Why do we listen to everybody else when we know better? Who is "they" and when did they become so powerful?
I lost my voice. People have all kinds of ideas about what might help. "They" say you should... (insert advice here). I had a moment where I just closed my eyes and went internal. It helps to tune everyone else out. I know what I need to do (and my doctor appointment is coming up).
The idea of peer pressure and following others is all over the place. There are social media "influencers" and everyone wants "followers." We need to listen to ourselves.
It all started with "suppression." I was thinking of how we suppress ourselves.
We do it. Yes we do (arguing with myself). We are all capable of infinite improvement, yet we hang on to our old ideas like our life depends on them. Why don't we just let go?
Leaves fall away and brand new growth emerges. That could be us. We don't need to keep doing things the same old way. We don't need to keep the same habits. We are fully capable of change for the good of our own selves.
"Progress is impossible without change,
and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
- George Bernard Shaw
Uncertainty forces us to either fear, or trust. Let's trust. Let's believe.
Here's wishing you all a safe and healthy holiday season, regardless of how different it is this year.
Um... no. Where exactly is "there" anyway? Are we really ever done growing?
It seems we always want growth for the better... more money, more success, more time, etc. Except - if we keep doing the same things, why would we expect anything to, all of a sudden, change for the better? WE gotta be willing to change.
"Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely."
- Karen Kaiser Clark
We have to be willing to step out of our comfort zone and take some chance, some risk. Decide a direction to try and then go! It doesn't have to be permanent. It doesn't have to define our lives. It just needs to happen. If things don't seem to improve, change again.
I'm pretty sure that one thing we can be certain of is that things are going to change anyway. Why not be a part of it? Why not take decisive action toward it? Why not take that wheel and turn it ourselves? Let's go! Who's with me?
Zachary tried climbing up to the slide this way - it worked out well for him. ;)
Maybe it's not always easy accepting responsibility for the consequences of our actions, and so we coast along, comfortably blaming others or circumstance for our dis-satisfaction instead of changing ourselves. But, did you ever see this affliction in other people? If you can see it in others, then it must exist in yourself (otherwise you wouldn't recognize it). How about that? When we find ourselves criticizing others, or finding solutions to their problems, it's probably time to take a look at ourselves and take our own advice. #imgonnadoit
Once upon a time, a chick singer from Buffalo, NY took a chance and moved to the big city. I remember saying at the time, "this is either the best decision I've ever made, or the stupidest thing I've ever done!" LOL. I'm going to go with "best decision" as I look back on it now. ;)
Got my disco on this weekend :)
Spring cleaning time! Clear out whatever it is that you're still holding on to and move on! #bringonthenew. I'm going to shake things up a bit. It's time.
I was disappointed when Russ had to work early on Sunday. I had been planning on going to church and looking forward to it after my Saturday plans had completely fallen apart. If you read my last blog, you're familiar with my routine and understand why the thought of taking "little man" out to church by myself was so daunting, I didn't even consider it as an option. It was my mother who suggested I take him after I complained about not being able to go.
I hadn't attempted to take him out by myself yet. There are the dogs to take outside and get settled beforehand. There is the fact I have to carry him and the car seat down the stairs (I am currently in physical therapy for an abdominal condition/injury as a result of pregnancy), and the idea of getting myself, him, and the diaper bag ready all at once is pretty overwhelming.
I'd have to sit near the back of the church. I'd have to sit on the end. I'd have to get there early and be prepared to get up and leave quickly if he started screaming (he does that sometimes when he's wet).
I managed to shower, dress, change him, dress him and get the dogs squared away. I checked the time. There was 15 minutes left to get to the church - away we went.
He started to fuss in the car when we were still a block away and I said out loud, "This is not a good sign. We're not even there yet." I started to sing:
"Gets me to the church on time,
(church on time) terrifies me
(church on time) makes me party
(church on time) puts my trust in God and man..." (From David Bowie's Modern Love)
He settled down and we even got there in time! To my amazement he sat quietly all the way through the mass (even after the Gospel when I knew he had dirtied his diaper). The priest Blessed him when I brought him up to communion with me.
I had been fairly self conscious the whole time. I didn't notice any other infants there. It was a new church I'd only been to a few times. Maybe they didn't bring babies here. No one seemed to be giving me odd looks. I didn't want to shake hands during the Sign of Peace because I had to keep my hands sanitized in order to keep putting his pacifier back in his mouth and the lady behind me kept coughing. What would people think of me when I just nodded and said "Peace be with you" instead of extending my hand? He was seated in his carseat in the aisle next to me and I wondered if people would judge me for that. Maybe there was some section for children that I was clearly not in. The funny thing is that the Gospel and Homily were all about not judging a book by its cover. (Smile) The priest told this story about an Indian king who was snubbed at a Rolls Royce dealership while dressed in plain clothes and his reaction, and he encouraged us all to better manage our blindspots:
After mass, a lady came up to me and asked if I needed a ride home. I said, "No, that's ok - we drove." She said she had noticed the baby all bundled up and that I had a backpack and thought I might have walked. I explained, "No, it's just the first time that I'm bringing him anywhere by myself and so I brought everything." She smiled. She had three boys of her own and by the third one, she "only brought the bare minimum of essentials." Too funny! I was all worried about what people would think, the Homily's message was all about not judging, and the nice lady asked if I needed a ride.
It's true. We all do it. What if instead of judging, we ask questions (like the nice lady after church). What if we get to know other instead of just going with our assumptions?
Words can scarcely express what an honor it is to be singing on stage for The Grammys, behind Nile Rodgers and Lady Gaga, for the David Bowie tribute, with a group of incredibly talented people.
I am absolutely filled with gratitude, appreciation and love for all the amazing people I've worked with over the years. I am truly Blessed to have found the very special musicians, singers and bands that have become family to me. It's been a most extraordinary journey.
Each of us has been touched by the spirit of music and its profound inspiration. When I sit and think of all those artists who have led our hearts and lives with their creativity, I am blown away. The world has lost many beautiful souls, many whom we have known personally.
Tonight, we'll remember David Bowie - and all those who have inspired us artistically.
Thank you. Thank you for all you have given us. You live on in our hearts.
During the "in memoriam" segment of tonight's show, our social media sites will post an a cappella portion of our song "Everywhere." It's our own personal tribute to those who have meant so much.
I had planned on writing about turning our thoughts toward
the sunlight, toward the positive. I was going to quote Louise Hay about taking seemingly negative situations and creating positive affirmations. So many people I know are going through personal challenges. We can always
console ourselves and take hold of our thoughts by remembering that truth
phrased by Louise Hay:
“All is well.
Everything is working out for my highest good.
Out of this situation only good will come and I am safe.”
- Louise Hay
Then David Bowie died.CNN quoted Tony Visconti saying, “For now, it is appropriate to cry…” I
am reminded that sometimes, it’s most appropriate to cry – and that is okay.
"He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life - a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry."
- Tony Visconti
The world says goodbye to an artistic and creative pioneer.
I’m so thankful for those brave souls, who inspire and give us their hearts
through their life’s work. They ignite our emotions through their contagious
passion. We sing along, we dance, we might be moved to tears of sadness or to sheer joy, but we are allowed to feel using their creative works as a crutch.
Yes. It is most definitely appropriate to cry. It is ALWAYS alright for us to be human. May we always allow ourselves that.
