Thursday, January 19, 2012

Finding Time For What Matters - Not Easy, but Necessary!

With all of the running around that we all do daily, it is a wonder that we have time at all to "smell the roses" as the saying goes. I don't know about you, but I am often torn in six or more directions at once. We wear so many hats; individual, mom/dad, spouse/significant other, daughter/son, employer/employee. How to choose what to focus on?
I recently was with my daughter at the hospital because she was sick and had to go to the Emergency Room. As they wheeled in an older gentleman on a gurney, I thought to myself "there but for the grace of God go I." I can assure you he was most probably not thinking about how he could have worked harder or longer in his life at that very moment. He also may not have been thinking about how much money he had amassed and how great that was as he lay there in what looked like a very uncomfortable state. He was by himself, at the mercy of the hospital staff. No relatives I heard the ambulance man say. Hmmmm....I thought. Maybe life is not about skipping the gym and not having any children in your old age. Well, at least I have some family I thought. Better keep that gym membership! Now to prioritize. I think I am going to try HARDER to put what matters most first. How about you? Karen

Sunday, January 15, 2012

What the disabled can teach us about love and life

I was reading a story in O Magazine about a woman named Monica Wood that has a disabled sister named Betty Wood. The story is entitled: What Betty Knows.  It was so touching that I thought I would link it to my blog. We take for granted and forget that we are blessed with what we call "normal lives." Clearly, it is sometimes those who are disabled that are able to show us what real love looks like.

I have a client with a disabled brother who lives in a group home. This woman is one of the most patient, loving and kind individuals because she has had a disabled brother who has taught her about what it is to be family.

When you pray, pray not for things of great value. Give thanks for little things like the ability to love deeply, hold another's hand, and watch out for another fellow human being. The world seeks perfection, and yet in the eyes of Spirit all are perfect in their own way. Seek truth and beauty, but also seek imperfection because God/Goddess can be found in unanswered prayers as well.  In love and light. Karen

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

How to work through blocks in your life

I have friends and clients who swear that they are doing everything possible to meet the right person and have a real relationship. I have others like myself who are a little frightened to lose weight for fear they are noticed. Being noticed has its pluses, but it has its minus' too. After all the Hawaiian saying goes: "the tallest nail gets the hammer." Fear, no matter in what area of your life can be paralyzing. Fear to change your job, fear to move on with life, fear to love deeply, fear to become famous.

 Mary Ann Williamson's quote is one that I read and TRY (I say that word carefully and with conviction) to live by daily: Here it is for all of you that need encouragement today. Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Monday, January 9, 2012

When a diagnosis of a life threatening nature happens in a family

Recently, I have had not just a few friends hit with the news that a loved one of theirs might die. This news always shocking is never easy. We feel like we have been punched in the stomach by God. How could this happen, we ask? Why us? I am always asked if this is retribution for something. The answer is I don't think so, I think that it is like fire forging the blade of a sword. Adversity strengthens us.
A dear friend of mine was fine when I saw him two months ago, and is now wheelchair bound and it is shocking on all levels. He used to out ski me on the best and brightest Colorado blue sky days! Now, unable to walk, he is adjusting to his new reality and we are doing the same. The Soul's purpose here on earth is a great mystery. Some say we are here to learn lessons. If that were the case, it would be nice to know what the lessons were in advance so we could move through them quickly and avoid the "yucky" parts. It is wise to take life day by day, and to keep your expectations in check. I have taken to saying thank you on a daily basis for each sunset and each opportunity to be with my child, and my husband. Life is too short to miss the good times. Take lots of pictures, folks. It is sweet to have memories. To all those who are hurting out there, know that I care deeply if you are o.k. There may not be time to connect often, but we will take what we can get. Right? I wish you peace, and less worries. Take Care of you. Karen

Sunday, January 8, 2012

What Makes Us Feel Loved

Recently, I had the unfortunate luck of getting sick with a nasty cold. Like most people I did all the right things. Kept warm, went to bed early to get extra sleep, took echinacea tea, and more vitamin C than one can imagine. Yet, it was the hug from my ten year old daughter that made me feel truly loved. The power of the human touch is powerful, and her sweet words of "mommy, I love you" made me heal more than any medicine ever could.

By contrast, my husband, Mark, grew up in a family where your physical needs were met if you were sick but distance was kept until one felt better. If he gets sick, he goes to bed and you will see him when he emerges from his illness. We can write this off to the difference between men and women, or we can say that some people need more touch and emotion than others. Either way, honoring the person is important.

I would urge all of you to let the ones you love know what you need when you aren't feeling well. If you have a family member with a chronic condition, let your friends know what will help you to cope. We are not invincible. We are Spirits having a "human experience. "

As for me, tea, touch/hug, and an I love you very much will do.  How about you? What do you need from family and friends? Karen