A Force for Good
May-Jun 2024
On Purpose Woman
On Purpose Woman Magazine is published bi-monthly online. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Neither the publishing team or the advertisers accept responsibility for errors. Publication and distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing for any reason. To reproduce articles, always credit On Purpose Woman Magazine with the link to the issue. Also, credit the author and leave their bio and contact info intact.
On Purpose Woman Publisher/Editor Ginny Robertson Creative Director Anne Pamfilis Contributing Writers Laura Di Franco Joanne Young Elliott Toni Gitles Andrea Hylen Dr. Yemaja Jubilee Mary E. Knippel Ellen Koronet Sofia Wren Nitchie Dr. Maria Petrucci Dr. Pamela Pine Lori Pieper Tamara Robinson Cover Artist Kim Lavinder
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Inside On Purpose Woman...
6 Letter from the Publisher Ginny Robertson 12 Honoring Your Soul Story Mary E. Knippel 24 Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Dr. Yemaja Jubilee 26 May-Jun OPWGC Gatherings/Speakers & Topics 30 Don't Be Fooled This Allergy Season Lori Pieper 40 Making a Difference My Story and the Story of Stop Your Silence® Dr. Pamela J. Pine 48 Purpose Has a Face, a Poem Laura Di Franco 50 Spotlight Members Mar-Apr 52 Conscious Self-Evolution Raise Your Thoughts Andrea Hylen 66 The Week I Drove for Uber Laura Di Franco 72 Events and Resources 76 Echolocating Introversion Ellen Koronet 84 Awaken Your Spark Embracing Sensual Self-Care At Any Age Tamara Robinson 90 Cover Artist Kim Lavinder 98 On Purpose Woman Global Community Member Directory 114 The Triad of Health Considering the Different Avenues of Healing Dr. Maria Petrucci 124 Ungoaling Not Hanging on Too Hard to Your Goals Sofia Wren Nitchie 134 Turn Your Mistakes As a Caregiver Into Solutions For Less Stress and Greater Confidence Toni Gitles 142 The Petals Will Fall Letting Go In Order to Live and Create Joanne Young Elliott
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Dear Beloved Readers, I am thrilled to present another captivating edition of On Purpose Woman Magazine! Within these pages lies a treasure trove of inspiration, support, and resources crafted especially for you. If you need guidance, motivation, or a gentle nudge towards your aspirations, look no further! Dive into our enriching articles covering an array of topics: Caregiving: Discover heartfelt and practical advice for navigating the beautiful journey of caregiving with grace and compassion. Goal Setting (Or Ungoal Setting): Explore innovative approaches to setting intentions and embracing the power of purposeful living. Raising Your Thoughts: Elevate your mindset and nurture your inner dialogue. Sensual Self-Care: Indulge in self-love and explore practices for nourishing your mind, body, and spirit. Multiple Choices for Healing: Explore diverse modalities and pathways to healing, honoring the unique needs of your well-being. Letting Go: Embrace the liberating journey of release and surrender, paving the way for new beginnings and transformative growth. The Path of the Heart-Centered Entrepreneur: Embark on a soulful exploration of entrepreneurship guided by authenticity, integrity, and purpose principles. Writing Your Story: Unleash the power of storytelling as a tool for self-expression, reflection, and personal empowerment. Seasonal Allergies: Discover natural remedies and practical tips for managing seasonal allergies and reclaiming your vitality. Introversion/Extraversion (or something else?): Delve into the rich tapestry of personality traits, honoring the unique strengths and beauty introversion, extraversion, and everything in between. In addition to our enriching articles, immerse yourself in soul-stirring poetry, a captivating story of a remarkable women making a difference in the world, and the stunning artwork adorning our cover. Lose yourself in the melodies of our featured musical artist and mark your calendars for our upcoming speakers, meetings, and writer chat FB Live interviews. Furthermore, I urge you to explore the invaluable offerings of our talented advertisers, whose generous support enables us to deliver this enriching publication to you for FREE! Click on their ads to discover a wealth of resources for nurturing your mind, body, spirit, and business. As you journey through the pages of On Purpose Woman Magazine, remember to Be Well, Love Big, Spread Joy, Shine Your Light, Make a Difference, and LIVE ON PURPOSE! With boundless excitement and unwavering support,
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From the Publisher Ginny Robertson
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Publisher, Laura Di Franco, chats with Ginny Robertson about holistic, spiritual entrepreneurship and what it means to lead a purpose-driven life.
Are you honoring your Soul Story? I'm asking because I'm genuinely curious. What do I mean by honoring your Soul Story? Well, it's the story that matters most. Your Soul Story is right up there with great literature, cherished spiritual writings such as the Bible or Torah, and writings that carry great significance for you. You know your soul story intimately, which may be something you’ve never explored. Your Soul Story is the core of who you are, and you may not be aware of it. Oh, but I promise you it's there. It is operating just under the surface in your subconscious. Perhaps you have this longing, a knowing, or whispers you hear with your heart. Another way to explain a Soul Story is to describe it as the wisdom you’ve gained from a significant life experience. It's how you’re doing things differently. It's how you live your life in a particular way compared to before the event. Your Soul Story is the story that matters! I recently had the privilege of hosting the Wise Woman Wisdom Retreat here on the California coast. One of our conversations focused on whether they had anything the world needed to hear from them. Oh, they believed other people had a story worth writing, they just didn't think there was anything that someone else would find interesting or exciting in their story. I'll bet many heads are nodding at that line of thinking. Because an individual had never been written up in Who's Who, received awards from their business community, or achieved some athletic recognition, the assumption was that they didn't have a story worth sharing. Their lives were so ordinary. Why would anything they shared make a difference to someone else? Can you relate to that belief? Consider this: Your Soul Story is unique to you. There's no way it’s ordinary and precisely like anyone else's. You are the only one who has experienced it and gained the wisdom that life lesson taught you. Your Soul Story highlights how extraordinary you are! True, our stories can have many common factors. Small town, big city, only child, oldest girl, shy, quiet, athletic, klutz, musician, tone deaf, you get the idea. What happened when we were living those circumstances and negotiating life's challenges contains the details of our Soul Story. And that's what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. Here's one piece of my Soul Story… When I was in high school, we were assigned a research paper on three careers we were interested in pursuing. I wrote about going to college to study acting, becoming a famous actress who could easily do comedy and drama, being a darling of the London and New York stage, and conquering the silver screen along with television. I wrote about becoming an accomplished dancer who traveled the world performing for sold-out crowds at every venue. I wrote about writing stories that touched the hearts of those who read my words and writing in exotic parts of the world. Although neatly typed and turned in on time, I received a C+ for the project because my career choices were judged unrealistic. I was a shy, quiet 15-year-old girl in a small midwestern farming community. How could I possibly aspire to be an actress, a dancer, or a writer? I had never taken a dance lesson or shown any talent for the stage. To that point, my "acting" consisted of being cast as the Virgin Mary five times out of eight Christmas pageants at our elementary school. My writing was confined to my journals and never shared with anyone. I had been challenging myself to follow my dreams. Speech class just about gave me heart failure. I actively participated in class and took part in the school district speech contest for extra credit. I even managed to be part of the cast of six in our class play, The Spiral Staircase and didn't die before, during, or after any of the five performances. I was advised to pursue a secretarial career. That was a more attainable goal as far as my advisor and mother were concerned. My grades were decent, mostly B's and a few C's. Certainly not scholarship material for a teaching degree. So, I settled for a Secretarial Certificate from the local junior college. I married a very nice boy and helped him earn a college degree in Computer Science. I never gave up on my dreams of what I believed my future could hold. I quit my secretarial job and became a full-time college freshman a week before my 30th birthday. I wanted it all…family and career. We were on the adoption list, waiting to start our family. My college degree would be a milestone just for me. I would have new career options fueled by my passion for writing. I would do what was necessary to achieve that goal. I was no longer that shy, insecure country girl. I was a young woman eager for new challenges and ready to tackle what life had in store as long as it came in small doses. The problem is we've been told that our stories don't matter, to be quiet, stay in the background, and do what we do best—be invisible. That whatever we have to say isn't going to make a difference to anyone. We've been told not to bring our personal stories into business. I don't believe that's true. Our personal stories are the heart of our business because they are the soul of who we are. They are our Soul Stories! Are you hiding your Soul Story from yourself? What’s the Soul Story you're not honoring? Could it be a story that someone else is waiting to hear…that they need to hear? Your Soul Story honors your transformation. Your Soul Story is the greatest story you have yet to share. Your Soul Story has valuable wisdom gleaned from your life lessons. Your Soul Story represents hope to those who are seeking a solution to a situation that has given you the tools you have today. Your Soul Story represents hope to those seeking a solution to a situation you have already coped with. A situation that has made you who you are right now. You matter, and what you do matters. Your Soul Story matters because it's the core of who you are and, more than likely, why you do what you do. Your Soul Story is the story that matters and makes a difference. I promise you someone is waiting for your story right now. Yes, I'm positive there are many someone's who need your story's hope. You are the only person in this Universe who knows the lesson you learned from the life events you’ve experienced. Knowing your Soul Story holds the key to understanding yourself. It could be a way for people to get to know, like, and trust you on a brand-new and deeper level. I'll say it again: the story that I encourage you to honor is your Soul Story! It's a message the world needs to hear; only you can share it. Mary E. Knippel, Soul Story Mentor, helps Coaches, Healers and Creatives articulate their soul’s wisdom gleaned from their life lessons into the written word as a business asset and to leave a legacy. Mary believes everyone has a soul story of hope the world needs to hear. She is the compiler of the co-author series Written In Her Own Words and the host of Wise Woman Wisdom annual retreats. Find out more at
www.maryeknippel.com
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Hear Ye! Hear Ye! by Dr. Yemaja Jubilee Dr. Yemaja Jubilee penned this about the On Purpose Woman Global Community (OPWGC) during one of our Zoom meetings. These are her observations and feelings about our gatherings. Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Now listen y’all Let’s make it clear my dear Whether you are far or near Or bouncing around going to and fro Cause, Baby Gurl, you are now n thee know. OPW is where you bring your own voice. Together women from across the globe Flow in its vibe and have made a positive choice. Connections, awesome communications, collaborations, and celebration in high Juba, Juba Jubilation! Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Cultivating, captivating synergies of feminine brilliance Out picturing, outpouring, and overflowing with lots of love, light and positivity! Gurl there ain’t no other way to be!! Ase! Now some of y’all might not know OPW has what it takes, Cause OPW leads the way, Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Supports you to your core Watch as the way is shown THEE opening of what were once closed doors. By gosh beloved, validating just like you thought There is always MORE, MORE with benefits galore. In the SPOTLIGHT we are highlighting our entrepreneurial successes for all the world to see. With Diversity and inclusivity, brave, bold, brilliant, and beautiful women we be…. waving, cheering, laughing and dancing too. We are the Women of OPW…. Both you, me, and WE! Hear Ye ! Hear Ye! Dr. Yemaja Jubilee is an individualized expression of Love, Light & Positivity with a heaping serving of SOUL! As Thee Soul-Full Poet,Spoken Word Artist, and inspirational speaker she speaks her truth from a place of authenticity, integrity, and a loving heart. She is an author , songwriter, playwriter, radio show host of Love Light & Positive on Josie Inspirational Network, Finding my way Radio Network Worldwide, creative consultant & spiritual life coach.
Seasonal allergies can be managed naturally, and there's a BONUS: no side effects. As I mowed my lawn the other day, for the first time in 2024, I thought about how debilitating my seasonal allergies used to be and how my journey in managing them with natural methods rather than pharmaceuticals has positively impacted my life. Twenty or so years ago, I was tested for allergies. You know, where they use small needles with allergens on them and see which ones react? Well, most of them reacted big time! They even tested for allergies to roaches. And yes, I was allergic! And So Began My Journey I was prescribed the following: A decongestant An antihistamine An inhaler for my allergy-induced asthma, which made me shaky Plus, two allergy shots monthly Luckily, I had good insurance. I was religious about the regimen, and yes, it helped for a few years. Then, as my body got used to the meds, I needed more to get the same results. I was given a second inhaler, which allowed me to use the first inhaler less. What? The side effect of using that second inhaler was I couldn't taste my food anymore. Fun, eh? So, I stopped using it. Why would I want to live not being able to taste my food? Side note: Tasting your food has vital benefits for better health, but that's for another article. Of course, the new inhaler provided little relief anyway. I Couldn't Breathe One beautiful autumn day, I drove two hours through farm country to a work meeting with a client. It was harvesting season. Since there had been little rain prior, the air was filled with dust from the crops the farmers were harvesting. My asthma kicked in, and I had to pull over to get my inhaler. After a quick hit, I pulled back onto the highway. In about 10 minutes, I found myself unable to breathe again. Long story short, I had to call my client to say I would be missing the meeting, and I drove myself to the closest emergency room, which happened to be another hour's drive. Remember, this was farm country, so no hospitals were near the highway. That was a wake-up call, and I vowed that this would never happen again. And, it hasn’t. Managing Allergies the Natural Way What was the secret? Educating myself on allergies in general. Getting off pharmaceuticals and using natural means to manage my allergies. Using acupuncture to balance my body allowed me to be less susceptible to allergens. I worked with my supportive allergist to wean me off of the pharmaceuticals. If he hadn't worked with me, I would have found an allergist who would. If a physician isn't willing to listen to me and work with me, they are not the right physician for me. Luckily, more and more physicians are open to incorporating natural healing methods. Only make significant changes like this after consulting your physician. In my research on allergies, I found that the body can only handle so many toxins. It will react if it's not given time to deal with toxins before encountering more. Allergic reactions can take many forms: rashes, breathing issues, itchy eyes, sneezing, and even autoimmune diseases that occur later in life. Two lessons here: 1. Toxins in your body include things like alcohol, nicotine, overly processed foods, air pollution, contaminants in the water, etc. I will also claim that stress is a "toxin" because the body's ability to remove toxins is negatively impacted and slowed down when you are stressed. Anger, fear, and worry all kick off the stress response. 2. Taking care of your body by managing your stress and minimizing the toxins you ingest will go a long way to reducing your symptoms. Below are the natural means I used and am still using today. Managing my stress through meditation, mindful movement, regular exercise, learning to breathe for calm, etc. For more tips, grab a copy of my Top Five Easiest Stress Busters. Natural herbs. These are my favorites: -Stinging nettle helps to manage seasonal allergies. -Eyebright for those itchy eyes during allergy season. -Passionflower is a calming herb that helps minimize anxiety, insomnia, etc. It also helped me reduce stress-induced asthma. -Vitamin C for general health. -Quercetin is an antioxidant that helps manage allergies. Note: There are other natural means of managing seasonal allergies. I chose these because they worked well for me. I am proud to say I am pharmaceutical-free. For the last 20+ years, I have never reacted negatively to any natural allergy remedies I've used. I've also never had to be rushed to the hospital because I couldn't breathe. These natural means of managing my allergies work better for me, and I feel better than I ever have. Suggested Resources Check out Herbs,Etc. for their seasonal allergy bundle Allergy ReLeaf and HerbPharm for liquid tinctures like eyebright, stinging nettles, passionflower, etc. I don't receive any kickbacks. These are the companies I've used with great results, and I trust their efficacy and customer service. Don't be fooled! There are natural, easy, and safe ways to manage seasonal allergies. Pharmaceuticals are not the only answer. Disclaimer: This information is what worked for me. Please note that contacting your primary care physician before making any significant healthcare changes is always a good idea.
GO HERE to Get My Top Five Easiest Stress Busters
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Lori Pieper is an author and founder of Journey to Inner Joy. She combines the woo-woo of ancient sages with the wow of modern science, guiding women in removing the shackles of past conditioning to live their best and fullest lives. Join her in her upcoming Amazing You Workshop. Enjoy other blog posts from Lori HERE
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In 2000, I was a passionate and accomplished international public health professional who had lived and worked on a myriad of some of the world's most pressing health problems, from leprosy to maternal and child health. One day, a fluke woke me up to an issue I'd never worked on and knew nothing about. I was sitting at my desk at the international health and development agency where I worked, and across my computer screen came: From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), A Call for Proposals on Interpersonal Violence (IPV). It was an early call on this focus, and they were looking for substantial research proposals on all types of IPV, including child abuse. My sister, Amy, was a therapist at that time, with a strong and positive reputation for working successfully with survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA). So, I started reading there. What I found was appalling, but for a public health person like me, it was compounded: One out of four girls and one out of six boys in the U.S. alone have been sexually abused by the time they're 18 years old! One out of four? One out of six? What? I checked on what that looked like internationally, and it was the same worldwide. That is potentially nearly 2 billion kids, not to mention the adult survivors. If this was any other issue, I realized, other than one that put "child" and "sex" in the same sentence or one that affected any other population that had a voice, and one that affected any population in as severe a way that child sexual and other abuse affects children, the adolescents and adults they become, and society (vast physical, psychological, and societal outcomes), the world would be all over it. But it was not. I come from a Jersey-born, middle-class, service-oriented family. I was taught to do something about wrong circumstances, and it was assumed I would if I could. So, when I started learning about what these traumatic backgrounds do to kids, adolescents, and the adults they become and the impact on their families, communities, etc., well, that's all it took for me. And, given my tenacious nature, others believed I could do important work on this topic—and they encouraged me. By 2000, I was what some would call overeducated, with too many degrees and from top universities at that. I had a PhD in Health Communication from what was soon to become the University of Maryland's School of Public Health, a Master's of Public Health (MPH) from Johns Hopkins, a Master’s of International Affairs from Ohio University, and an undergrad degree (which began in the health sciences and wound up in the arts) from Cornell University. Yet, with all that, I had not had one course in childhood trauma. I checked with my very esteemed colleagues with backgrounds like mine. Nope, not one course. As I continued to not only learn about CSA but empathize with enormous sadness with the numerous survivors I was speaking with, I continued being outraged. I added a sense of horror and desperation. In the early trainings that I did, I would sometimes need to turn around for a moment or two as I was speaking, because all I had to do was visualize my kids, and they became every kid, and I kept tearing up. And, given what I know about what can happen to people who have endured this trauma, I know that the kid I was would not have made it well into adolescence or adulthood with this in my background. By 2002, I'd already been trying for nearly two years to get some "real" funds to make a difference. Few organizations with "real" funds wanted to discuss this with me. So, I went to the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland, College Park, and asked its chairperson to work with me to conduct research with this question in mind: How do you raise awareness about an issue no one wants to talk about? He agreed and "gave" me a class, who helped design and carry out a research survey. The research won first prize in the research division from a prestigious public relations program. It was the catalyst for the Race to Stop the Silence®, an enormous event in downtown Washington, D.C. that took place for ten years (2004-2013) during April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The race captured expansive attention and media of all types, raising awareness, knowledge, and understanding. Later, in 2004, I formalized Stop the Silence®: Stop Child Sexual Abuse, Inc., incorporating it as an international non-profit based in Maryland with a mission to expose, prevent, and stop child sexual abuse and help survivors heal. In 2021, Stop the Silence®, with a focus on all adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), became a Department of the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) based in San Diego, and I became its Director. Over the past 2.5 decades, we have worked in the U.S. and around the world, in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania, conducting advocacy, education, training, and policy development programs and projects. We do this work with funds from the California Endowment, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Ford Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the Ms. Foundation, Pepsi Cola, and other government, non-profit, and for-profit organizations. Other funds come from donations and paid programs and events. We focus on "putting the world on the same page" regarding awareness, knowledge, understanding, and skills to collectively face the need across disciplines and with the support of a continually expanding public. We have conducted abundant programming focused on accomplishing this, reaching the survivors, the public, and professionals, including clinicians, psychologists and psychiatrists, lawyers, judges, educators, and others. A current major push in that direction comes from a program I designed in collaboration with the University of Applied Research and Development (UARD) based in the U.K. and led out of New Zealand: The Certificate to Master's Degree in Child Protection. This Program is an online, go-at-your-own pace, highly affordable (for both Global North and Global South countries), comprehensive educational initiative. It brings on board many of the most esteemed professionals in our field presenting in half-hour video segments across numerous subjects, with background readings, interactive forums, quizzes, and short papers, and, in the Master's, an exam, and a guided thesis. Nearly twenty-five years after I began this work, I know we have done a lot – and not nearly enough to quell the tide of child trauma, abuse, and its aftermath. We will continue our programming identified above, along with our other awareness, education, and training activities like the orientation on Arts as Healing, focused on opening hearts and minds and thereby understanding by getting various types of artworks into museums, educational institutions, libraries, etc. I invite readers to learn more, donate if possible and get involved in prevention and mitigation activities. There is so much you can do. Ask me how. Contact me at
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pamelap@ivatcenters.org
Dr. Pamela J. Pine is an accomplished international health/development/communication specialist and multi-media artist who focuses on enhancing the lives of the poor and other underserved groups. She is the Founder and now Director of Stop the Silence® —a Department of the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma. She is also the Lead Author of the collaborative book Stop the Silence: Thriving After Child Sexual Abuse. Click on book image to purchase.
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PURPOSE HAS A FACE, a POEm by Laura Di Franco
#8 in a Series of 10
Code 38: Raise your thoughts to the magnetic integrated field of the whole being. Code 40: Communicate directly as your full potential self to the full potential self of others. - Barbara Marx Hubbard, 52 Codes for Conscious Self-Evolution
As a teenager, I remember a moment when I stopped myself from speaking something out loud that I knew was unkind and defensive. In that moment, I became aware of different parts of myself. The “me” that was in a conversation with a classmate, the “me” that was watching myself in the conversation, and the “me” that stopped myself from saying the words. In that moment, I had an inner knowing that not speaking had as much power as spewing unkind words. It was a different kind of power that came from within. Something my classmate said triggered a defensive reaction. Pausing for a moment, I took a breath, felt my feelings, and waited. During the pause, I maintained neutral eye contact and the words I wanted to speak became clear. I acknowledged what the person said while telling my truth in a “standing up for myself” way, not defensive or fearful. I don’t remember any other details about what happened. I do remember knowing that something had changed. Standing in the hallway of my high school, next to my gray metal locker with a female classmate, I didn’t need to defend, gossip, or lie. I didn’t need to protect myself because I was already safe. I felt connected to my body and a higher wisdom. That was a defining moment that led to more moments like this. This was when I began communicating from a higher, fuller part of myself. Slowing down. Pausing. Listening. Aware of different parts. Finding the words or staying quiet. There has never been a time when I feel like I have mastered this. Well, maybe I thought I mastered it, and then I felt unsafe in a new environment. I spoke too quickly or did not tell the whole truth because doing so felt too vulnerable. Mastery continues to elude me because I plan on being a work in progress until the day I die. I continue to put myself in new situations with new people and places. I continue to challenge myself by learning new things, and I am a student learning by practicing and making mistakes. There are moments when I slide into a lower frequency when an old trauma gets triggered, or I feel vulnerable in my human imperfection. I feel exposed or like an imposter. There are reflex responses to strangers and even a loved one where I do not feel emotionally safe. Conscious Self-evolution is not a linear practice. It is cyclical. Learning to be in the world but not of it. Learning to tune into a higher frequency where my full potential self is the communicator. This is what I strive to be. To increase that as a possibility, my practice is to cultivate my intuition and integrate all the different parts of myself. Expanding meditation practices is one way: 1. Walking meditation: in a house, a neighborhood, or walking in place in front of a window, looking out at nature. 2. Sitting with eyes closed for five, ten, fifteen minutes or longer. 3. Standing up and singing or humming with eyes closed and your hand on your heart. 4. Sitting in a chair, sipping on coffee, tea, or water, and looking out the window with no additional sound except what arises from nature. 5. Recording daydreams and nightdreams. 6. Qi Gong and Tai Chi. 7. Expanding your consciousness by asking questions. When I signed up for the first Evolutionary Woman retreat in 2005, I ordered a DVD set of lectures by Barbara Marx Hubbard. When I began listening to her ideas about Conscious Self-Evolution, I did not understand most of what she was saying. I played the DVDs in the background while I cooked dinner, folded laundry, and looked through paperwork. One day, something she said clicked. I began to understand what she was saying. My next questions were, “How do I use the codes or principles in my day-to-day activities? How can I share these ideas with others?” Writing blog posts and articles is my attempt at sharing the codes with everyday examples. A few reminders for this stage of Conscious Self-evolution: 1. Slowdown in communication. 2. Develop practices for tuning into your full potential. 3. Cultivate a relationship with the different parts. 4. Practice self-compassion. 5. Expand your consciousness and beliefs around what is possible. 6. Read quotes by Nassim Haramein, Jean Houston, and Barbara Marx Hubbard. 7. Look at Sacred Geometry Symbols in nature, food, architecture, and books. Quotes and symbols can activate your fullest potential self by bypassing the mind. Distinguishing between our lower and higher selves is a lifelong practice. I don’t have all the answers. What fun would that be? Living with uncertainty, curiosity, and imagination is part of the adventure. Ask the questions and open to the mystery of life.
If you missed the first seven articles of this series, go to the magazine archives.
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www.andreahylen.com
Code 15: See Yourself as a Universal Presence, Manifesting in Physical Form Code 21: Be ready to repattern at the next stage when the larger pattern is ready for you. Code 33: Come forward as a new norm, not as superior or exceptional.
Code 3: Notice flashes of freedom and keep bringing your attention to them. Code 6: Choose ideas which activate more of your life purpose, creativity, joy, and lovingness of others. Code 7: Release Your Local Mind’s Constant Scanning for What Needs to Be Done.
Are you an Evolutionary Woman?
Andrea Hylen: Ancestral Lineage Healing Practitioner. Author of Heal My Voice: An Evolutionary Woman’s Journey. Creator of The Incubator: On-line Co-working Space for Women Creatives. Developmental writing coach.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8, New International Version) Sötnosen believes that if we trust God and plant ourselves close to Him, our lives will bear the fruits of the Spirit. I believe that the heart of an unconditionally loved child can heal our wounded souls and our broken world. That’s why I share Sötnosen as a series of illustrations in On Purpose Woman Magazine. Illustration by Marie Ek Lipanovska, a Swedish author, illustrator, artist and meditation teacher.
www.marieeklipanovska.se|www.sotnosen.se|
ginnyrobertsonOPW@gmail.com
After the divorce and after my physical therapy practice dwindled, I had a freakout moment and registered the family SUV as an Uber. I was driving around the other day and remembered this.That will make a great blog,I thought. Actually, why the heck would one of the most depressing, embarrassing moments of my life be something I'd want to share? Well, some of you know me and understand my mission: that when we share the more vulnerable stories, we help people feel not alone. We heal. They heal. We all heal. But also, I thought you should know that what you see now—this publishing empire? That was hard won. That was A LOT of work. And it was NOT without some freakouts. The week I drove Uber, I was panicking about my business. Instead of pressing my master manifesting power button (the one that is, dare I say, badass now), I freaked and filled all my hours driving people around town, making some extra money that was so little it barely helped. I'd finish my "shift" each time and utter, "What am I doing?" under my breath. Nothing about it was aligned. Nothing about it was right. I quickly (thank goodness) realized that it wasn't a side hustle I needed; it was a couple of other things that were harder to grasp: 1. A bigger vision 2. Belief in myself 3. A bit of Feng Shui 4. Some sales coaching and practice 5. A team Making a business thrive is no joke. It's not for the faint of heart. Being an entrepreneur is something you sign up for because time freedom is on your bucket list; however, what "they" don't tell you right away is that it's impossible until you get to a certain level of business building, have the proper "whos" on your team, and things are running themselves to a degree that you can actually take a deep breath and trust. It was a while before I breathed. Today, I want to leave you with this thing I know for sure. If you're doing it all alone, thinking that's the path to success, you're afraid to invest in the right guidance and networks, and you wake up every day planning the side hustles meant to cover the bills, there IS a better way. You're going to have to work harder than you ever have (or. . . maybe this will be easy?), but it's worth it. Thank you to this Brave Healer community that believed in the mission and vision and is helping me share brave words with the world. Laura Di Franco is the CEO of Brave Healer Productions, an award-winning publisher for holistic health and wellness professionals with a mission to wake the world up to what’s possible for healing, one brave word at a time. She’ll help you become a published author, use your world-changing book to build your community and business, and leave the legacy you were born for.
Explosive Transformation By Revealing Your Inner Ninja Laura Di Franco
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Spirit flow through me, like a melody Ancient and brand new For the song is you May all people heed, Strains so sweet and clear Let your joy come through For the song is you Every note rings true when the song is you -Claudia Carawan
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For the past few months, I have been conducting social research on redefining introversion/extraversion, especially for my marketing research, user research, and marketing colleagues. The beta results are being rolled out at a premier insight conference in Austin, Texas. My initial sample base of 168 respondents is mainly American women ages 45+, a great place to start. They took the short quiz and received immediate insight and feedback. They are now going to learn more as I share more of the findings with all who participated. (You can still join the ongoing experiment . Click Below) With the caveat that this is a relatively small sample size, mainly of one particular demographic group, this intriguing study is full of unexpected insights. While I am finding that most people do have a clear tendency or preference, I am also learning that each style has its own innovative self-care capacity. Key Insights 1. The Main Measures of Introversion and Extraversion are Nuanced As expected, Introversion is primarily differentiated by a recognized need to go inward to recharge. Introverts are also likely to listen carefully before offering opinions or advice. Extraversion is most strongly identified by outgoing social tendencies, such as a willingness to start conversations, jump into team efforts, and sometimes even take charge and recruit others to join in. But that’s pretty much where the established expectations end! Introverts can be excellent leaders by virtue of their ability to listen and reflect before diving in. We also see ourselves as “big picture” thinkers, making connections and considering outcomes rather than diving into the details first. In addition to their outgoing tendencies, Extraverts are indeed more energized by group interactions than others, but not nearly to the degree we’ve been led to believe. They see themselves as visionaries and believers in what’s possible, and they are willing to bend the rules or go against “groupthink” when they feel compelled. 2. Introversion and Extraversion are a “YES-AND” Proposition. As I’ve always maintained, oppositional, either/or labels do not serve anyone well. Now, this research confirms that people have evolved into having preferences for one or the other, but not by nullifying complementary qualities. Extraverts especially maintain a relatively strong preference for introversion measures. It turns out our “extravert-centric” society actually may be cultivating extraverts who are best at practicing the self-care of going inward to recharge, even if this is not their main modality. 3. Contrary to Popular Opinion, we are NOT Mostly “Ambiverted” I’m now calling those who equally gravitate towards introverted and extraverted attitudes and behaviors “Flex-ivertsÔ.” These folks can now be defined as those who do have a strong preference for going inward to recharge AND who are very comfortable being social. Contrary to what the psychological literature contends, in this early sample, most people actually do NOT identify equally with both introversion and extraversion. When they do, it is with a strong preference for going inward to recharge and strong identification with socially outgoing tendencies. This shift in distribution of the in-between typology may be for two reasons. A) With better definitions and rating scales, people have the freedom to choose elements of each. B) When people are not forced to choose one over the other for one overall position, they have the freedom to consider the context. 4. Context Matters: Even the Most Extraverted of Extraverts Tones it Down in Certain Situations. In this early research, there do not seem to be any strong patterns for extraversion over introversion in certain circles or situations. Still, it clearly varies depending on who’s in the room and what the particular goal is. In research circles, we focus on the “Job to be done.” We may “hire” our inner Introvert when we have an important decision to make. But when pursuing an important outcome in our work, we might call on the inner Extravert. Reframing the Question Rather than asking “are you this or that,” we must allow people to find where they are on BOTH sides of these complementary pairs, in more than one setting. I describe this refined approach to personality typing as “echolocation.” The research is pointing to confirmation that each tendency can serve us well if it is nurtured, given permission, and accommodated. I am now seeing that we can learn from each: From Introverts, the practice of retreating is a self-care practice that we all should honor. From Extraverts, we can all be effective leaders if we are coming from a place of compassion. And from “Flex-iverts,” being able to easily flex both qualities can serve us well. The study continues! When you TAKE THE QUIZ you will receive immediate insight and you will receive access to the report when the current phase of the project is complete. With 40 years of corporate strategizing, LNKcreative.com conducts research and designs quizzes and assessments that bypass habitual thinking, explain and predict behavior. LNK’s interactive quizzes and assessments beam out compelling brand brilliance. CLICK HERE for a free consultation or visit www.lnkcreative.com to see more examples and learn more about quizzes.
Echolocating Introversion by Ellen Koronet, Applied Anthropologist Body text
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As we journey through the ever-changing moments of life, the concept of self-care often takes a backseat during the hustle and bustle of our daily routines. However, as highlighted in our "Seasons of Sensuality" series, the art of self-care and sensuality is not just a luxury but a vital practice that enriches our lives, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and enhancing our experiences with those around us. Each season, from the sizzling days of summer to the quiet majesty of winter, offers unique opportunities to incorporate self-care into our lives, proving that it's essential and easily adaptable, regardless of age or previous understanding and experience with self-care. Sizzling Summer Self-Care: Summer invites us to celebrate our bodies and indulge our senses with the warmth and vibrancy around us. Whether embracing body confidence, enjoying sensual delights, or nurturing intimacy with ourselves and others, summer is a testament to living in the moment and appreciating the beauty of now. Cozy Fall Connections: As we transition to the introspective coziness of fall, we're reminded of the importance of warmth, comfort, and deep connection. This season encourages us to reflect, embrace cozy intimacy, and find pleasure in the simple sensory experiences that autumn provides. Winter's Quiet Majesty: with its serene beauty, Winter urges us to slow down and indulge in the quiet moments of self-care. Whether enjoying the coziness of a warm blanket or pampering ourselves with luxurious oils, winter is about honoring our need for rest and rejuvenation. Spring's Sensual Awakening: Spring's arrival is a time of renewal and sensory delight. This season encourages us to awaken our senses, nurture our connections, and embrace the vibrant energy of new beginnings. Incorporating self-care into our daily lives can be manageable. It can be as simple as taking a moment to breathe deeply, enjoying the sensation of sunlight on our skin, or savoring a delicious meal. The key is to be present and mindful, focusing on the sensations within our bodies, which creates a profound sense of peace and well-being. For women over 40, especially those unfamiliar with self-care, these practices are not just beneficial but transformative. Self-care is a gateway to rediscovering pleasure, intimacy, and love at any stage of life. It's about making ourselves a priority in the most nurturing ways possible, enabling us to live more fully and joyously. The "Seasons of Sensuality" series is a gentle reminder of the many ways we can incorporate self-care into our lives. Whether you're drawn to the articles on embracing pleasure during the summer or finding cozy comfort in the fall, remember that these are seasonal suggestions and year-round invitations to enrich your life. As we continue our journey, let's prioritize self-care, not just for our well-being but as a celebration of life itself. Each day offers a new opportunity to be in the moment, to focus on the sensations that bring us joy and peace, and to care for ourselves with the love and attention we need and deserve. By embracing these practices, we nurture our souls and inspire those around us to do the same, creating a ripple effect of love, pleasure, sensuality, and well-being that transcends age and time. Let's cherish ourselves and the seasons of our lives, for in doing so, we embrace the very essence of joy and fulfillment. To read Tamara's series on "Seasons of Sensuality" in previous issues, Click below and check out our archives
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Tamara Robinson, Pleasure, Intimacy & Love Coach Unlock the power of pleasure, embrace intimacy, and rediscover love & healing.
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Painting has been my passion for years. It's been instrumental in helping me navigate through life's ups and downs. Art and creativity have been expressive outlets for me since childhood, whether for the sheer fun of it, as a meditative practice, or to help me cope with and heal from emotional trauma and serious illness as a thriving cancer and stroke survivor. I'm primarily a watercolor artist. I enjoy escaping into my imagination, creating colorful, vibrant works that evoke feelings of peace, joy, and gratitude for the beauty that abounds. I paint from my heart and soul, often producing images that elicit idyllic, charming, carefree vibes. I hope you'll feel the love that I pour into my work.
Kim Lavinder Body text
OUR COVER ARTIST Body text
Blue Wave Cottage is my home and studio in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay area. It's also the place to house my artwork online:
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The Triad of Health Considering the Different Avenues of Healing by Dr. Maria Petrucci
Getting to the primary cause of a health condition or symptom can be challenging. There are many options for treatment, and we and our healthcare practitioners don't always choose the one we most need on the first try. According to the Triad of Health model, there are three aspects to consider when finding and treating the cause of health issues: structural, biochemical/nutritional, and mental/emotional. This is especially true of chronic conditions. Addressing only one side of this triad may not get to the deeper cause(s). In his book Applied Kinesiology, Volume 1, David Walther, D.C., gives examples of how one side of this triangle can cause problems on another side and how not addressing the original and subsequent cause(s) leads to only partial improvement or even a return of the symptoms. Here's an example of the Chemical side affecting the Structural side: A patient complained of low back pain, not caused by an injury, that initially came on periodically but eventually was there all the time. As it turned out, the patient had a poor diet low in fiber and complex carbohydrates (whole grains and fresh vegetables). He had developed a problem with malabsorption in his small intestine that made it difficult to get the vitamins and minerals he took in through food to the different areas of the body where they're needed. A problem in a particular organ system can also weaken the muscles associated with the organ (Applied Kinesiology). The muscles associated with the small intestine are the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles are attached to the front of the pelvis, and one of their functions is to stabilize this area. When they are weak, their hold on the pelvis is compromised, making it easy for the pelvis to rotate and misalign, which also causes a misalignment of the lower back vertebrae, eventually producing pain. If a chiropractor were to adjust the spine, it may not "hold" until the malabsorption problem is addressed. The back pain would keep coming back. Poor diet → intestinal problem → muscle weakness → rotation and spinal misalignment/"subluxation" → lower back pain. Here's an example of the Structural side Affecting the Chemical side: A patient came in complaining of headaches. According to Dr. Walther, the patient had sprained his ankle the year before, and it had healed, but he had misalignments in his ankle and foot. This affected the nervous system and caused a ripple effect – because of compensations – all the way up the body to the muscles in the back of his head. The patient then began having headaches, which would go away after a good night's sleep because he was off his feet. Once he was on his feet again, the tightened muscles would pull on his head, eventually causing a change in the cranial (head) bones, resulting in pressure and interference with vagus nerve activity. The vagus nerve has received a lot of press lately. It's a long nerve originating from the head and traveling downward, sending messages to various parts of the body to help it "rest and digest." Dr. Walther surmised that this interference of the vagus nerve reduced the secretion of hydrochloric acid, the acid needed to digest food, resulting in increased toxins in the body. An increase in toxins can cause headaches and multiple other health problems to become more intense or more frequent. Treatment of the poor digestion and the ankle and foot subluxations would get to the causes of the headache and a more complete resolution. Not addressing the structural and biochemical sides of the triangle could have eventually led to problems with the third side of the triad in the form of stress at work or with personal relationships. Ankle injury → nerve and muscle compensations → cranial changes → vagus nerve interference → digestive problems → toxin overload → headaches → (potential) mental and emotional stress. These are examples of how the Triad of Health works. Getting to the cause of our original health imbalances can prevent a snowballing effect throughout our whole body-mind complex. Developing healthy habits to prevent this as much as possible is beneficial. However, once symptoms start showing up, getting to the cause is important so they don't develop into more severe or chronic conditions. Maria Petrucci, D.C. helps people alleviate pain, tension, and stress via chiropractic, craniosacral therapy, nutrition, and mind-body tools. Her vision is to seamlessly incorporate emotional and mental release into hands-on healing to help people live their full potential and purpose. Click on Self-C.A.R.E. guide.
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Once upon a time, there was a little girl. As young as eleven, she was going through life at top speed, intent on checking every box, achieving every goal, and reaching the finish line of success. Until the day came when she looked up and thought, "Maybe there is no finish line; maybe that's made up." She saw all the time that had passed, all the effort she'd expended. And for what? She could have just spent more time daydreaming and staring at the ceiling, and maybe she would have felt happier that way. From then on, she didn't feel motivated to set so many goals. And the beautiful thing is, she let that be okay. In the 36 years of my life, I've set many goals and pursued them wholeheartedly. I've worked to check each one off my list with single-minded focus and intensity. But achieving those goals felt less satisfying than I thought. In the last few years, there's something I've begun to think deeply about: If you're searching for treasure, it's not just about digging a deep hole. First, make sure that you're digging in the right spot. I've had the experience of digging for treasure in the wrong place. I went after goal after goal that way. During the digging process, I imagined completing everything would feel so amazing; it would be such a big deal when I reached the end. But when I achieved those goals, I felt depleted. It was just another Tuesday; I didn't feel that satisfied, and there was always something else to do next. No treasure found. After my dad died in 2021, I lost my motivation, energy, and capacity for most things. It got me thinking…I just don't want to run myself into the ground for no reason anymore. Life is too short. FORGET PROGRESS, I thought. I'm tired. It's time to do something new. These days, I have regained some of my capacity. I still have goals, but my list is smaller and subject to sudden change. I'm more open to rethinking them. I'm fine with not being as motivated or ambitious as I used to be because it turns out that so many goals are not that important. Now, I spend a lot more time thinking about my goals and why they matter, and I revise them often to make space. I relish everything I stop trying to do. I want to dig in the right place. Even if it means I dig fewer holes, it results in more treasure. As I wrote in my article in the Jan/Feb article of On Purpose Woman Magazine, my primary goal has been to deepen my relationship with myself. This goal is important to me and brings treasure into my life on many levels. It also has taught me to let go. My biggest task is meeting where I am, moment to moment, especially when life gets busy. And since I'm supposed to be more important than any of my goals, I must watch for changes and be flexible. If any other goal starts feeling off, it may have to go. For instance, in January of 2023, I was certain I needed to finish a book series I'd begun. I hired outside help and set aside time to do it, but it still didn't come. I explored my feelings to understand why there was no progress. Was I procrastinating? With time, I realized there was more to it. My inability to write these books was not my fault; I did not have the bandwidth for that goal. After my dad's death, I'd been sacked with too many other responsibilities that really taxed and stressed me. Working on a book series was too much for my brain as I dealt with all this. Since I couldn't get out of my other responsibilities, I had to have compassion for myself. I had to ungoal; to release myself from this goal of working on my book series, at least for now. Instead, I redoubled my efforts to chip away at the responsibilities that kept me up at 2 am, like my dad's final taxes. That made me feel heard and supported and removed stressors from my life. I had been CERTAIN that the goal of working on my book in 2023 was precisely what I needed to honor myself, and yet it turns out it really wasn’t. The book didn't feel like a gift; it made me feel bad. Meanwhile, I needed to do other unfun essential things, too. It was too much. And so, I began the next level of my ungoaling process: Listening to all of the parts of me and having a conversation. Only through an inner alignment of all parts of me can I achieve goals worth the effort. That's when I feel deeply satisfied. I had to hear all parts of me, including the part of me who was already overwhelmed. Society can make it wrong to ungoal: "Don't be a quitter. Push through." But I know my priority #1 is to have a better relationship with myself, and that means loving the grieving, stressed energy part of me that needs fewer goals and more time and space. Ultimately, I decided to ungoal: I had to do what was best for all of me and give myself compassion. Because I am more important than any particular goal.
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Caregiving can take various forms, such as looking after an aging parent, supporting a spouse with a chronic illness, or providing care for a disabled family member. Numerous responsibilities which may start out minimal but increase over time, may include assisting with dally activities, managing medication, scheduling and providing transportation to medical appointments, overseeing emergency room visits and hospitalizations, providing emotional support, planning activities, and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. Mostly unprepared for this new role as caregiver, you may have concerns and even fears as you wander into unchartered territory. Caregiving may be emotionally and physically draining. When the going gets tough, a multitude of negative emotions surface including guilt, anger, frustration and overwhelm. You can even become bad-tempered, irritable, and CRANKY! You don’t want to, but after all, you are human and caring for a loved one may be the most challenging days, months, or even years of your life. You will make mistakes and it’s not the end of the world. You learn what works through trial and error. Remember, you are always learning. Sometimes you misstep and need to course correct. Caregiving can be like an athletic event where you can exhaust yourself if you don’t take a break. In time, you excel at your caregiving duties and “win” the day, feeling appreciated for your effort. Shift from overwhelmed to confident and cranky to happy by following the suggestions in this article. To reduce stress and give you greater confidence, learn from some of the most common mistakes caregivers make. Mistake # 1 YOU ARE UNPREPARED FOR A FAMILY MEMBER’S HEALTH CRISIS A crisis, by definition, is sudden and unexpected. You can be blindsided by a trip to the emergency room that immediately becomes admission to the hospital which creates stress and anxiety. There are tests, a diagnosis, uncertain length of stay, and lack of certainty about recovery or needs after discharge. It is essential that you be there for emotional support. However, to maximize help, know your loved one’s medical information including prior hospitalizations, medications, and doctor’s names and contact information. Also, know last wishes and where important documents are located. Mistake # 2 EVERYTHING CHANGES AND YOU FAIL TO CHANGE Maybe it’s not a hospitalization but a trip to the doctor, x-ray or lab tests that Identifies a significant health issue. It’s difficult to believe what you are being told. Understandably, you question the diagnosis and may even be in denial for a time. The health of a loved one and caregiving changes your life’s trajectory. You don’t send out announcements, host a get-together, or often even share that you have embarked on a caregiving journey. You can be more in tune with what the future holds when you step out of denial and into awareness. You can watch for the warning signs, face your fear, and lean into the learning curve. Learn as much as possible about health issues. Mistake # 3 YOU DON’T PRIORITIZE YOUR WELL-BEING When acceptance sets in and you begin helping a family member, your efforts may only require a few hours a week. As you identify more and more areas to provide help, you begin to prioritize care responsibilities over your hobbies and interests. Resentment may start to build. How can you possibly prioritize your well-being when your family member’s needs are so intense? You can reclaim time, regain energy, and reset priorities so that well-being rises to the top of the list when you locate help and resources so that you can continue to participate in the activities that give your life meaning. There are numerous books on caregiving. Check out in-person and virtual support groups, and resources online and in your community. Avoid isolating yourself. Eat healthy, get enough sleep and exercise regularly. Mistake # 4 INEFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS You may need to learn new interpersonal skills and ways of communicating with friends, family members, the loved one for whom you care, and the physicians and health care professionals involved in their care. Find your voice and learn how to confidently advocate for your family member. Conversations are not superficial and asking good questions is helpful. What does your loved one need? How can family members assist? Do you need to hire help? Mistake # 5 NOT PLANNING FOR AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE There may not appear to be an urgent need to understand the details of a loved one’s personal life. However, it becomes essential once a health crisis occurs. You can prepare and be empowered to help your loved one navigate the future by having conversations about their current medical, financial, and legal situations and their wishes for the future. Consult with professionals to understand the options, make better choices, minimize conflict, and be empowered to care for and advocate for your loved one. Mistake # 6 DISMISSING HAPPINESS AND NOT CELEBRATING LIFE Caregiving and happiness can seem mutually exclusive when struggles and worry are all-consuming. Caregiving is complex, with seemingly impossible challenges. Our negative thoughts and beliefs add to the suffering and pain, creating stress, worry, guilt, and arguments with family and friends. There is an alternative. You can find happiness while you face struggles. Look for new ways to receive and give love and celebrate life and your loved one each day. It can often occur during the small , quiet moments when you are most present with your loved one. It can be a gentle touch, a smile, or talking about the important events in your lives. REMEMBER THIS… Stress is a natural companion to caregiving. You needn’t let it control your life. Mistakes will be made and that is part of the learning curve. Embrace the journey, educate yourself and family members as needed, enroll the support of family and friends, ask for help and be sure to take care of yourself.
As a Caregiving Consultant, Happiness Trainer, a background in healthcare and 14 years caring for her mom, Toni Gitles shares strategies and solutions that transform the caregiving experience into a journey of connection and love. Purchase her International Best-Selling book 21 Mistakes Caregivers Make & How to Avoid Them on Amazon.com.
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Toni and her mom celebrating the new year, 2010
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Even the beautiful flower must let go of its petals. When the petals are no longer needed, they simply fall away. Letting go is like that. It’s a natural process. It’s a necessary process. When we let go, so much more can happen. The fruit of our being can grow. I’m still learning to do this with grace, but I understand more than ever that letting go of everything allows things to fall into their proper place. It’s true when I write, and in my creative life it has become easier than it once was. It’s also true in life. That’s where I have trouble letting go. I hold onto those petals, the things I know. The ways of doing and seeing that feel comfortable can block what is yet to come. And there is always a “yet to come” in life and beyond. Even if you believe there is nothing beyond the physical, your body will transform and become the earth and the plants and the air. Even the fruit is not the point. It is all ever becoming. To hold onto anything is to block this natural process and flow. Sometimes we even try to make things fit where they don’t belong. But we will discover there is magic in letting go. Look at the flower. The flow…er. Its name reminds us that it is just one stage in a process. Once it’s been fertilized it knows it’s time to move on and become the fruit that holds the seed of its continuation. But it’s not just the seed that holds promise. Those dropped petals become food for the plants all around. When we let go of things, they can then find their next true place. When we let go of old ways and thoughts the next stage of our growth can take place. The irises in the front garden are huge and lovely. Their petals stand tall and announce life with their color and shape. I can stare at them for hours. Each one is a beacon and has a purpose. Beyond reasons of reproduction though, each iris seems to be here to share its beauty and remind us to look closely, for its existence is brief. The iris pictured will soon become seed. And so the process continues. There is no end to the becoming. But while I’m in this moment with this flower, I glimpse eternity. Joanne Young Elliott is a Spiritual Life Coach. Her vision is a world in which women live and create in ways that work for them. Whether they need help to start that meaningful project or get unstuck once started, Joanne offers to help them realize their true creative power and potential.
The Petals Will Fall: Letting Go In Order to Live and Create by Joanne Young Elliott
Photo: Charles Elliott
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