Failure is part of the process of becoming successful, continued...

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I’m someone who feels passionate about everything I focus on. I believe I can be successful at anything when I truly put my heart and soul into it. But, I have failed many times in the past (a divorce comes to mind among many other things). I’ve been humbled time and time again! Today, I feel very vulnerable to economic factors, to the public in regards to their opinion of my art and writings and to the transition of my career. I’m living on the edge and working to make ends meet which seem to get farther and farther apart. At times, after almost 2 years, I feel like my many failed attempts marketing my work validates my dream is just a vision in my head without merit.

But then I hear from someone who shared kind words about something I wrote or created; it touched them and helped sooth their pain in their time of need. This little pick me up is enough to fuel my passion and enable me to keep chugging along! I wish I could look into a crystal ball to see if my art venture turns into a successful career but without all of my hard work, these years at the grindstone, I’m not sure I would truly appreciate it when I finally get there. My dream is to become an established author and artist (while I'm alive, not in the aftermath of my death).

Just 2 years ago my dream was to become an author and artist and today I can say I’ve reached this goal. Although, I continue to reach higher.

What are your dreams? Has failure kept you from moving forward? Share with me!

A spiritual theorist, continued...

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It takes a special person to come to the side of a stranger who is transitioning from their physical being. Janice Ervin is a strong and compassionate angel here on earth! Because her message is so powerful, I will be spending the next few Sundays sharing her words with my readers. Unfortunately, my column is limited to only 400 words and this is far too small for all of the critical information Janice made available. Janice offered the following list about grief.
In her words,
1. “Grief is the normal process of reacting to a loss, on all levels of physical being. Bereavement is the period after a loss during which grief is experienced.
2. The emotions of grief ebb and flow. BE as you are. Allow yourself to experience the emotions of the moment – move with the ups and downs. Be angry or sad. Yell, pound a pillow, and cry when you feel the need – toxins are released through tears. And when the spirit moves you, don’t regret the healing joy found in laughter. Your loved one would wish no less for you.
3. Allow that grief is a sacred experience that doesn’t have an actual end time. It is organic to each individual, and a journey. It is not easily cured with medicine.
4. Grief evolves through the years – it is a process which unfolds the current loss into the future life.
5. Support plays an important role during the bereavement process, so share your process with others in a safe environment. Areas through which support can be found include family members, close friends and bereavement support groups.
6. In this fast paced world, the effects of grief on the physical body are often unrealized, overlooked and misunderstood.
a. Chemical changes taking place within the body affect levels of dehydration. Water makes up 83% of the blood and acts as a transport system delivering nutrients to the brain and eliminating toxins. During grief, chemical changes taking place within the body affect the levels of dehydration. It is therefore critically important to drink water, to replenish fluids and release toxins.
b. Replenish Magnesium and Calcium, as these levels are rapidly depleted during the grief process.
c. Eat a potato with its skin to increase your serotonin level. Omega 3 fatty acids in fish also raise serotonin.
d. Focus when possible on taking long slow breaths. To assist with this process, purchase a bottle of bubbles. Breath work forces the brain to cease it’s natural stress/alarm process, and translates as a chemical reaction that sends relaxation hormones through the body.
e. Progressive muscle relaxation forces the body to relax and increases blood flow.
f. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to assist the adrenal function and because the stomach tends to be sensitive during grief
g. Assist the thyroid by insuring adequate intake of iodine.
h. Gentle exercise provides obvious benefits.”
If you follow my column and blog you know I suffered the loss of my Father through hospice. It was a trying process that really took a toll on me, both physically and mentally. Regardless if your loss was through hospice or not, the above list is essential to your wellbeing. Can you add anything? Drop a comment if this post resonated with you!

Yoga, use of balance, continued...

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I finally put in a Yoga DVD I received as a gift for Christmas this past year.

I'm sitting here typing this blog post with very sore muscles everywhere. The most prominent areas, my shoulders, arms, neck and even my jaw. I feel like I have whip-lash. I must have an extremely heavy head and I think I was clinching my teeth together while trying to attempt the poses:( During the session the instructor kept saying to smile. I wasn't to receptive to this but perhaps my jaw wouldn't be so sore had I given the smile bit a shot!

My doctor recommended I try it to correct my posture and to cure the hump I'm starting to develop at the top of my spine. I know it is good for me and I'll continue to attempt it. I'm sure with time I'll get better! Who would have thought yoga was so hard?

What are you doing to keep yourself in shape? Let me know.

Your soul sensory, continued...

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It took me hours to find the words "soul sensory" to describe the tool that has and continues to enable the spiritual awakening that I feel is taking place in the transition of my life today. So far, it has been a 2 year process and every day when I open my eyes, I feel a bit closer to all of the pieces coming together and falling into place. I'm on a path that I could have never imagined, it is beyond any of my dreams.

I used to put in long days in the business world without much satisfaction. But today, I can work for hours to put words to my thoughts like, soul sensory, and I'm so fulfilled with the outcome. It empowers me and ignites my spirit. I hopeful my words are not from out in left field and you're able to relate to my thoughts.

Provide some feedback, good or bad, I'm grateful for the comments!

Hurricane Katrina gave me some valuable perspective, continued...

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I am so amazed when someone changes their life dramatically by following their gut instinct, like Jenny Pavlovic did. I love it when the loop is closed and the person is gifted with true fulfillment by doing so! Jenny persevered through her fears, anxieties any of us would have had. A women traveling by herself to an area that is suffering tremendously after a natural disaster; Hurricane Katrina. Jenny found her way and found a beautiful dog, Kate, in the process. She has cared for and loved Kate back to health. Pretty amazing story!

Jenny is still trying to find Kate's owners. Please take a look at the book cover, read the article linked & watch the video to see if you recognize the dog. I've got my fingers crossed she'll find them!

Do you know anyone who has transitioned their life into a more fulfilling career? If so, please connect them with me if they are willing to share. I really love these stories!

Why the rush, continued...

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I am someone who is pretty comfortable behind the wheel. I can get around in heavy Michigan traffic. Realizing this, I try my best to focus on the ever changing variables around me during my outings. I'm also proud to say I have signed Oprah's No phone zone contract. I do use my phone but I'm hands free now. I'm working to eliminate it all together. It is a distracting danger.

It is easy to show the impact of careless and rushed driving because safety is important to all of us and traffic statistics are black and white. But, take this concept and apply it to anything. You are not super-human. Anything you rush through, will be impacted by careless mistakes. Is it really worth the rush?

Balance the mayhem, continued...

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I often write about overcoming hardship and balancing your life because problems frequent us so often. I find it nice to offer a positive reminder to help myself and others to navigate through such hard times.

It seems I'm preaching the same message; don't avoid, accept change by feeling and releasing the moments (staying present), lean on your support circle for help, stay healthy, keep the faith and find your gratitude, look for silver linings and learn the lesson so you're sure you don't have to repeat the experience again.

What can you offer to this very important list? Help me to build a tool box we can all dig through and utilize during times of distress!