Finish What You Start – DoWoo #113/365

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Spent today finishing off something I had promised someone quite some time ago.  I originally offered to do something without setting any up front parameters.  When it was requested it turned out to entail quite a bit more work than I had anticipated…and to be honest…more than what I thought I was capable of. 

I procrastinated! I avoided! Neither of those actions are ever a good idea. Is THIS who I am? 

wallis_dance_musicnotesIn light of my ever evolving being, with the mantra of “Do It NOW!” playing in the background, I recently promised its completion in time for this holiday season.  Even then, the time required was ended up being more than I had anticipated and it was most certainly more of a challenge than anything else I had undertaken thus far. However, the great news is I finished it today! 

Happy Dance of Joy!

Was it fear of the challenge? Was it the immensity of the task? Was it…well, I could go on and on but the crux of it was I put it off. Once I did make a decision to get it done and set a time frame with a specific date (in writing) I got it done! 

elephantWhat I noticed in finishing it up today was by taking small tasks and getting each one done – rather than looking at the whole was HUGE.  I’ve done this with other things…and it’s a pretty famous way of accomplishing any large task – one bite at a time. 

At the end of this huge undertaking…which did not have to be perceived as hugely as it was…I have to ask myself what I observed. First: I don’t like how it feels within to avoid something. Second: Leaving something unfinished is lame! It is not who I am as a person – it is not who I am as a professional.  Lastly: Do It NOW! Seriously! 

Sandwich Reflection – DoWoo #112/365

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If you’ve stuck with me you will have heard reference to Walter and my parent’s recent health concerns.  I’m one of many they call the “sandwich generation” – where we are parents with our children who we are caring for and we are children to our aging parents for whom we care for.   Interestingly as I am the youngest of my siblings – the rest have mostly grown kids or already grandparents with our aging mother.  I wonder…does that make them a triple decker sandwich?

As it was not too long ago I was taking care of our little man, I started pondering the similarities of the newborn to our aged elderly parents.  Please feel free to add to this list in the comment section below:  

  • Life_2d8fa7_550894without teeth
  • eating liquids, slowly moving towards solids
  • having little to no hair, only the rare one has the full head
  • no control of our bodily functions
  • sleeping a lot!
  • spending most of the time laying around in bed while others take care of our needs

We start with a date. We end with a date.  The middle is referred to as our “dash”.  What we do in the middle – between birth and death is who we were in this life.  

In considering this and so many other thoughts of a similar nature today I came across this list by Bronnie Ware – a palliative care nurse who polled her patients responses in their last days in hopes to uncover any regrets so others may learn. 

15e236dTop 10 Regrets Of The Dying

  1. I never pursued my dreams and aspirations.
  2. I worked too much and never made time for my family.
  3. I should have made more time for my friends.
  4. I should have said ‘I love you’ a lot more.
  5. I should have spoken my mind instead of holding back and resenting things.
  6. I should have been the bigger person and resolved my problems.
  7. I wish I had children.
  8. I should have saved more money for my retirement.
  9. Not having the courage to live truthfully.
  10. Happiness is a Choice, I wish I knew that earlier.

Thank goodness for the Master Key Class.  It allows us to address all of the above! Onward my friends. We hold the greatest gift in our hands. Let’s maximize the Experience!!! 

 

Childhood Recollection – DoWoo #111/365

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Watched the Jim Carey version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” tonight as a family. I have fond memories of sitting on my dad’s knee, when I was about Greg’s age, to watch the original cartoon version when it came on the boob-tube!

I asked Greg at the beginning to figure out the lesson and explain at the end for us. They were at the point of singing when Greg said “It’s not about the presents, it’s about family.” How true my little man…how very true! 

Interestingly though, today Gregory asked Walter if they could go out to purchase presents.  He came back with a present for his friend, toys for his dog and a present for Walter – to which he said “Daddy said he would forget”. 

Earlier this week Gregory was going on and on about the holidays. I asked him what he liked better: Halloween or Christmas. After a few moments to ponder he answered Christmas because you only get candy at Halloween but at Christmas you get candy AND family!

This is the first year Gregory has not wanted to write a letter to Santa – and in actual fact has not brought the big guy up once.  He has however no such qualms about the tooth fairy – she still rocks when it comes to replacing his tooth with moola!   The house understanding is the cleaner the teeth then paper money but if not as clean as it could be…coin money! This past week the smallest denomination we had was $10 so we gave him $6 to have a bit of fun with him.  When he came down from his room he held out the tooney with a sad face and said this is all he got. Really? Whoa! And it looked so pristine!  How could this be?  He immediately held out his other hand with the 2 $2 coins and exclaimed he tricked us. 

By my calculations there are 20 teeth which fall out for adult replacement – so at $5 per that’s only a $100.  Much more reasonably priced then the dentist!   What do you think?

A Matter of Degree – DoWoo #110/365

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I am so loving my 2 men!

On top of all the technical “opportunities” we have been working through this last week, I have had the good fortune to have contracted a cold bug.  This has resulted in a slow down today for insightful observations from my end.  In typical supportive fashion my 2 men each gave me an idea for a DoWoo.  I am blessed.

Greg came into the room this evening and shared his explanation on time: It goes quickly when you DO something or use your imagination. BUT if you are not involved in doing something or just sitting there bored, letting your mind think of all sorts of things, then time seems to go at a normal speed.  He gave me the example of someone who forgot their gym clothes and they have to sit on the bench, watching everyone else.  For this person time seems to go slowly. For the others in the class, who did bring their gym clothes, they are having fun and time goes quickly.  I complimented him on his observation and asked him to share what the lesson we were supposed to learn from it.  He said just DO!

Walter shared with me his observation that we do vision boards every day – successfully bringing that vision to completion. It’s called a shopping list.   First – we are spurred on by desire (typically hunger) so we make a list of what we need. We then put a plan of action into place whereby we set a time to go to the grocery store. We then methodically go up and down the appropriate aisles picking up everything on our list with some of us being organized enough that we cross the things off as we go. We then complete our task until the new vision board is pulled out and compiled.

I was one of those people who did not always make a list.  When I went grocery shopping it was inevitable that I would bring home other stuff simply because it was there in front of me – being enticed and distracted. Now, when I go with a list, I concentrate on getting what is on the list. Could this not be the same for those who do not have a clear vision for their future?  When they go out into the material world, they don’t have a plan of action with clear ideas, and so it may be inevitable that they get distracted or enticed off course.

If we extract a drop of water out of the ocean, is it any less ocean? It is all a matter of degree: How time is perceived to proceed and how we make our desires realized into actuality through vision lists!

I dedicate this to my men who are always there for me – in so many ways. Turns out they are my Agents of Fortune – who would have thunk?

“A male muse is called an Agent of Fortune. He is a Traveler not anchored by standard materialism. Although he may desire material things, his position actually influences and inspires other people to make decisions beneficial to their future of physical and spiritual needs.” 

Staying True – DoWoo #109/365

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We are on day 3 of no internet and we have survived!!

Within the last 3 weeks we have had a variety of interesting technical challenges arise.  My laptop keyboard got stuck on the semi-colon and right in the middle of me typing something (external keyboard for ergonomic reasons) the main keyboard would lock ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; until I manually shut down the computer, my computer would not registering at the internet café but my phone did, my headset would work on my phone my not my companion app, and our internet was disconnected (in error) on Tuesday morning and won’t be reinstated till Saturday! AND…..Both Walter’s mom and my mom’s health…well, not so good.   

“They” say that whenever something happens in your life it is like someone is holding up the mirror for you to take a good look at yourself, to help you learn something, recognize something about yourself or your life so you can learn from it.  Do you ever wonder who “they” are because they certainly have a LOT to say?

SO….WHAT am I supposed to learn from ALL this?

After pondering the depth of each of these areas, my answer (so far – as things do tend to unfold further and may show me more at a later date) is that we must embrace patience, we are to recognize what is truly important without getting freaked out, and we need to be able to roll with the situation – finding alternatives to get it done – and above all else….we must remain true to our self.

Wrote a very interesting email to my siblings this evening and even though I called and discussed it first with my one sibling, I knew my words were true and no matter what feedback I received, I was comfortable in sending it out – which I did. 

We are all on a journey of self-discovery.  We may not ever truly know how we made out till we’re done (assuming there is a summary or review with one’s higher power – or we come back again with a different set of lessons to learn assuming reincarnation – or…well, you get the idea).   BUT at the end of the day THIS is our journey and we need to remain true to our self.

I realize these challenges are merely speed bumps and since I’m on the right road, I just need to keep on keeping on and I’ll be just peachy fine. 

I stayed true today. 

How did you make out?

1s and 8s

Favourite Question From Your Kid? – DoWoo #108/365    

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Patience Grasshopper Patience is still in effect

Greg woke up early this morning.  Since I had not walked Mya yet I asked him whether he wanted to join me – he did! Just as we were heading out the door he asked “Mommy…Why do we live?”

It was 6:50 am!!! What is he thinking?!

I asked him what context was he asking it about?  Was it “Why do we exist?”

After we confirmed he and I had the same idea of what ‘exist’ meant he answered “Yes”.  OK – I think I’ve got a way to respond to THAT one.  I explained that he had just asked a question people have been pondering for years (paused to allow for an explanation of pondering) and that truly I did not know the answer. “Really?” he said with disbelief. 

I touched on our purpose, our uniqueness – our dharma – and how humans are differentiated by the ability to reason and choose. We ended up going off on a few other tangents and then Gregory said “Wow! That was a ½ hour!”  It wasn’t – we’d only gone 15 minutes in a 20 minute walk.  “Really?”

He eventually figured out where he had got this question – and said there was an answer – but that he could not remember the answer only that it was from a Pokemon movie.  I reminded him that while much of what is on video and movies can be based upon some form of the real world – much of it may also be someone’s imagination and he should keep this in mind. 

My face is on perma-smile as I type this DoWoo.  My little man is a real conversationalist!  He is also a treasure I have been blessed to guide (if that is an opinion, I’ll accept it, say thank you and move on).  I truly look forward to his next big question. 

What was your favourite question from your kid??

Please share yours, then pass this request along!

When we hit 108,000 we’ll publish with everyone who includes their name getting credit! 

Patience Grasshopper Patience! – DoWoo #107/365

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(no internet so no pics and formatting today – see below for a complete understanding :o)

This afternoon my office was Starbucks!  Woo Hoo!  Thank goodness for the invention of “internet cafes”.  Turns out our internet provider misunderstood their internal order/directions and cancelled both the internet we did request be cancelled and the active internet we were assured would not be affected during this process. Walter and I spent the better part of this morning chatting with technical support and customer service. What I found most interesting is the first person – who confirmed we indeed had no active internet (LOL) and opened a ticket with their “provisioning department” – did not give us the full information.  It took a newby service technician, who admitted to still learning the ropes, to get the detail and provide us with the clear picture of what was going on.

While observing how each of the technicians dealt with the situation I noticed some interesting things. Firstly – after introducing themselves (good) they both asked how they could be of service to us today (very good).

After we explained our situation and the challenge we were having, both of their first response was “I apologize for _   (fill in the blank)____”.  I’ve noticed this with a number of customer service teams lately.  Why do customer service personnel apologize for something they did not do?  It makes as much sense to me as my mechanic saying “I apologize for your car breaking down.” Is the mechanic at fault? 

When I used to train customer service staff I suggested they only apologize if they did something. Apologizing in any other situation has you personally taking responsibility for something you did not do AND now allows the person at the other end to (consciously or subconsciously) perceive you as being at fault – even if they know you did not do it.  Definitely NOT a win / win for anyone on the call. 

Alternately: Recognize the person’s situation; Repeat it back to them in your own words so they know you understood; Then verbally empathize – in whatever way is appropriate – that you will do your best to work with the customer until resolution.

Another aspect I observed was the first technician did not share the straight details – even when asked specific questions – they avoided and gave responses which did not give any definite answer or resolution but opened the door for further concern.  Hence why we called a second time. 

The second technician had less knowledge and less experience (and admitted it) but was honest and sincere in his verbiage.  He assured us he would do his best even though he did not know the answer. When we acknowledged he was doing his best and we also totally understood he may not have the ability or the authority to ascertain the answers we were looking for – suggesting he reach out to his supervisor – he took the suggestion and ensured this was brought to his supervisor’s attention.  This technique can be found in “Winning Without Intimidation” – Bob Burg.

Personally I always prefer to have someone admit they don’t know and then find out – then to have someone dance around the issue and not give any answer at all. 

Our second technician did a great job and even called us (as he promised) before the end of his work day, to update us on the status of our situation.  Now this is GREAT customer service. We still don’t have internet but I have had the opportunity to witness what works and what does not.  I will embrace patience and look forward to resolution!   

Who Are You Being With Your Words – DoWoo #106/365

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To be or not to be...is that the question?? I know I’ve used this sentence before but today it is a question inline with how I am feeling.  What AM I “being” today?

I am reminded of the 3 questions Deepak Chopra suggests you ask yourself each day, then sit for (at minimum) 5 minutes with these questions fresh in your mind, then immediately upon completion of your sit write down whatever came to mind. These 3 questions are:

443017297_640Who am I?

What do I want for my life?

What do I want from my life today?

In the Master Key Experience we are encouraged to stay away from the word “want” as it just encourages your mind to create more want.  I pondered this for some time and realized the word “want” could be considered reasonable within the context of these questions.  It is when you are answering these questions where you should avoid its use. 

As an example – let’s work with the 2nd question “What do I want for my life?” The answer for me would be: “I want to live in Costa Rica with my family. I want each day to be filled with love and laughter. I want to live a simplistic life where what matters is how we are able to serve others.” If i were to repeat the above answer with the word “want” included – I would in essence be telling my subconscious mind to concentrate on wanting these things – hence creating more want in my life.

gothsensTHIS is where we must remove the action of “want” from our answer and be conscious of the the words we have used to create the vision.  As Haanel tells us words are the “highest form of architecture in civilization“.  So…we remove ‘want’ (or desire, aspire, wish, crave – all the words which are pre-action to the results we aim to obtain) and rearrange the words to paint my vision as it truly exists now.  This way when I repeat my answer I live it now AND my subconscious can get to work on creating my future reality as it already exists in my words.  My answer could now read:

“I live in Costa Rica with my family, thoroughly enjoying days filled with love and laughter, living simply knowing I serve others daily.“

It still needs work.  My vision needs to be SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed – including feelings which get you pumped!

“On or before January 1st, 2016 I live in Costa Rica with Walter, Gregory and Serafina, ecstatically embracing and thoroughly enjoying each day filled with an abundance of love and laughter. Through our multiple streams of income, amounting to $10,000 per month on or before June 25, 2015, I live comfortably and simply while enthusiastically providing service to others within my community and around the globe.”

arenal-costa-rica-volcano-lake

I am blessed to have my vision within me. I am blessed to be able to express my vision. I am blessed knowing vision is reality.  I am being who I am meant to be!  Thank you for allowing me to share. 

the master key experience

If you change how you look at things – the things you look at change!

To be first on the list for the next class, please register now.

The choice is TOTALLY up to you!

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Is Choice My Truth? – DoWoo #105/365

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6bullying476x290Am struggling today. Not sure whether that is an observation or an opinion. Either way it is not a nice space.  While I continue to consider all the various aspects to assist how to proceed, I will share a bit of my struggle and then tomorrow…I may see a different perspective.

Every evening I sit at my computer reviewing my day – pondering whether I made a difference in someone’s life or someone else made a difference in mine. I do my best to observe the miracles of the day – the nuances which make today a unique experience – and release the need for opinions to impact how I view the day. I share my journey through this realignment – hoping that by doing so I may also inspire others in their thinking. 

growthUp till now this has been mostly a journey of growth towards who I envision myself to be … who I am at my best.  Today…not so much!  When the image of mortality is  standing in the doorway, leaning on the door jam and occasionally ringing the bell to get my attention, I find myself faltering in my progression.

controlI recognize myself as someone who likes to have a semblance of control in any given situation.  I need not always be the lead but at minimum I prefer to know I have the ability to choose how I interact or contribute.  A situation arose today where I have been asked to do something – not providing this action as a choice. Therefore it appears more like a duty or a requirement.  

There is no right or wrong in this situation – as that would indeed be an opinion.  There is only truth. I choose to allow my heart to ponder this overnight and will embrace my truth – whatever that may be – tomorrow. 

Going With The Flow – DoWoo#104/365

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downloadI’ve been waiting for this day for some time now – earlier this year when I figured it out – and then a few days ago when I mentioned to Walter it was on its way.  Today is December 13, 2014 – or 12.13.14. 

In keeping with its speciality – I started and ended today day with my son – thoroughly enjoying his exuberance and enthusiasm for life.  It was a day filled with kindness and wonderful people.  AND I was able to use 3 of my “happy” stickers. 

20141213_101001This morning Gregory was out playing with the dog in the yard. He came to the back door to ask me if I had any snow pants. I got my (newly purchased – specifically for this purpose) snow pants on and went outside. He had built a snow man for which I took a picture to remember the moment by, participated in a snow ball fight, rolled in the snow enjoying the crispness without bitter cold and spent time swinging on the lounge swing – all while Christmas carols played through the window from the office speakers. It was glorious. 

416nhr-S6pL._SX300_This evening Gregory explained something from his perspective. Earlier this week we came across a light we had used in his room a few years back.  It has a bundle of fiber optic straws which fan out in to a mushroom shaped and while on turns a number of different colours – fading in and out between each. We were sitting in his chair for our evening cuddle and he turned to me to explain about the light. He stated thelight is brighter when the rotation is turned off.  “It’s like a current” he said.  “There are 2 doors and when 1 door is open all the power from the batteries go to the light but then when you open the other door, both doors are now open, and the power has to go to 2 separate spots – so less gets to the light part.”   Interesting how he took an explanation of how a light switch turns on and off across a room from the light – and deduced the rest.

It’s like our ability to manifest what we think about.  If we only open 1 door (let’s say the positive side) then all our energy flow will go towards that aspect of what light we wish to shine (I’m having fun with the analogy here).  So our positive side will shine brightly! 

However, if we open both doors (positive and negative) then our energy flow towards both – giving power to the negative and diming the positive light.

Fork in the river

The power of electricity and the power of our mind are both referenced within Haanel’s Master Key.  Both are immutable and neither are truly understood as to where they come from. However, when attached to a mechanism they do amazing things.  Now that we know it is just a matter of 2 doors…and it’s totally our choice to open one (either) or both…which way will your day flow?  

I certainly enjoyed the positive current today.  It was pure utter joy! 

A Conversation With Myself – DoWoo #103/365

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The day did not progress quite the way I anticipated.  However, the challenges faced were met with a positive “just get it done“, “keep moving forward” attitude.  While nothing represented a significant spike towards our future reality, it was also a day where…what could have been considered drawbacks…were just speed bumps.

detourI slowed down.

                     Maneuvered over them.

                                         And KEPT driving!

                                                                       It felt really good! 

I was reading another Master Key members blog this evening and ended up having a whole conversation with myself – possibly it was between my old subby and my new – but it was all me, myself and…(not Irene = LOL).   Reactions were observed:

  • I immediately thought…what could I say which would help him to reach clarity – that he is going through exactly what he is meant to go through – in order to come out the other side?
  • Then I reminded myself the best influence is no influence.
  • But I like to help people – this is one of my personal pivotal needs.  What can I do or say? 
  • No, this is his journey and he needs to dig deep and find the answers himself

I am reminded of the story of the boy and the butterfly.  The boy, upon seeing the struggles of the butterfly to emerge from his cocoon, decided to help the butterfly and cut an exit to ease its struggle.  However, in attempting to help the boy actually did the butterfly a huge disservice – its struggle was part of the process to allow the butterfly to emerge in all its brilliance and beauty. Without the struggle the butterfly never flew. 

What would you do? 

There are going to be speed bumps, detours, slick driving conditions when wet, radar traps, winding, steep and occasionally some clear open road.  Either way, the path we are on looks like no one elses path.  The body we drive is like no one else.  We are meant to find our purpose – our dharma – and sometimes it is nowhere near where we thought we were originally heading. All we need to do is keep our eye on the road, make each day count, and allow lifes little nudges (road obstacles) to alter our path and point us in the direction we need to go.

I send this man an abundance of positive well wishes. I bless his life and his dream. I allow myself to embrace having a conversation by myself with myself – because in the end I was able to recognize that this is HIS journey – and for his emergence, he must travel his path of speed bumps.  And THIS…this whole blog – well it’s part of mine.    I am grateful to be here. 

Long or Short – DoWoo #102/365

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yard

Our Yard @ 9:20 pm 12.11.14

While getting ready for bed this evening Greg called out to say the sky looked yellow and it was like daylight outside with the snow on the ground. About a 1/2 hour later he came into the office and suggested I “DoWoo” about the sky and the snow.  I explained that while those things were certainly “observations” how were they “without opinion“?  He asked me to explain what an opinion was again.  

johnny_depp_long_hair_black_su

Observation versus Opinion – Using Johnny Depp’s brown hair as an example

If I were to say “Your hair is brown” that is an observation. However, if I say “Your hair is too long.” this would be an opinion because it is from my perspective.  Now, if Kye’s mom were to look at your hair she may say “Your hair is too short.” this would be an opinion as well as it is from her perspective. Kye is the neighbour’s son who is a few year older than Greg and his hair is down to his waist.  His mom, the father and all 3 kids have long hair well past their shoulders. So hair being brown is a known aspect we would all agree on – so can be considered an observation; but hair being long or short is based upon the individual’s perspective and therefore it is an opinion. 

I offered to give him another example but he declined saying he understood. I asked him to give me an example in his words.  It took him a few minutes but eventually he came up with the following. 

c82635ddf8424cbf7759eba607db7adcAt school they are reviewing how certain items can be recycled into other things and then re-used. Greg said that Guinevere in his class may think using recycled Coca-Cola cans as a women’s purse may be “gross” but he thinks it is “cool“.  These would be opinions.  So we then discussed that a possible ‘observation’ of this would be that “items we use daily can be recycled and therefore reused“.   

I turned to him and said I now know what I can DoWoo about today. What? he said.  This conversation – on how to explain the difference between an opinion and an observation. He then told me that I still needed to start with the snow and the sky. 

Thank you for allowing me to share! 

Leave the HOW to the END – DoWoo #101/365

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foot downI put my foot down…AND I have to admit…it feels bloody fantastic!

beach-house-1152x864Shortly after meeting each other Walter asked me “Can you picture yourself living on a beach…in a hut?” It was an emphatic answer YES!!!!

So…fast forward to present day (12 years later) and I ask myself ‘What HAVE we done (besides get married and grow a child)?  We have this ultimate vision in our minds of a little piano bar – called Loud Smiles (of course). The ‘where’ took a few years to fine tune – Costa Rica. And similar to our good friends who live in Kauai now (rather than brrr Boston, MA where they hailed from) once we landed in this fantastic country we chose – it felt like home.  That was 8 years ago.

What has irked me since then is that our ‘when’ keeps moving farther and farther away.

WHY?

I also admit our ‘plan on ‘how’ to get to Costa Rica has had numerous twists and turns. Challenges which have encouraged me to wallow in strife, frustration and yes, even tears.

WHY?

don't need stuffWhile I admit I like ‘stuff’ I don’t NEED ‘stuff’. A simplistic life is all I desire. My only requirements: Walter, Gregory, the dog (of course) and it needs to be in a warmer climate with a laid back ‘island time’ feel. I envision this as a place and space where I can reconnect back to what is important – my family and my artistic side, spending hours creating – a place where people are not concerned with what you drive and how big a home you have – being who I was meant to be – to myself and my family.

WHAT have I done instead?  My time has been spent working in a hectic corporate environment, then it has been spent creating alternate businesses to allow me to work from home, all the while remaining trapped with financial responsibilities and surrounded by the possessions of our material world.

WHY?

I don’t honestly know.

Upon reflection it appears I was doing what I thought one needed to do to get where we wanted to go.  We work hard. We save. We work some more. We hopefully save some more. And EVENTUALLY we get to go there. The same way most people go to school to get a degree to work for someone else to eventually work their way up the ladder, to retire so they can hopefully do the things they always wanted to do.

I was concentrating on the HOW.

WHY?

While having a healthy nest egg in the bank before we leave for Costa Rica may be ‘optimum’… I’m now realizing – truly recognizing – what I’ve been doing to myself in order to get there.   THIS is where my foot came down.  I am a talented, smart, creative, personable person (hey, that felt GOOD!). I can do just about anything business wise and if there is something new I need to know in order to earn a living – I’m also a very quick learner.

The decision has been made. We are all in agreement. We have the where. We now have the when.  It’s the HOW which is not known but also no longer a concern.

There are the 6 questions we are to ask ourselves: WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? WHY? and HOW? How has always been part of this group but was – like the song on Sesame Street “one of those things which is not like the other”: It did not start with a W.

epiphanyWe are to concentrate only on the Ws.  It’s not our place to figure out the HOW.  That one is spelt differently for a reason – with the W at the end rather than the beginning. So that’s where we will leave HOW – at the end – allowing it to take care of itself – to unfold AFTER everything else has been taken care of.

So – it seems similar to the BE DO HAVE.  You must first BE.  Then you DO. THEN and only THEN will you HAVE what you envisioned.

YEAH!    Watch this space!

Clarity Slow Down – DoWoo #100/365

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100YEAH! Triple Digits!

I want to thank each of you…yes YOU…for reading, commenting, sharing, supporting, encouraging and being there for me throughout this journey. Who would have thunk 100 blogs in a 100 days?

And on this momentous day I reflect having experienced a very “interesting” day. A day of observing my reactions to what was going on around me – but in a totally different light!

You know how people talk about having an out of body experience…well, it was not like that! It was more like tiny moments of clarity where whatever was going on slowed down. I had time to recognize my thoughts and review my possible reactions and then slowed it down even further to ask myself how I would like to actually respond…and then I made a choice – doing so with a clearer understanding of how my response may affect the moment I was in. 

While nothing was earth shattering…the slower time frame allowed me to recognize that it IS POSSIBLE to choose.  We’ve spoken about being given the option as human beings to choose. However, many of us – and I raise my hand here – may find themselves just reacting….AND not always in the best way or with the best results. 

It goes back to our teaching within the Master Key. Most of us go from stimulus to reaction. We learn that we can train ourselves to go from stimulus to choice to response.  That additional step of recognizing and choosing results in the bigger difference of a response rather than a reaction.

This is what happened to me today! 

AND I am truly ECSTATIC!  

Thank-YouI implore you to stick with me through the next 265 days.  There are thoughts stirring, plans formulating and choices being made which are going to shift not only how I observe but how my entire life is to be lived.  Wanna share the ride?

Again, thank you for being here with me!  A blessing of abundance to you all! 

 

Deductive Reasoning – DoWoo #99/365

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inductive-vs-deductive-reasoningqw.gifHad a number of interesting observations over the the last few days which involved our son Greg.  Now for those of you who have followed this journey there have been a number of my observations writings not being directly my own but observed and appreciated through our 9 year old’s perspective on life. Please allow me to share. 

We were out on Saturday picking up our Christmas tree when Greg pipes up and says out of the blue “When we move to Costa Rica, will we be taking our cars with us?”  No, we would not be. “Can we give one to Anil’s mom?”  Anil is Greg’s best friend for almost a full year now. Mostly inseparable in school and yet still requiring as much bonding time on the weekends as the parents can handle. His mom does not have a vehicle so anything they do must be walking. We called her about the weekend and took time to explain that when she gets her license Greg wants to give her our vehicle when we leave for Costa Rica.  How generous is that?!! 

broThen the very next day, after he and Anil had spent an entire afternoon playing on their electronic games, we were in the car after I had picked him up when he said “Anil and I are going to be brothers-in-law.” Oh? How is that? “When we grow up, Anil will have a girl or boy and then I will grown up and have the other and then they can get married and we will be brother-in-laws.”  How inventive is that?! 

Five-Guys-logoWe stopped to get fries from “5 Guys Burgers” to go with our homemade burger (LOL!). While we are waiting at the counter, Greg looks up from his peanut eating and says “I think there are at least 2 men in the back.” The back? Did you see someone go back there? “No. There are 3 men working out here so there must be 2 in the back.”  I complimented him on his deductive reasoning.   I chuckled for hours over that one! 

5xThis evening Walter and Greg were in the family room: Greg reading. Walter had asked him to go upstairs to get ready for bed. After a number of stall tactics, Walter asked him “Why do I have to tell you things 5 times before you do it?”  

Does that bring back memories of when you were a kid?
I can actually hear my father saying this to me!! 

Greg turned to his father and said, “I know a way you don’t have to tell me 5 times.”  To which Walter waved him upwards asking him to go get ready and then he could come back down. Upon Greg’s return Walter encouraged him to share his idea on what we were to do so we did not have to tell him 5 times to do something. Greg promptly answered “Have patience.” He stood there with a look of “duh” because it just made so much sense to him.    

Walter then said “That’s great but I also know another way that you can keep me from having to tell you 5 times.” to which Greg ask “How’s that?” “Do it after I tell you the first time.” “Oh” he says and then adds “Patience is still good.”

99I dedicate this blog to my son and my father.  The son who turned 9 this past summer and my father who would have been 99 if he were still with us.  One of the things I shared with my father – his teaching and me adopting and now me teaching and Greg adopting – was the power of deductive reasoning. Something we encourage at all times. Even when it results in the reflective mirror being held up in front of us.

I am most grateful.

Decorative Observation – Dowoo #98/365

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2014-12-07 14.44.51Yesterday we went out and purchased a real tree as we do each year for Christmas.  Today we put on Christmas carols, dug out the ornaments, lights and sparkly decorations and trimmed the tree together. It was the first year I did not try to oversee the “correct’ placement of every ornament. OK – I’ll admit. I’m a bit particular when it comes to designing or decorating and things need to be “just so”.  This time I actually encouraged Walter and Greg, to put the decorations on the tree without my feedback.   And when we were done, I did not go back in and rearrange anything. I stood back and appreciated the tree for exactly as it had been trimmed.  We did a great job together! 

DoWoo! I observed and did not have an opinion about the ornament placement.  It was rewarding to recognize the shift within. AND it transpired unconsciously – recognized only upon reflection of the experience.  I am blessed.  The shift is afoot….I just needed a tree trimming exercise to recognize it.  

Consider this holiday time, especially when you are spending time with your loved ones, is your opportunity to grow your character within.  Is whatever is going on of any long term concern or can you just allow it to be as it is?  The holidays are a HUGE opportunity to observe without opinion.  This is our time to shine.  Use the tools we have been given and make this THE best year ever! Both for you and those around you. 

May you all be blessed with an abundance of patience and timely reflection. 

Happy 99th! – DoWoo #97/365

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99aHave been thinking quite a bit lately about my dad. Today would have been his 99th birthday. The earliest (fond) memory is of my dad waking me up at the cottage late one night, lifting me up onto the picnic table so I could be at his same height and looking up at all the stars.  I was so young I was usually in bed before it got completely dark outside.  What I saw was beyond amazing – to this day I’ve never seen a sky so full of stars as it was that night.   The cottage was far away from any man-made light and it would have been August…possibly without the moon to dim the beauty of the stars.  I recall him taking time to point out the constellations we could see. It was magical. 

10783

Another was when I was 10 and he was 60. He turned to me and said that I should get to know him because he would be dead soon. Whoa! Can you imagine? It was pretty traumatic at the time as I did not understand the context. He was the older of 3 boys, and both his younger brothers had already passed and he had reached the age his father had died at. We had 14 more years.

gatesI recall dating a fellow who claimed to be agnostic, which to my devote Roman Catholic father was beyond acceptable and not what he envisioned for his baby daughter. I was 18 and he 68.  I sat him down and asked him a question about Peter at the Pearly Gates.  I explained I was interested in his thoughts on what Peter would do if he had 2 men in front of him and he could only allow 1 man in. Not that that would happen but if….So, the one man was a devote Catholic, faithfully going to church each Sunday, said grace before meals, read the rosary every day..,but on a day to day basis was not the kindest or compassionate of men. The other man did not go to church, he did not say the rosary or prayers or grace…but on a day to day basis was kind to each person he met, was compassionate and helpful to everyone in his life. Who would Peter choose to enter? My dad asked me if I spoke of anyone in particular to which I answered (tongue in cheek of course) it was purely hypothetical.  He paused and then answered that he felt Peter would choose the second man who did not go to church but treated everyone with compassion. I raised an eyebrow at him but said nothing further. As you can imagine, my relationship with my father that day changed.

tumblr_lrabbbnysy1r02cc0o1_500Now my dad was not a saint, nor did we always see eye to eye. But he was a man who did what he was capable of doing based upon his knowledge and his belief system.   I am blessed to have known small pieces of a man who had much to offer but may not have known how to show it. 

I thank you for allowing me to share a few memories on this special day.  I dedicate this post to my dad and every other dad out there. Embrace your children. May I suggest you show them you are human and that you make mistakes. Show them love and compassion and understanding.  They are your legacy but your life with them is part of their foundation which travels with them throughout their journey. Make it a good one.  

I’m on the Upswing Now! – DoWoo #96/365

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Watched an interesting movie this evening – The Giver.  In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences or choice, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the “real” world.

There were a number of interesting lines with one really jumping out at us. “Feelings are just fleeting..on the surface. Emotions..they’re very deep…primal..they linger.”  

A portion of the premise for this new-age community included the removal of each person’s ability to feel emotions and to choose anything. At 18 years of age they are told what their purpose in life was to be.

In the Master Key class we are asked to write down our purpose in life – our Definite Major Purpose. We are then asked to inject it with emotion. To dream. Use our imagination. Believe anything can be created. 

Journey-Pattern5-e1349748697252So…We just watched a movie which is about what would happen if everything we are being taught within the Master Key did not exist. The good news is the movie included a hero who recognizes his worlds plight and steps up to alter their trajectory – all in keeping with Joseph Campbell’s overview. 

Why had I not ever noticed this within movies before? Now, it’s all I look for. Mark refers to our “vision” board as a “movie” board.  We are supposed to be the hero in OUR movie – OUR LIFE.  We’ve taken the call to action by being in the class, we’ve been given mentors and helper to ease our  transition. We are all on our road of trials with some of us nearing the Abyss (certainly thought I reached it yesterday).  We now need to embrace in revelation,allowing the transformation to take hold…the balance will follow. 

Last night, after my “red button” day, I realized the only thing truly holding me back from reaching my dream – my dharma – is me.  I am allowing the trappings of our society to determine what I am meant to do and be.   I recognize the reward is equal to the level of risk. Therefore since the reward I envision is pretty out there…then my level of risk must be of equal strength in order to attain the reality of my vision. 

Look out Journey, I’m on the upswing now! 

HUGE Red Button – DoWoo #95/365

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I’ve decided there is no such thing as 1 step forward and 2 steps back. As per my previous blog about climbing the stairs – I am always moving towards my target – just not always as fast as I wish to. And sometimes we may find ourselves pausing a little too long on a particular stair. Today was certainly one of those days.

My mother-in-law is not doing well. We buried Bruce this morning.  My aunt decided to call today and managed to push a whole bunch of buttons resulting with me in tears by the end of the conversation.   Reminds me of the phrase about families and buttons…you know the one. And when I was looking it up to confirm the correct verbiage I found this video clip.

So appropriate for the holidays and all that we are learning within the Master Key. While I did not succeed (today) to fully recognize and embrace the lesson I was to learn during the conversation with my aunt – as the lesson was unfolding for me – I did manage to restrain myself from hanging up the phone without signing off properly (the buttons being pushed were pretty big ones!) AND I did recognize that this is not who I am…who I am meant to be.  

In the words of Walter and Gregory: Today ends at midnight! & Tomorrow is the best day ever!! Onward and upwards! Love and blessings to you all during this holiday season.  What a great time to reflect and readjust.  

Inter-Connectivity – DoWoo #94/365

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one of a kindYesterday I wrote about Synchronicity; about finding out we are so much more inter-connected than we may have realized.  Today we experienced an exceedingly far reaching example of this.  I went to the One of a Kind Show in Toronto for my 26th year in a row.  The show hosts more than 800 artisans from all across Canada.  This year I invited Walter.   Now…I’m going to admit that while I usually hang with a girlfriend for the day, Walter is actually a stand up guy to go shopping with! I am blessed.  And THAT my followers, is an observation! 

slapSo…every year I go to this massive shopping experience with an objective to purchase at least one thing which really slaps me. Being “slapped” is what Walter and I agreed to term the experience of having something yell “buy me!” However, for the last 15 years I’ve also purchased something from this one artisan – Jamie.

I was introduced to Jamie by his friends from Ottawa who were friends with the guy I dated over 13 years ago.   So – stay with me here.  ME … Old Boy Friend … Ottawa Couple … Jamie. 

Today I introduced Walter to Jamie.   While Jamie and I are chatting briefly, Walter is looking at his flyer and notices his last name.  Walter turns to Jamie and asks if he is any relation to _____? 

So here comes the freaky part…. 

the marquisWalter played in a band in the 70s – The Marquis. They played all over Ontario and toured the US Eastern States for 7 years. There were 4 guys including Walter, with the lead singer being the one and only girl – Lynda . Lynda just happens to be Jamie’s sister.  

article-0-0F101FC000000578-674_468x286There are so many ways we may be intertwined. We just need to find the right string to pull to unravel the connection.  

It could also be likened to the philosophy of “6 Degrees of Separation“:  Six degrees of separation is the theory that everyone and everything is six or fewer steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person in the world, so that a chain of “a friend of a friend” statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps.

Six_degrees_of_separationBy reading this blog – you now know me.  And therefore you are now 6 degrees away from the Queen of England!

Wait for it!  

Me … My Ex Husband … His Mother (who was a physiotherapist) … Dr. Bett (who trained my mother-in-law to be a physiotherapists and was the physiotherapist to) … King George … Queen Elizabeth.   

WooHoo!  So…who do I now know because of you!