Amnesia

I am reading a book whose character has amnesia. In trying to discover who she is she asks her dad about what kind of person she is... giving or selfish or ? Her father tells her she'll have to find out for herself.

Think about it. If you had amnesia and didn't know who you were..... you could create the you you always wanted to be. You would have a clean canvas and be free of any beliefs that would limit that creation.

It's an interesting thought. I think for me, I'd create a Lori who has mastered one of the Four Agreements.. don't take things personally. What would a more magnificent you look like?

Pic.. something to think about.

Why Do Some People Like to Be Scared?

Last night I "took one for the team". That means that while Bob hosted a Super Bowl party I went to the movies with a friend. I agreed to see one she really wanted to see and other friends wouldn't. We saw The Woman in Black. I had decided I would try not to hide in the hood of my coat at the scary parts and I did pretty good.

There were a few times I blocked my own view with my hand but for the most part I watched. There were a lot of sudden shocking moments that caused me to jump.  It had an interesting and unexpected ending that we think we figured out.

Why do some people want to be scared whether its in a movie theatre or amusement park? Are they looking for a more intense experience of life? Is there something inside of them they are trying to wake up? Are they trying to access their adrenalin? Whatever it is, I know I left the theatre feeling exhausted. My body had tensed up many times as I'd ridden the emotional roller coaster.

What about you? Do you intentionally look to be scared or is day to day life scary enough?

Pic.. Finding this little mouse in my home is about as scary as I want it to get!

Zoo Fun

Yesterday Jenn and I travelled to Mississauga to David's Bridal for her dress alterations AND to choose bridesmaids dresses. The store was packed from the moment we arrived... 10:30am until we left...3pm. Yes folks we were there for 4 1/2 hours!

The alterations took longer than we thought. Apparently she chose a "complicated" dress and the alteration bill verified that. Her girls were such sports and tried on numerous dresses. In the end the dress they liked the most we couldn't get in on time. We didn't realize we needed at least 12 weeks for delivery. However when we got home we ordered the dresses from the Fort Myers store and were assured delivery late Feb. early March. I'll have to appeal to the goodwill of friends close to there to pick them up for us.

What was neat about the day, among other things, was the excitement in the air at the store. Each bride who decided this was her dress would ring the bell and most people in the store would clap and cheer. So many brides and so many dresses, each looking beautiful.The challenge with so many bridesmaids around was we would see them try on dresses we liked but they didn't look the same on our girls.

Patience was the virtue of the day for everyone. But I stayed in that place of amazement and joy and allowed  myself to get caught up in the fun and excitement despite the moments of having to calm and reassure the girls.

Life really is about attitude. Your attitude will make or break an experience. Don't you agree?

Pic.. of Jenn on the left and one of her bridesmaids, Lindsay.

The Art of Being Quiet

Well it isn't an official art but it feels like careful, detailed work, to not speak.

There are times when I want to say something, direct someone, "help" them, but I'm learning to stay quiet. This isn't easy but it seems essential for the other person's success or failure, both being learning tools. I have many talents, I'm not boosting, we all have. I can do many things well but I have not done as well as I could when it comes to the art of being quiet. And yes people will fail different times and I feel as a leader it is my role to help them be successful.. but staying quiet at the right time is an art.

Another tactic I need to learn better is not to say what is in my mind when it goes to a place of concern. Example that just happened moments ago, maybe you can relate. Jenn comes in wearing a beautiful bracelet, one she's giving to her bridesmaids. We'll be with the girls today picking dresses for them. I say, "Oh you're wearing your bracelet. I didn't wear mine because I didn't think you'd want the girls to see it."

In trying to dissect this I think it's just about not going "there". Not going to a place that plants a negative. I think that explains it. And when that thought comes up maybe saying to myself, yourself.. "cancel". I share such things knowing I am not alone in this and hoping you can learn along with me.

Pic.. This is how I feel every time I master the Art of Being Quiet!

The Measure of a Man or Woman

I was at a clergy meeting and Maureen shared the 10 top things God would say. I will be paraphrasing but the essence of a few of them are below...

It doesn't matter how big your house was but rather how many people you housed that needed help.
It doesn't matter how much money you made but that you used your money for good.

In a physical and material world it is easy to get caught up in the idea that this is all there is, all that matters .. just the day to day stuff. But life and living is so much more. It's about how you bless others each day and how much love you share. And it isn't that you aren't doing these things for yourself as well because every time you smile at someone else.. you are blessed. Every time you go out of your way for someone else... you are blessed. So go forth on this day five of the Season for Non Violence and stay focused on blessing others. Visit Unity of London's Facebook page each day for the day's focus.

Pic.. In Europe we saw this creative parking. Some might say a small car is too small but this owner probably felt blessed he had such a small car.

Appreciation..

Appreciation was the focus for day 3 of the Season for Non-Violence. I found myself walking around appreciating people, the sky, my car, the church.... whatever my eyes saw I felt appreciation for.  I like having a daily focus.

Yesterday I visited at the funeral home to honour a man who obviously touched many many lives and I wondered what I would like my funeral to look like. I liked the simplicity of the casket he was laid in. It was draped with meaningful mementos of his life and wondered what would the mementos of my life be?

So here is what I am thinking they would be, as I see it today anyways. ...

..my Unity sterling silver cross... my first one was gold but I lost it and it was too expensive to replace
..a picture of me and my daughter and one of Bob, Jenn and I together
..a copy of The Four Agreements because I want to remind people not to take things personally..a hard one
..a picture of me and my girlfriends from the PJ Oscar party I held
..a meditating Buddha
..a Hello magazine and a Nora Roberts novel... I enjoy entertainment
..a picture of me with my mom, brother and dad, a picture from my ordination

..around the room I'd like the frames of our family trips that Jenn has put together because I love to travel
and lastly I want Josh Groban singing about being gone but still present.. I'll find out the name of that song and hopefully we won't be needing it for many many years!

What would your mementos be? For today's word focus visit the Unity of London Facebook page.

Smiling Through Whatever

So yesterday I had a mammogram and a filling replaced. While waiting for the mammogram a lady seated across from me looked particularly anxious. I commented on that and she shared she was there for the same procedure I was. I talked to her about lowering the veil of anxiety and breathing to reduce her anxiousness. After my procedure I let her know the technician was gentle and she'd be fine.

The day's focus was on smiling... the focus of day 2 of the Season for Non Violence. It really makes a difference to keep a smile on your face as you move through your day. Even the dentist visit was easier! Interacting with clerks and looking at other drivers with a smile makes the interaction more heart felt. Maybe you tried it too?

Each day I'm posting on the Unity Facebook page that day's focus to help us promote a Season for Non Violence which runs for 64 days from Jan. 30 to April 4th.

Pic.. Jenn and I at a JLC concert...smiling.