Moving us all in turn

You know that song by Elton John, The Circle of Life? I had never really bought in to one of the lyrics in that song, "the kaleidoscope moves us all in turn." To me, that meant that we each get our turn at living whatever purpose we have, and that it happens as a matter of course. Having been a "type A" personality for most of my life (and it still lingers!), I had always thought you had to make your life happen. You don't sit by and wait for life to turn your way.

Now, I'm rethinking this. I am actually finding life turning my way a lot more recently. Many serendipitous moments are happening that are creating possibilities, some very unexpected. Now, this is not to say that I haven't spent time working toward certain goals. And part of my work is learning how to access the authentic voice, listen to it, and make my decisions based on it. That opens a lot of possibilities. It's just that, it seems as if the energy has opened up and opportunities are showing up that I had thought were no longer options. I actually found myself thinking, perhaps it's my turn, my time.

This sounds mystical, I know. And I certainly don't know the outcome of any of this. It does remind me of the movie, Forrest Gump. His last question was whether or not we have to make our own destiny, or whether we are just kind of floating along like a feather on a breeze, and things play themselves out. His conclusion -- a little bit of both. I tend to agree.

I know we have a lot to do with how our lives unfold by where we put our attention, our energy, our resources. Our ability to stay present and be open to new possibilities, our willingness to step into opportunities when they present themselves -- these all play a huge role. I also think that there is that other part of the puzzle -- the force of nature, the universe, God -- however you hold that -- that also moves us all in turn.

When we look back on our lives, we often see a theme. Something that has come up over and over again. For me, it has been about finding and following my authentic voice, which is why I have created my work around that. I've also recently realized that sharing these experiences of love, and creating community, are also part of my theme. Perhaps that's what this circle of life is all about. When you connect with your authenticity -- that love within you -- life opens up and it's your turn.

What's your theme?

Love,

Andrea

I give!

I give!! Did you ever say that as a kid? When someone got the better of you in some kind of contest or circumstance?

It's kind of funny when I think back on those times, like when my brother would have me in some kind of hold I couldn't get out of. He was six years older, and he and his friends would lie in wait for my sister and me to get home from school. Then, they would either shoot us with rubber bands, or practice their new "judo" moves on us. Being much younger and smaller, we were pretty powerless. These were definitely "I give" moments.

Given those kinds of experiences, surrendering certainly doesn't feel like a positive move. It feels like losing. Today, however, surrendering has taken on a much different meaning to me, even though sometimes I have to get to that "I give" moment before I do it.

Today, surrendering to whatever is happening in the moment means knowing that it is the only reality that exists! It's crazy to think you can fight the moment! Instead, by surrendering, I open to the greater energy that exists and allow that conspiracy of love to do its work. It means understanding that I don't necessarily know the best way to approach something from my more narrow focus, and to allow myself to access that greater focus for a new idea. It means letting go of "control" and trusting the river of life.

Recently, I have been practicing this a lot. As a result, I sometimes feel afraid, angry, hopeful, and any number of other emotions, but eventually, I feel peace.

Everything in this world is temporary. Surrendering to the moment, and finding peace and joy in it, is how I wish to experience my life. I am grateful for the chance to live. So, I give!

Love,

Andrea

Feeling lonely amongst a crowd

Have you noticed how so many things can be going well, and yet, our ego self becomes focused on the thing that is not going well?

I recently returned from the National Speakers Association Convention. What a great trip! It was held in NYC, and of course, full of energy, professional speakers, rock and roll, and lots of new and familiar friends and acquaintances. It was a wonderful experience on all counts. I came home rejuvenated, if exhausted, and ready to expand my world. I felt a shift inside -- a new commitment to create new opportunities to speak and go to conventions because it is so renewing. I loved being around optimistic people who want to make a difference in the world.

All was going well. And then, Monday night, during the awards ceremony, I started to feel lonely. I was amongst over a thousand people, and I felt all alone. I was at a table with four other people, and knew none of them. I struck up a conversation with the gentleman sitting beside me, but he didn't reciprocate. We just sat there. I think part of it was watching everyone else "seem" to have such a great time, and I'm sure many were, but I wasn't. After about 45 minutes, I decided I'd had enough and went to find my roommate to tell her I was leaving. On the way, I ran into a good friend who was sitting up at the front. She called me over and I told her I was leaving. Upon hearing this, her table host invited me to sit with them. So I did. Once again, an angel appeared just when I needed it.

After the ceremony, I found my roommate and we went up to the room to clean up before the big dance. It was then that I had a meltdown. I just sat on my bed and cried. I'm sure a big part of it was the culmination of days of activity, little sleep, too much food and drink, and just being in so much energy. Also, I was feeling so lonely. She was so understanding and supportive. She listened and after I was done, she encouraged me to go with her to the dance. So, I dried my very red eyes, and we headed downstairs.

The dance turned out to be such a wonderful outlet. I really let go. The place was packed and we danced for two hours. We then went to another party, where I met a number of nice people and learned about their businesses. I wandered back to the room around 2 a.m.

This is not my everyday life. I can't remember the last time I did that. Yet, it was so necessary to blow off some of the pressure I had been feeling, to connect with other people, and just have fun. It was then that I understood a couple of things which I now think about each day: Focus on compassion over criticism, and let yourself be vulnerable. I had been judging myself that night. And, when I let myself be vulnerable and shared that with someone, I was open to support and it came.

We can all feel lonely in a crowd, all judge ourselves and forget that we are unique, wonderful beings. I forgot that night. Thank you, all you angels out there, for reminding me.

Love,

Andrea