AUTHENTICITY

"Best be yourself, imperial, plain and true." 

~ Robert Browning ~

Authenticity is under-rated. We believe there's more value in presenting ourselves to others the way we think they want us to show up, rather than simply being who we are. Our belief in this instance seriously dis-serves us, and creates a condition of pretense, and undermines trust.

I make a point of keeping it real. 

THE TIGHTROPE OF LIFE

"O God, I pray that not too much of calm be mine, but one day let the maddened rush of waters break against my soul."

~ Muriel Strode ~

Life is a balancing act. We need time with others and time alone. We need structure and freedom. We need purpose and spontaneity, conversation and silence, friction and ease.
     It's the contrast that keeps things interesting, and the mix of it all that makes life life.

I accept the ups and downs and roundabouts of my daily experience. 

CONFRONTING LIFE

"Many an opportunity is lost because a man is out looking for four leaf clovers." 

~ Author Unknown ~

In challenge lies opportunity. When we are questioned, we must answer, and in answering, we learn. And when we are stretched to our limits, we grow.
     The natural reaction to anything unexpected and confronting is to resist with all we have, but in facing what disrupts us, we are graced with better knowing who, exactly, we are.

I accept the challenge, whatever it may be.

BEING THE CHANGE

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." 

~ M. Ghandi ~

We experience what we express. The energy we put out into the world is what comes back to us. If we send out prickly, we get back prickly, and if we send out love, we get back love. We're more responsible than we realize for the way the world is.
     So what do we want? And who are we being? Let's align the two and heighten our impact.

I spread the energy I believe in. 

THE ACT OF ENGAGEMENT

"Suit up and show up." 

~ Anonymous ~

Engagement is our ability to be involved emotionally in whatever we are up to, our desire to participate, and our inclination to share our whole selves. And it's easy to turn off and shut down. It's easy to tell ourselves stories that we don't matter, that we have no voice, and that our being there, or not being there doesn't really make a difference and doesn't really change anything anyway- sour grapes like- but it's not true.
     We do matter, and we do have a voice, and the more authentically and consistently we show up in the world, the more rewarded we will be.

I actively participate in life.

STANDING FOR PEOPLE

"How others treat me is their path; how I react is mine." 

~ Wayne Dyer ~

I stand for people who do not see or understand their power or their worth. I stand for the lonely. I stand for the emotionally wounded. I stand for those who are afraid.
     Let's care about each other. Let's listen and see. Let's remember who we are at the heart level, and what our real purpose is, and why we are here.

I show up for people, and love them wherever they are.

BEING BRIGHT

"Go out there and do something remarkable." 

~ Wendy Wasserstein ~

Let's unimpede ourselves! 

Let's clear what blocks us, uncover what shrouds us, and shine brightly from the inside out.

I step out of the darkness into the light.