and its time to venture out to try new things.
I could go into detail of all attempts I made to do things differently in search of the fresh energy that comes from something new, but I’m guessing you probably have better ways to spend your day and plus that’s not really what I want to get across here. Clearly, working to create intentional change in daily life has its benefits, but for as much as I tried to turn my days into something new it still left me hungry. I was yearning for something else and it needed to come from a deeper place. In one of my many attempts to be infused with excitement and enthusiasm, I escaped the noise of daily life and slipped into a place where I knew I could be available to listen to the voice of deeper wisdom. What I heard was, “You need to work on your BOLDNESS.”
I probably laughed out loud when this came to me because there are definite times when exercising boldness got me in a lot trouble. It certainly wasn’t the kind of insight I was expecting to hear, but I was open to contemplating what it meant.
I admit the lazy side of me was intrigued by the idea that I didn’t have to get out there and DO anything any longer because my new role was to be open and welcome to the challenges as they present themselves. Living in the mystery seemed adventurous enough. Trust me when I say the moment you commit to something and have faith in knowing the universe will support you there is no shortage of opportunities that will come your way. Being allowed to relax or be lazy was definitely a misconstrued judgment call on my part. Fair warning ladies and gentlemen; Hold on because those of you who choose to participate this is where the adventure begins.
As soon as you decide you’re going to be INTENTIONALLY BOLD everything you haven’t wanted to face seems walk through the door and stare you dead in the eye. I felt as if someone just handed a spotlight and megaphone to my critical self and gave her permission to speak. That tantalizing, snotty little brat was holding a private event in my honor to announce all of my “would of’s,” “could of’s,” and worst of all “should of’s.” It became very clear to me that even though I may be bold in many ways it was time for me to step my game up because I was just called out for taking up to much room on the sidelines.
I’m sure you’ll find as I did that being bold means a lot of different things, but let me make one thing clear about the type of boldness I’m referring to; It must be free and clear of your ego’s motive. This means you exercise boldness in a way that supports personal growth and evolution yielding the kind of results that transform existence into something greater and better. It’s also important that you know the core of intentional boldness is love. With that in mind and based off your experience you can decide what the meaning is for you. For now, this is what being INTENTIONALLY BOLD means to me:
~ Unconditional honesty and love work together.
~ Doing what’s best and letting go even though it might hurt. (Surprisingly, almost everything heals faster than you expect)
~ I allow and accept versus trying to make anything happen.
~ I quiet my voice and let go of the need to be right.
~ Anytime there is an opportunity to be kind I must.
~ Reaching out even if there’s a chance the other person won’t be receptive.
~ Following my intuition and knowing that it doesn’t need to be backed up with logical reasoning.
~ Instead of avoiding the things that bring up uncomfortable feelings I face and embrace them with awareness.
~ Choosing peace and acceptance over worry when it comes to what others think of me.
~ Being happy for someone else despite their insensitivity.
~ Being vulnerable.
~ Making the first move and taking risks with no guarantee.
~ I get to laugh at myself A LOT more…
In closing, for lack of better words I will say that practicing intentional boldness has lit one of the biggest and hottest fires under my ass. I’ve gone from feeling intimidated, to being inspired, to absolutely fearful, and finally ecstatically liberated in a matter of short moments. The beauty in all of this is that none of us have to do it alone. In fact, I am officially inviting you to join me in this new adventure. Throughout life we will stand before many doors and I truly believe this an opportunity whose knock you can’t ignore. So what are you waiting for? It’s your time to open and welcome the arrival of your new adventure filled with a multitude of opportunities to become even more alive then ever before when you decide to be INTENTIONALLY BOLD.
May you seize the day with a gracious heart and intentional boldness…. May you be inspired and liberated… May you be blessed…
High 5’s, Much Love, and Many Blessings my friends! Xo,L
~ LOVE… An Infinite Source ~
The other day I was talking with some friends in regards to the difficulty and stress a lot of people face this time of year. Because of this, I felt it was a good time to dig up this story I wrote about an experience I had a few years ago. It serves a great reminder that regardless of what is going on in our lives we are always connected, loved, and supported. The photo you see here is taken the day after and from the same beautiful shores of Lake Superior where this story took place. Enjoy!
~LOVE…An Infinite Source~
For those of you who may be lonely, sad, depressed, living in a state of resentment, deficit, or anger I have something to share with you. Love- Its All Around you. Yes, even when it feels as though you’re drowning in sorrow and despair you are engulfed in this divine energy called LOVE.
I’ve been in Minnesota visiting friends and family for a few weeks. This morning I decided to get up before the sunrise and run the lake walk in Canal Park. I arrived at the pier just as the sun was beginning to peak up over the horizon of Lake Superior. As I began to run I pondered my daily intention with the question, “Who’s life will I touch today?” Over the years I have learned that even though I may think I know the answer to that the real truth is in my willingness to be open and let the work of spirit move through me. But still I couldn’t help but curiously wonder how this would carry out today. The book “Power, Love, and Abundance” recently published by my friend Chris Dines came to mind. That’s when I realized it was LOVE. This morning I will touch lives with LOVE. As I pass each person on this path I will send them my unconditional love from this infinite source that I know exist. My intention is that through sending them my love their life will be healed in whatever way they need today.
This source of LOVE energy is what connects all of life. I have seen it work miracles; transforming and healing anything it touches. Love is also considered to be the highest vibration of thought and emotion and so I knew it was all I needed to move me along on this early morning. I decided that every person’s path I cross I will send and surround them with love. It wasn’t long before I noticed that as I intently focused my energy I began to get a sense of those who needed it a little more than others. Every twist, every turn, every person I locked eyes with left me feeling even more energized and ready for the next.
As I moved on down the path I became more aware of my surroundings and I started to notice a change. I began to experience a much deeper awakening to this energetic force. If you pay attention the universe will speak to you and it sure did to me this morning. As I ran across a bridge I noticed on one of the pillars there was a small heart drawn with chalk by what I will assume was a child. I’ll admit, I was kind of touched. I thought how nice the universe is now sending me love.
As I kept sending my love to everyone I passed this divine source I was now plugged into started to speak louder…. A little ways down the path there was some more drawings with chalk and a huge heart drawn across the side walk. Next, I noticed the words “YOU- R- LOVED” painted boldly across a brick wall. I thought and maybe even said out loud, “Okay I’m getting it”. As I continued down this path sending my love I looked up and saw a billboard that read “One thing, ALWAYS LOVE YOUR CHILDREN”. The signs were just popping up everywhere even on billboards now! There was this abundance of love swirling all around me, speaking to me, surrounding me, moving through me, energizing me, and touching the lives of those all around me.
I imagined that humanity as a whole would be healed if everyone understood the power in LOVE. Clearly, as I could see this morning, it’s everywhere and my only responsibility was to give it away. To me that means each one of us has an opportunity to not only heal our own lives, but the lives of others.
It started to rain. This divine source of love now started to speak to me through the music on my I pod. The song “Kiss the Rain” started to play. I thought about how a kiss is an act of love, now I was going to love the rain. While so many people would try to escape the cold, wet rain I was going to love it. How different would life be if we could learn to embrace our own cold dark moments with the warmth of love? What if instead of leaning back into fear and doubts we leaned into love and faith? I think this would teach us to live focused on opportunity and growth versus struggle and difficulty. We are all spiritual beings who came here so our soul could grow and evolve. Universal Law states that if something isn’t growing then it would be dying. Are you feeding your soul with lessons to grow or are you dying inside?
I started to imagine every drop that hit my body was love from the universe and was now healing my physical body. It started to pour! I took in every drop and every moment of it. This was amazing! I felt so ALIVE! As the end of my morning run came to an end, I didn’t stop there. I walked over to the shoreline and sat down on a rock. I sat there and listened to the rain pouring down and hitting the earth’s surface. I took in some deep breathes of the fresh air and thought to myself, “Yea, this is it. This is being connected to that divine source….LOVE.” As I sat there on that rock and took in this moment I could feel it throughout my whole existence. Today all I needed to do was simply intend it, be open, and allow it to move through me. In fact, as I sat there on the rock I realized something. As I freely and unconditionally gave my love away it came back to me in more ways than I ever imagined. There I was sitting in the pouring rain, gazing out at the lake, drenched and soaking in it… LOVE.
In closing, I’ll leave you with this. I believe we all came into this world to live a life filled with love, joy, and abundance. We all have the power to transform anything starting with our intention. I invite you to imagine the possibilities that would be available to you if love was your daily intention. I believe if we can learn to practice this together we can heal the world. My question to you is, Are you willing to let the good of love work through you? Today, as I share this with you my intention is that you will not only awaken the divinity of what already resides within you, but also is available to you and always with you. Love comes from an infinite source and can never run dry. As you unconditionally give love, you will receive it. As this happens something very magical takes place….. Miracles are born from the heart and soul awakened by love.
May your heart and soul be free to love. May you be healed.
Much love and many blessings my friends! Xo, L:)
Your Presence Was My Greatest Gift… Thank You.
As we enter a new year many of us are looking back at what we have learned and setting our intentions for the year to come. I think we all can agree that 2010 was filled with many opportunities of growth and the one thing guaranteed for 2011 is that as life continues to evolve and change there will be many more to come.
This morning as I sit here reflecting over the last year I find myself a little surprised with my discovery. Undeniably this year was marked with many times of being pushed out of my comfort zone onto new grounds where my only option was to reach, stretch, and grow. But what I find consumes me most is the gratitude I feel in my heart for the presence of the people who have touched my life. And if you’re reading this, regardless of the depth of our relationship I’m talking about you.
The ways in which we feel and experience the presence of another is such an interesting and endless realm of thought to me. Obviously, there are the people in your life that you maintain relationships and have direct interaction with on a daily, weekly, or even yearly basis. I can pick out many times where the presence of those people helped me in ways that made a big difference in my life. But to me, what I find most interesting is those times that aren’t so obvious and have been overlooked the most.
I believe our presence carries way beyond our physicality as humans. In fact, I would go as far to say that all human relationships are eternal. Regardless of the distance between people or the fact that they may never speak again there is a level of connection that will always exist within the heart and mind. That is for sure.
A few months ago I was sitting in a crowded room of people and heard a man say, “You need to listen like your listening with the ears of a dying man.” Since then I haven’t been able to shake his voice or those words from my head. Even though he wasn’t speaking directly to me it felt as though he was or at least those words were intended for my ears.
Since then I have found myself tailoring that statement to fit each moment of my life. Today it continues to draw on my attention while the presence of his voice seems to come exactly when I need it. It’s a sweet sounding reminder that in order to experience the richness and divinity available to me I must approach each moment with the level of respect and appreciation that I would if it were my last.
I share this with you because as his words still hold a presence that works miracles in my life every day. The way this carries is really quite crazy because it’s formless and endless. It shows up in the sound of a voice, words to a song, or even the memory of one small moment. In fact, I think the smallest most effortless ways we give and receive presence are the ones that make the biggest difference. That man has no idea what he said that day profoundly touched my life or that as I share this with you I hope to touch yours.
As you reflect over 2010 I invite you to be open to the presence that has left an everlasting impression. The truth is presence is what we are and is all around us. It is formless and has no limits so as you open your heart and mind to this awareness and look within you will find your surprise is a gift that has been with you all along.
In closing, I just want to say that this year when I’m asked, “Was Santa good to you and did you get everything you wanted?” My answer is, “You bet I did and then some!” If presence is a present than Christmas is an all year deal for me because I can clearly see that not a moment has passed when I wasn’t receiving the gift of YOU.
With great love, respect, and gratitude THANK YOU for your presence. May you be showered with gifts all year long.
Much love and many blessings my friends! xo,L:)
“What does that mean?”
Recently I came across a book titled, “What does that mean?”. I will admit… I didn’t read it but that question really got me thinking. It has inspired me to take a deeper look at everything that’s normally overlooked and as a result I have come to recognize more value in the present moment. I believe this world we live in is constantly communicating messages that brings fulfillment and meaning into our everyday lives… the key is we need to pay attention.
For me this one simple question has quietly awakened a dormant force that won’t settle for nothing. It has caused me to take a deeper look and dig into the existence of my experiences. In many aspects, I now have clarity as to where my energy is better spent and where it is not. It has brought forth new understandings and even appreciation for some of the smallest yet greatest things.
Today I am going to keep this short, but I want to say this… I believe that every one of us has one or many areas of life that feels dull and unfulfilling. Some or shall I say most, have shifted into autopilot and have been wandering the streets of complacency. They refer to this as everyday living, but what I think it really means is that each day they are dying. Its not very often we stop to question the meaning behind the small random moments or even the grandiose of all events. As a result there are countless connections missed and moments overlooked that rob us from the magic and miracles in this divine experience we call life.
So today I invite you, if even just for this moment, to think about that question with curiosity and wonder like you never have before. Have fun with it. Life doesn’t aways have to be so serious. Imagine the world we could create if we would all learn to live, laugh, love, and play a little more. I think you’ll find just as I have an unexpected twist of humor that accompanies the situations that went unnoticed. You will find yourself at some of the oddest circumstances poised with the question… what does that mean? It will make you laugh or what you discover may even make you cry, but either way when you give yourself permission to live in the mystery and explore the grounds of the unknown there are new levels of playfulness, excitement, and depth that begin to surface.
May you be open to magic and miracles… May you be free to live in the mystery and explore… May each day be an opportunity to live, laugh, love, and play…
Much love and may blessings my friends! Xo,L
Even though a heart gets broken…
Finally after 8 months my lovely little angel Kendall has been adopted by his new family Lou and Diane. From the moment I saw their application, I knew this was his forever home he had been waiting for. I was both excited and saddened by this. I am sooo very happy and grateful to know he will always be loved and cared for but I have to admit… that furry little man took a big piece of my heart.
The day of his adoption was also the 2 year anniversary of the death of Gayge (my dog/ friend/spiritual companion of 11 years). I think its fair to say we have all had our share of heart breaks and heart aches, and up until July 10, 2008 I can honestly say I thought knew what that felt like. However, what I experienced after her passing was nothing like losing any other love in my life. I know the sadness I was feeling over her death was for my own selfish reasons, but learning to live without her was the toughest. I remember the days that followed her departure sitting in the depths of solitude and through my tears I declared I will never… ever… ever… go through this again. It was far too painful. In other words, what I really meant was that I would never allow myself to love so much it could hurt that badly again.
For my friends who have had or have pets and love them like children, I know this resonates with you, but regardless I think everyone can relate to a time when the loss of loving someone or something felt almost unbearable. For many of us, these times mark a place in our lives when a decision was made to protect ourselves from ever feeling that pain again.
Six months after her passing, I was inspired with the idea to open my home to fostering rescue dogs. I knew this was something that wasn’t going to be easy. The hardest part about it was that deep down I knew on some level I was going to have to learn to love again. In all honesty, it was my good intention and reasons for becoming a foster parent that has made it possible to separate myself, especially with Kendall. There were many times I grappled with the idea of adopting him. Each time I was conflicted about making the commitment I managed to retreat into a safety zone where I would do nothing but wrap my mind around the reasons why I started doing this in the first place.
Some of you reading this may remember receiving an announcement from me sharing my story and reason for becoming a dog rescue foster parent. For those of you who don’t know the story behind all of this, I will be reposting it at the end of this blog for you to read.
Overall, there have been many days I have had to fall back on my faith in believing that we all end up exactly where we are supposed to be and Kendall was no exception. On the other hand, faith and trust is something we often have to question and I questioned this many times. Most foster animals last a few months at the most before being adopted out. Kendall had been with me over 8.
So….here I am today… exactly 2 years later. As you will find in the story that illustrates my decision to foster there are many life long lessons we learn from our pets. Gayge happened to teach me more than I could ever write about. As I stood in my driveway and said goodbye to Kendall I felt the presence of a feeling that was very familiar. As I watched them drive away I recalled the day exactly 2 years ago that I vowed to never love again.
Someone once said to me, “Even though a heart gets broken it keeps beating just the same.” That sentiment has always stayed with me. What it means to me is that throughout everything we experience in life our capacity to love still remains. But the moment we feel pain we forget as we become entangled and lost in the story. We go on living the best way we know how, recreating the experience in our hearts and minds. We take on the position of a master artist who creates walls, blocks, and barriers of protection. We find ways to isolate, run, and hide from feeling the depth of love that at one time hurt so much.
Many people have assumed that because I write about this stuff I have it all figured out. Let me make one thing clear. Because I share my thoughts, insight, and experiences doesn’t mean I’m not challenged with it or that I have it all figured out. In fact, when I speak in the tense of “we”, I’m really talking about “me” and those who resonate with my message. Believe me when I say this, I’m nowhere close to untangling the complexities of love, how to remain open, and especially vulnerable. But what I do know is that as I humbly share my experiences of growing, learning to expand, and love to a greater capacity it will inspire others to do the same.
I believe we are all students and teachers here to live, love, learn, and grow together in this divine matrix called life. When the student is ready the teacher appears. Once we get the lesson plan down and pass, we graduate and move on to new instructors. Some come into our lives for very short times and others stay for what seems to be eternity. Perhaps for some, the most painful part of it all is that once we “get it” and pass the test… all parties move on to greater and bigger things and sometimes it hurts to see them go.
Kendall is just one example of a teacher in my life. He came and stayed just long enough to show me in his own gentle and loving way that I was capable of opening myself to the kind of love that I didn’t think I wanted to invest in again. His presence gave me the opportunity to experience the truth in those words that have been with me for so long. “Even though a heart gets broken it keeps beating just the same.” The day he knew I finally got it was the day he moved on.
I invite you to take some time and reflect on how this applies to you. Do you believe that even though a heart gets broken it keeps beating just the same? Either way, imagine the new possibilities that could be created if you were to give yourself permission to be free of the past and open to loving in the present. It sounds risky and I can say for almost all of us that might not be easy, but how would your life change? How would your relationships change? Who or what would you be free to completely and unconditionally love? Would you be available to learn and grow in ways you never knew? What new experiences would you have to look forward to? Would you have more joy? More blessings?
I could go on forever with questions that ponder possibilities, but from what I can see I think there’s a whole world that exist outside the constricts of a broken heart.
May you be free to learn, love, live, and grow. May your heart always keep beating just the same.
Much love and many blessings my friends! Xo,L:)
Lou, Diane, and Kendall
Gayge... My Angel
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: I’m going to be a foster mom!
January 2009
I’m sure when most of you read that you figured it was official…. She’s finally lost it.
As always there’s a reason and story behind what I am doing. In other words, there is a method to my madness. :) So here it is.
As you may know Gayge passed away in July. Since then I have had to face some major adjustments in my life. In addition, I have spent a considerable amount of time over the past 6 months reflecting on the last 11 years of my life with her. Everyday I realize how “that dog” or if you will “my spiritual companion” was a gift that has profoundly shaped my life and who I am today. Let me share.
Ill start with a time in my life over 5 years ago I made the decision that I needed to get my life together and figure out WHO I really was. I had spent a great deal of my time attempting to find happiness and fulfillment from sources outside of myself. It was time for me to take a step back and tune into the most important relationship I will ever have… that was with mySELF. For me, this meant I would have to let go of almost everything that I thought defined me as a person. Part of that process was relinquishing the importance I placed on having close relationships with people.
Sounds like it could get pretty lonely doesn’t it? Well, having a loyal friend like Gayge by my side made it fairly easy do and best of all she kept it simple. Everyday she met me where I was, it never mattered what side of the bed I woke up on. I was free to be just who I needed to be on any given day. She never doubted, judged, or tried to convince me of something that wasn’t right for me. She trusted and loved 100%, even when I didn’t know how to do that for myself. With her unconditional support I was able to experience the beauty and freedom in finding a path that was solely my own. I remember when I left Minnesota. I sold or gave away most of my personal belongings except what would fit in my car (and Gayge of course) and moved completely across country. I set out on a journey to discover a new part of life, but never felt like I was doing it alone. Without question, she was by my side. I realize I never knew what being truly lonely felt like, until now. To the outside world I have appeared to be a strong independent woman living on my own and really the truth is I was never alone.
No matter how good or bad I felt I could always talk to her. I could express anything I needed to without fear or judgment. For those of you who had the opportunity to meet her, you know she understood. It sounds weird to some, but she had a presence that was unlike than any other. During some of my most difficult years when I would never let anyone close enough to help me or know that I needed it, she was there, like an angel by my side as I healed. There was an understanding or maybe life agreement we had on some level that she would be there for me during these times when I needed it most.
There were days when my frustration and uncertainty made me just want to pack my stuff and leave. She kept me grounded. When I say she kept me grounded, keep in mind, she was a 100+ lb. dog and that doesn’t make it easy when it comes to finding a place to live. I always felt this sense of safety with her and a reassurance everything was going to be okay.
She gave me the courage to be brave. Together we explored many different places. We ventured out to the middle of the desert, lakes, rivers, mountains, and deep into the woods. Places I would of never went alone, but with her I did without even thinking about it. I was able to shut off the demands of daily life and slip away into an oasis of peace. This gave me clarity. The freedom I experienced in exploring new territory without any limitations of fear has taught me how to take chances and explore new territory in my life.
There were times she witnessed my true insanity. I would imagine what she was thinking as she sat their looking at me. Her quiet observation and expression with her head cocked slightly to the side taught me to quite taking life so damn seriously and learn to laugh. Spending the last 11 years of my life with her she has taught me more lessons about living and my true essence than any book or guru. I feel that I was truly blessed with an angel, a gift, and spiritual companion who taught me how to connect, learn, love, live, be, and grow.
On July 10th 2008 I came home to discover that she decided that I was ready for a new part of my life to open up and that would have to happen without her. I would no longer be able to depend on her to be physically by my side. I have come to realize that even though I was responsible for being her “owner”, the reality is she took care of me. There was an overwhelming pain when I realized she was gone (mostly for my own selfish reasons), but at the same time a sense of peace filled my heart. You see the day I came opened the door and found her laying next to my bed on the floor I heard a voice. It said, “She decided it was time.” Now I know that most people would say it simply means she decided it was time to die. Let me tell you what that really meant.
As I have explained because of her I was given the opportunity to experience freedom and an awareness of myself that most can’t even imagine. She decided it was time for me to learn, grow, and experience life in a new ways. For that to happen, she would need to go. Adjusting to life without her has caused me to feel more uncomfortable and vulnerable then ever. However, that part of me that depended on her for so long knows that’s part of what she’s now teaching me. On a spiritual level, I know she knew something about the purpose of my life and what I’m here to do. She spent the last 11 years helping me lay a foundation that will support me the rest of my life. Although, when she chose to leave felt shocking she knew it was time, I was ready, and had the strength to handle it. Looking back I think without her I would probably still be lost and searching.
I will always feel her presence and she will never be forgotten.
Now if you’re still reading, I’m sure your wondering why I felt the need to tell you that whole story. The intention behind my decision to become a foster parent to rescue dogs isn’t to fill an empty place of what’s been missing in my life since Gayge passed away. Her presence is irreplaceable. My mission is to touch as many lives as I can. I believe Gayge was an angel and as you can see the sweet light of her legacy will illuminate my life forever. As you read this, I’m sure you thought of times when you needed an angel. My decision to open my heart and home is to provide a place for these rugged little beings of light (one at a time of course) to be loved and cared for until they are able to reach the home of the people who need them most. Even though it may appear I am helping them, the truth is they are helping me with my mission (which I could never do alone) and that is to touch lives, free souls, and heal the world.
I’m sending this out to all of you with the intention you may be in need or know someone in need of an angel. There is dog rescue organization here in Arizona called Cast off Cockers (www.castoffcockers.org) that I will be working with. These dogs are rescued from all over the U.S. and all have a unique story of survival. Each time I have a new foster friend I will be sending out emails with pictures, bios, and updates. These emails will be coming from info@sweetlightangels.com Please feel free to forward these on to anyone you choose or if you know someone who would like to be added to that email list please have them email me with there info. I believe the universe works in ways we don’t always understand, but in the end we all end up with everything we need to get us exactly where were supposed to be. If you wish to not receive these emails simply reply with “your name- opt out” in the subject line. Today my first foster will be arriving. Keep your eye out over the next few days for his introduction.
May your life be touched by an angel…May your Soul be Free…. May you be healed.
Much Love and Many Blessings my Friends! xo, Lesley:)
If she could see what I see…
The other day I happen to catch a segment on the evening news regarding the new immigration law about to go into effect. I very rarely watch the news, but I heard the words of a woman (not to point fingers but lets just say it’s possible her name was Gov. Jan Brewer) saying, “The bottom line is they are here illegally and they are costing us money.” The words to that statement carried a heaviness straight to my heart I can’t describe, but surely it was felt. I got flashes of the many ways I have seen this law already tear people apart and affect lives. I thought to myself… if she could see what I see.
Due to that nature of my work and because I have not limited myself to “specializing” to a certain population I have created a unique position for myself to grow a fairly broad understanding of humanity. Almost everyday I talk to people all over the world and of all ages. These worldly connections and relationships I have established have never led to being a common conversation, but rather something I can only describe as an experience that allows people to bare their soul.
What this has taught me is that we are not all as different as we think. It doesn’t matter when or where you were born, sex, skin color, or where on the map you reside today… surprisingly we all perceive to have the same problems, issues, and challenges. Beyond that we also have the same needs, fears, and desires. The only difference is the way everything is packaged and the depth of what we reveal to others. From this place we draw our conclusions keeping people feeling isolated and alone with their life experiences.
I whole-heartedly believe that is that there is no such thing as a bad kid, adult, or animal but only rugged angels who have been wounded and mastering the art of survival. We have all acted in ways and shown a face we were not proud of. I don’t think that it comes from having ill intentions even though that may be how it appears. It is all too easy for us to cast our judgments on each other because we decide that some instances are more extreme than others, but I think its all relative.
I believe that we are all trying the best we know how with the information, knowledge, and awareness we have in the moment. Delving deep into the core essence of mankind there is nothing but pure goodness wrapped with a yearning to love and be loved. Unfortunately, there are many people who think that’s extremely optimistic and disagree with me. This is understandable because our actions have revealed a human personality that is driven by fear. However, there is hope. This personality I speak of is not something we were born with but something we learned. And that says one thing to me…. It can be unlearned.
With that being said lets get back to this bottom line idea. Let me say it is not my intention to argue for or against the law, but I do question that thought…is it true? Is that really the bottom line or is there another way to look at this?
I hear so many people complain about the state of the world today and where our future is heading. What I know is that I have never met anyone who didn’t complain about something that they didn’t have the power to change. One thing that is very clear to me is that more we feed these ideas of being indifferent and create laws that separate people the more pain and suffering the world will endure.
What if we could learn to soften our barriers and make room to create circumstances for unity vs. dichotomies? What if we set our fears aside and trusted there is enough for everyone? What if we could learn to develop a way with being with people that allows us to feel, see, and listen beyond what we have assumed? Would we be left with a new understanding for our neighbors that would cultivate compassion? Would it mark a time for growth and healing? I think so.
Now we could sit here forever dancing in the realm of possibilities and dreaming of all the “what if’s” but I think the real question would be what does it take to make these possibilities a reality? Are we capable of softening our barriers? Absolutely. Can we create circumstances for unity? Without a doubt. What about this belief there’s never enough and only so much to go around… are we capable of learning to trust that indeed to universe is kind and will always support us? It’s worked for me so far.
In the end, I don’t have a simple cut and dry solution, but I can share my thoughts, words, wisdom, and experiences with the intention that the inspiration I share will cause the walls of separation to fall due to a shift in the way we relate and see one another. For far too long we have underestimated our power as people to come together and create a change that yields great results. So from what I can see that bottom line isn’t necessary money or saying who is allowed to cross a line. What I see is that we’re at a crossroads faced with an opportunity to take a stand and do something different than we’ve done before. The question to you is… Are you willing?
May you have the courage to think, believe, and do something different. May you be healed.
Much love and many blessings my friends! Xo,L
Does love and success reflect the brilliance of your soul?
Jason Mraz… one of my favorite people in the world! I have seen him several times LIVE and witnessed his growth not only in the size of the crowds he draws, but the power in his words and ability to communicate and touch the hearts of everyone in a room.
His inspirational story is a perfect example of the success and love of life that is available to all of us when we believe in ourselves and know that in everyday and in each moment we are perfect, whole, and complete. When we come to this realization the competition and separateness we have created dissipates. We learn to act on love and see everyone as our friend. We begin to find that we are not alone and begin to trust that everyONE is here together to serve and support in a creative journey that will leave the world a better place.
Jason Mraz is someone who has been dedicated to expressing his love through his work and because of this his brilliance exudes in everything he does. As a result, his success has been far greater than he ever imagined. However, he is not special nor is he any different than you or I… We all have that ability.
If you decide to take anything from reading this today I invite you to remember this… In each moment we all have the power to choose the success we will have and how we wish to experience life. We can continue the struggle, feeling all alone, striving for control, competing with our neighbor, motivated by fear, and clinging to the ideas that make us think we’re right OR we can choose to seek out the ways that support us in expressing love and the pure greatness we were destined to share with the world.
Personally, I choose to be dedicated to bringing love into everything I do and inspiring others to do the same. And because of this I can honestly say that I love living and that I know the levels of success I have reached and will reach are way beyond the grasp of my imagination.
So my question for you is… What are you dedicated to??? Remember each moment is a choice and we all have the ability to reach levels of success far greater than we ever dreamed possible. Perhaps the only thing left to decide is… How do you want to do it???
May your choices be an expression of LOVE and YOUR success reflect the brilliance of your soul.
Much LOVE my friends! Xo,L:)
“Are you THRIVING or SURVIVING? The choice is yours…”
Hello and welcome back friends! It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted anything on here. I have been going though some of the inspirational stories I have shared over the past few years. I’ll be posting more of them on here including some new stuff I have been working on… Anyway, recently I have been noticing a lot of friends, family, clients, (myself included) being very masterful in the art of avoidance. I believe that at anytime we are avoiding anything it’s due to fear and involves stepping outside the realms of the infamous comfort zone. Sooooo… I thought this would be worth sharing again… And as always I would love to hear your thoughts. Enjoy!
Thrive or Survive…. The Choice is yours
During the winter Arizona probably has some of the best weather, but that doesn’t take away from the fact it’s still cold, especially the early mornings. This day started like any other. I woke up, threw on my running attire, but now a couple extra layers. If you’ve every witnessed the state of misery I slip into when I become cold you would never believe this girl grew up in MN.
Over the last few days Arizona has been getting some rain, which only happens a few times a year. When clouds and scattered showers roll in it’s welcomed and appreciated….. Well I guess speaking for myself as long as I can enjoy it from the warm, cozy side of a window. The night before I had checked hourly forecast and miraculously it predicted no rain from 5am- 7am. Perfect! My time slot was clear to run. Well I soon discovered that wasn’t exactly true because as I set out I realized it was obvious…. Accuweather.com wasn’t so accurate. It was sprinkling, but lightly. No problem I can handle that, but the cold rain came accompanied with chilly temperatures. “Mind over matter” was all I said to myself. Little did I know, that in a few short moments my super mind power theory was about to be challenged. It began to pour. In my mind, the only thing worse than being cold, is being cold and wet.
I remembered over the summer when I was visiting MN and running by Lake Superior when it started to rain. I was grateful and imagined the warm rain as a gift of love pouring down to heal my physical body as well as everything on earth it touched. The warm fresh air that morning, the sound of the rain drops as they joined the earth’s surface and plummeted into the lake will be something I will always remember. However, there was nothing that felt healing nor did I appreciate the cold rain slapping my face. My sweat pants and sweatshirt were now soaking wet and heavy. To make it even more uncomfortable, it was pitch dark out and the down pour made it difficult to see the ground. The pools of water in the street were unavoidable and my shoes were completely drenched. I could feel water swishing between my toes every time my feet hit the ground. I’ll admit, the thought of the retreating to the comforts of my warm bed was looking pretty good, but I quickly decided that it wasn’t an option. I needed to get over it, and move on… rain or shine. I felt challenged both physically and mentally. I needed to push myself harder and faster to keep my body temperature from dropping. This wasn’t easy because my clothes and shoes were sopping wet and heavy.
Deep down I know for every experience there is a purpose, whether I understand it or not. Have you ever tried to run in heavy wet clothes? This struggle, discomfort, and pain I was experiencing needed to somehow serve me. How could I bring meaning and purpose into this? The thought of this unexpected storm, heaviness of my clothes, and my will to preserver melded together sparking thoughts of memories from my past. This extra weight and burden I was carrying this morning wasn’t something I had expected to have to overcome today. When you think about that neither is tragedy or the difficult times we endure. You never know the complete truth of what’s in store or exactly how you will respond until you’re submerged in it. Death, sickness, accidents, financial issues, heart breaks, job loss, sadness, hurts, and betrayal are typically almost never planned or turn out the way you imagine. And in the midst of these “stormy times”, just when you think it can’t get any worse, you realize it can…. mostly because it does. The heaviness created can make it feel very difficult to move forward each day. For some people this doom and gloom will wrap them in a state of depression making it seem almost impossible some days to get out of bed. Leading some to question, “How will I ever survive?” People always ask me how I get up as early as 5 am everyday and run 5+ miles. My answer is simple. It’s not will power, discipline, or a force that drives me. It’s a way of BEING. There is something about the peace and stillness that fills the air this early in the morning.
Everyday when I run and I completely take that in though my breathe. That quieting sense of peace fills my body, flows though my blood, floods my mind with clarity, and is part of me…. It’s a way of BEING. So, what gets me out of bed and moves me no matter what the weather? That peace and stillness residing within me that needs to be nourished and fed every day. In so many ways these morning runs have shaped who I am and each day allows me to see a glimpse of who I’m becoming. Regardless of what is going on in the outer world, we all have this within us and it’s yearning to be fed. However, somehow when we step out into the storm and feel that heaviness created by what seems to fall upon us we forget and become lost. Instead of connecting to that quiet peaceful place that resides within the stillness of all human BEINGS we fall victim to the storm grasping for survival. As victims we complain, whine, blame, get angry, feel mislead, and will never truly step out into to the world to claim and bask in full potential. We go back and forth testing the waters and as soon as it gets uncomfortable retreat back to what is known, feels safe, and life seems easier. But is it? It’s a survival tactic.
Everyday waking day presents a choice regarding how you want to live your life. You can choose to THRIVE or SURVIVE. It’s really quite simple. By surviving you stay inside, keep people out, play it safe, and remain in the realm of comfort. Choosing to survive means you will never live up to your fullest potential. Reflecting on your choice to survive you find a mental list of a million and one reasons that justify your story. But how can you justify being trapped in limitations or fear? When you choose to THRIVE you take chances and risk being uncomfortable. You know that when you’re uncomfortable it’s because you are reaching, stretching, and growing.
Did you ever get growing pains when you were a child? From a very young age growing almost never felt good. As we age these “growing pains” only take on different forms. When you THRIVE you find ways to bring meaning and purpose into everything you do. This means seeing that heaviness not as a limitation, but as a form of strength training. Learning to THRIVE may appear to be work, but ultimately it’s the opposite because deep in your soul you find peace in knowing you’ve let nothing or no one stand in the way of your fulfillment…. Rain or shine.
So the question I have for you is obvious…. Are you thriving or surviving? The New Year is approaching and every year billions of people make resolutions to THRIVE. Visions of a better, healthier, and more fulfilling tomorrow are created. My question is, “Why wait?” You see, I don’t believe it’s about surviving the way you are until a certain time and resolving yourself then (which most likely will fail and is repeated year after year). It’s about THRIVING NOW and ALWAYS. It’s about BEING THE CHANGE YOU DESIRE. Are you ready to DO WHAT IT TAKES TO THRIVE, or will you be the one who remains in the realm of comfort? The answer to that question exists in your WILLINGNESS to get out there do what it takes to THRIVE. That means BEING THE CHANGE YOU DESIRE no matter what the time or the weather brings.
May your heart and soul be awakened to peace my friends…May you be healed.
Much love and many blessings! xo, L:)
