It occurs to me that once I chat here on a daily basis with what I hope are some words of wisdom; I don’t always give any helpful hints.  You know those comments that made “Dear Abby” or Dr. Laura famous (not to add enormously well to do!).

Well a “Dear Abby” or Dr. Laura I’m not.  Personally that’s not my idea of “serving” each other - but we won’t go there.

Earlier today I wrote that personal growth or development often comes wrapped in some form of what we perceive to be adversity.  Those rough spots in the road as we journey.

But I didn’t say anything about how to help each other during these times.  Nor did I speak about the resources we can search for that will help pull us from the ash heap like the ‘phoenix rising’.

Of course, the perfect resource is a friend or several friends.  Close friends; women (or men) we trust & in whom we have deposited considerable confidence.  My visual metaphor for such a season of life is that the pot hole is deep enough to leave just our eyes above ground.  Enough vision to see the feet of another who has walked to where we are and offered to help us out of the hole.  Not only out of the hole, but to walk with us until our objective vision has returned and the road again rises up to meet us!

Whether we call them ‘mentors’ or ‘counselors’ (not in the professional sense) or ’spiritual directors’ - they are the folks who assist in taking the scales from our eyes and help in finding the silver lining that we so desperately need in such times.

When my husband died quite young and I too was just under 40; I looked to our friends as a resource for some semblance of social existence in a world full of ‘couples’.  It came as a great shock when about six months into widowhood, I discovered the friends had all departed across a border I dared not cross.  What does a 38 year-old suddenly-single with two children at home to complete parenting - do when those who patted my hand at the mortuary suddenly vanish?  What does the over 40 suddenly single woman who thought marriage meant ‘forever’ do when he’s gone and they’re gone too?

These are more dramatic examples of the challenges that can face us when personal development comes from more adversity than we asked for.  But adversity has a way of being somewhat ‘relevant’ to the person and the situation.

Regardless of how deep the ‘pot hole’ in which we find ourselves; friends - true friends are often the answer.  Those who stick, especially when the going gets tight and tough.  Sometimes they don’t have to say anything.  Their presence is enough to give us strength and courage.

At least we don’t have to add that ‘lonely feeling’ to what surrounds us in the ‘hole’!

So if you’re experiencing some personal development away from the desert oasis - look for a friend who will come along side and be your sounding board if needed.  Or simply a companion who holds your hand and says - “Let’s keep walking!”

Have an awesome day with much love and loyal friends!

Linda

Sorry, but it’s true!  We often experience the most personal growth when times are tough.  I call those times the desert experience.

Yesterday, I saw some text that referred to personal growth as personal development.  Actually that’s probably a better term for it and may be easier for those of us who cringe at the thought of growing personally (because we almost always associate it with pain).

It is our development phases!  It’s those times when something occurs in life that moves us from where we are to where we are supposed to be (or “go”).  And as difficult as it is to ’swallow’, those times most often come because we experience what  - from our vantage point - we call ‘adversity.

Why put “from our vantage point” in italics?  Because most often it is difficult for us to see the silver lining in the midst of the black swirling clouds!  Now, trust me, many of us have been through some pretty rough and rocky territory.  The accompanying pain is anything but a silver lining for us at the time.  It “hurts” and that’s all that matters!

I’m not going to dwell on those most tragic or dramatic episodes in life in this piece.  What I’m talking about are the things that throw us “for a loop”.  Not that they don’t cause us to flinch - but they are minor in the grand scheme of things.

I’m pulling from my ‘chronologically maturing’ wisdom bag with this one.  What those detours called “adversity” have wrought in me is a greater sense of who I am.  In my case “who I am” in light of Who He is!  That sense of self that is the outcome of those dark life seasons has led to an assertiveness  that can get things done - can exhort others - can make a difference.  From the tiniest annoyance to the next somewhat major crisis; the newly found ability to “stand my ground” when the ground upon which I stand is solid and secure (and often correct) has served me well as I’ve strolled from task to task on the journey to my destiny!

Personal development doesn’t have to be that dramatic or that profound.  But it does need to occur if we are not to be viewed as a 2 year-old in an over 40, 50 or more bod!  I’m sure you’ve met those folks who appear mature at first glance, but need only encounter a slow driver and a sudden ‘temper tantrum’ erupts (oops, I’ve done that one myself!).

We grow in stages, of course, but that’s tomorrow’s conversation.  Today we’re talking about how to turn the dark clouds over to discovery the silver lining beneath.  We have several choices of course!  We can dig our heels in and refuse to budge.  Or we can square off with loud shouts and raised fists.  Or we can say “okay, how best am I to handle this rough road and what am I to learn from it!”  I finally figured out at a rather ripe chrono-maturity, that the last option usually is the best. 

The point I’m making in this rather lengthy chat, is that how I deal with life’s rough roads determines how life progresses for me in the future.  How I manuever through them determines who I am once the rough spots have passed.  And even if I’m a “heel-digger”, I’ll be changed (grown or developed) even when I refuse to do so - it may not be to my liking or to those around me - but I’ll be a wee bit different than before.

The most salient piece of wisdom I can pass on to you today is that when we refuse to learn from the bumps on the journey - we will most often encounter them again in a different disguise! 

We may not recognize them at first; but trust me they do return - again and again - until we face them and decide to gain the knowledge and wisdom meant to be gained.

And that my dear sisters - is personal development!  My inner perspective changes and it’s reflected in my outward actions.  I’ve developed something new or slightly different that will pay off for me in the future because I didn’t take the road usually traveled.

I know we’re all busy, but at the close of this day, take a little reflection time and revisit a few of those journey-detours to see what it was that you learned from them; how you applied that learning as you moved forward; and how it has been a positive piece of who you are today!

It’s time well spent to do so!

Have an awesome day with much love & considerable silver linings!

Linda

It was an amazing 9 days, but I’m back to reality now.  My husband and I took a very romantic Caribbean cruise.  I’d love to say I am now rested and rejuvenated-but I can’t.  I’m only half that.

I am rejuvenated-but oh so not rested.  We began by having to get up at 3 a.m. (yes, there really is such an hour-and it’s darn dark out!) to shower and dress for our drive to LAX for a 6 a.m. flight that would end up in Ft. Lauderdale, FLA.  The flights were smooth, landed on time and our luggage arrived at the same time (and in the same place) we did.  The hotel shuttle came within 10 minutes of our getting out to the front of the terminal.  The Comfort Suites Inn was clean, well kept and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

We had a day-and-a-half in Ft. Lauderdale.  Thanks to our front desk person, we were able to make the most of it.  He had the same shuttle that brought us take us to the riverfront in old town and told us which water taxi to commandeer.  We decided to go and hunt up a place for an early lunch.  Unlike California, this city didn’t seem to believe in breakfast restaurants!  That was okay.  Our “captain” on the water taxi gave us a tour of the canals-the yachts, the homes, who lived in them and all the gossip-then he dropped us off a street behind the main drag of restaurants and upscale shops (and a suggestion of where to eat!).  Thanks to a truckload of prednisone, I was more than able to walk-so we did.  We found the crepe place that was recommended.  It was very cute, had great food and the best part- good coffee.

Now we were fortified-we walked up and down old town.  Then it was back to the hotel.  We were able to find simple but okay dinner places both nights.  Sunday morning, we ate the breakfast the hotel provided and took the shuttle over to our ship.

We boarded the Celebrity Millennium and made ourselves at home.  Our first evening we were expecting our requested table for two-but wound up at one for 8.  Everyone was very nice, but by the time we arrived back at our cabin after the first show, we were re-assigned to the table of our choice.  How romantic can you be with 6 other people???

Our first day was at sea, beautiful weather and we enjoyed a day of puttering around.  We went to the gym (I was also doing a bit of work on an article for the OC Register on how to keep fit and healthy while cruising), worked out and I had a very nice massage, while my better half enjoyed a round of bingo (and won!). 

Next day we docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  On the way to our tour bus (we did old/new town and the Ft. Cristobal) we actually saw dolphins.  San Juan was quite picturesque.  Although we were a bit taken aback by some of the residents calling us (meaning tourists in general) names!  Not the people in the shops, but those hanging out in the parks and street vendors.

Wednesday we docked in St. Thomas.  We love Megan’s Bay-it really is one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.  We did some shopping as well.  Nothing major this trip, after all we weren’t in the market to upgrade any jewelry.  We were looking for some gifts for the “kids” in our lives, but alas, both San Juan and St. Thomas had nothing we couldn’t get at any of our local malls.

Thursday, while it is true that we docked in the Dominican Republic-we stayed on the ship.  We had already been to this port and weren’t very impressed with it the first go-round.  It was a day of having a great time in the gym and walking around the ship.

Friday was spent at Celebrity’s private island in Labadee, Haiti.  We took a very interesting walking tour.  Our guide was a very passionate young man who was worth twice the amount we paid for the excursion.  He told us about the city of Labadee across the bay where he came from and how thanks to our cruise line his home finally had not only its very first medical clinic, but electricity as well.

Saturday was our last day at sea.  It was smooth sailing.  Again we hit the gym and just enjoyed all the ship had to offer.  I must also add we had the most wonderful waiter.  Eladio was from Guatemala.  He’s about our age and a family man with 3 teenage boys.  He and his wife hate the 6 month long separation, but he’s able to support his family so they all endure what they must.  Our maitre’d Franco, was a wonderful younger man from Croatia.  He had been with Celebrity for 16 years.  While he loved his job for most of those years, he is now a family man with 2 very young children.  He has decided that he no longer wants to be away from them for so many months at a time.  His goal is to try and arrange a different job within the company that would allow him to be with his family.  Our cabin stewards were excellent.  Friendly, helpful and yet-they did their jobs as if they were as stealth as jaguars!

Sunday’s trip home was long and tiring.  Our “first” class tickets are going to be this weekend’s project.  Seems our plane hadn’t had the capability to give us movies or music in a month!  If we had paid with cash instead of air miles we would probably be furious, still we are going to try and get those miles back.  Also, when one requests a “vegan” meal and then specifies that there cannot be any dairy on her plate due to food allergies-why would the “chef” send a plate with cold salmon, frozen (meaning they were hard and cold) French fries and ranch dressing?

Ah well, if only the last stretch home had a hitch in it-we truly must have had one helluva grand time!

Now go out there and have a truly awesome day!

Carine

Yes, many women I know hate the phrase, “personal growth”.

(I’m writing today’s conversation today!  How I love to be a little ornery and say things I know will cause one to pause & wonder. . .  Actually I’m writing Tuesday’s on Monday because tomorrow (or today) is a blitz.

Back to the subject at hand - personal growth.   You might ask what it is doing in a section reserved for “Biz Tips”?  Well it’s here because it is one of the foundational aspects of life achievements.  I’ve heard folks say, “I’ll NEVER get into that c_ _ _!” 

Well, guess what?  They get into that ’stuff’ whether they like it or not.  Life happens and they have to adjust, flex and otherwise course correct. 

That’s personal growth!  Responding in some way - with negative or positive outcome - to life happens.  Depending on how we ‘respond’ or ‘react’; we will make changes (sometimes very significant ones) that affect us for years to come - most likely forever.

Anything that comes along has the potential to grow us personally.  It may be something with our businesses or career and we don’t deem it “personal growth”.  But trust me, we either grow through it or we sit down at the curb of life; sulk & lick wounds; and ultimately become disenchanted and bitter.  No matter - that’s a growth strategy whether we think so or not.  Not one that is likely to have a positive forward-tugging outcome - but it is a form of growth.

Some months ago, I did long talks here on the necessity of using reflection as a tool in our personal & professional toolbag.  Reflection is at the heart of personal growth.  And personal growth is at the heart of business & professional growth.  We might translate the word “growth” in the last sentence as “success” - however we define success.

I think one of the reasons we shy away from the phrase is that we identify it with pain.  Those of us who grew up in the early days of the human potential - small group process era know all too well the pain that often comes with growth of any kind.  It doesn’t have to be that way unless the growth comes as the result of tragic or traumatic circumstances.

Perhaps it’s helpful if I translate the phrase to “personal change”.  Change is synonymous with “growth”.  Anytime there is change in life, we either grow with or through it or we do the “sit on the curb routine”.

Let’s apply the phrase to our present business life.  If I’m not having the success I’d like to have in developing strong relationships that lead to business growth, I might want to first ask “me” if the ‘problem’ is “me”!  I might want to ask one or two close (very close) and trusted (very trusted) friends what they experience of me that could be getting in the way of. . . .!  Make certain to ask for total honesty delivered with a heaping dose of gentle love. 

Maybe it’s the way I approach relationship-building.  Maybe I’m too focused on “me” and not enough on the other person.  Maybe I haven’t learned how to ‘read’ the other person’s temperment or personal behaviorial style and I come plowing in with outstretched hand to meet a person who has a large “personal space” that I’ve just invaded.

Let me give you a personal example that might be helpful (and allows me to ‘vent’ a wee bit).  At a recent event, one of the speakers made a very direct statement about his political preference in the current presidential campaign.  It was obvious this person was passionate about his candidate.  Well his candidate is not mine.  In fact, I have equally passionate feelings in the opposite direction.  The presenter was doing a session I was interested to attend.  However, I made an adamant decision that I didn’t want to be in the same room with this person because no matter the presentation, I felt I was going to be exposed to attempts to persuade “me” to vote a way I don’t want to do.  The manner in which the person made himself known turned me (and others I might add) off to anything the fellow had to say.  The bottom line for me was:  “I’m not here for a political discussion as that’s not the reason I paid money to come, etc., etc.”

What could the person have done to make himself more palatable to all present?  Not mentioned the candidate by name of course!  Simple solution isn’t it for those of us sitting on the sidelines.  But to make that kind of change might be very difficult for the presenter since his passion was on full display!

I use the above example partly because it’s fresh, but mostly to make the point that first and foremost, it’s important for us to look within “me” to see if the challenge is internal.  If not - great!

Or is it?  Is it better for it to be internal to “me” or something with another?  Well, I can change “me”; but I can’t change the other.  And trust me, if I try, I’m in for a “world of hurt”!  What I might consider is learning how to deal with folks according to their particular style; temperment or personal preferences. 

When I must make the change to accommodate another with whom I’d like to plant a seed that will grow into relationship. . . . that, my dear ’sisters’ is a matter of personal growth! 

 Have an awesome day with as much personal growth as is comfortable and considerable blessings as the payoff!

Linda

Saturday’s BlogIn was awesome!  I love the “unconference” format where the participants decide - on the spot - what the conference sessions will cover.  Great way to get what one wants from the time spent.

I attended all sessions lead by Douglas Karr, a very knowledeable blogger from Indiana who covered a number of aspects of blogging.  BTW - for those who aren’t familiar with the term - it’s shorthand for “weblog”.  Blogging is the hottest commodity in cyberspace and virtually everyone’s doin’ it!

Well at least many folks have taken up blogging.  For as many reasons as there are people doing it, I suspect.  According to the presenters, some reason folks “blog” are to educate; influence; network (ah ha!); escape & fulfill secret passions (such as a passion to write); to extend a business or personal ‘brand’ and some even make money at it!  One of the “doing it right” pieces is authenticity & transparency.  I don’t care how anonymous we may think blogging is, those who come to our blog will quickly ‘pick up’ whether we’re an authentic person who is being transparent with us!

Some of the folks at the conference are folks I know from networking in the city or from the Smaller Indiana (www.smallerindiana.com) web community.  They are all women business owners at various levels of business development.  They all blog!

Why you might ask?  Why take the time to put your thoughts on the machine each day (or even several times weekly)?  What’s to be accomplished?

Well, when we learn the ‘tricks of the trade’ such as SEO (search engine optimization); keywords, blogging platforms (i.e. WordPress, our platform), etc. - we begin to gain exposure.  Exposure to a world we can’t begin to imagine or even fathon!

Exposure in places whose names we may not even be able to pronounce.  It was a shock to me to discover my first blog post that mentioned Russell Watson on the official Watson “forum”.  I didn’t realize that one can do something called “GOOGLE ALERT” and whenever something or someone we’re interested in is posted ANYWHERE on the web, I/you/we get a “google alert”. 

Now how fantastic is that?!

From a business perspective, it’s an awesome opportunity that we might want to explore.  Explore and consider adding to our “Essential Business ToolBag(tm)”.  It we have an existing website presence, then I encourage you to add a “blog” to your site.  After all, any woman who owns her own business or works at another’s well professionally - is an expert in her field!  She has something to offer others that they just may be looking for.  It doesn’t matter what subject matter (personal, business/professional or spiritual) - someone is lurking in cyberspace searching for what you have to offer.

If you don’t yet have a web presence - then consider beginning your journey into cyberland with a blog.  It truly is very simple to use. 

Blog platforms are a form of CMS (content management systems) where text, video, photos, etc. can be changed continuously.  The beauty of the best of these systems is that all those of us who are html-illiterate can simply type and the platform adds the code for us!  Wha-la!  We write, hit “publish” and we’re launched into the world of the net for all to discover, see, learn and come back again and again.

Seriously (and I’m having a terrible time being serious today), blogging is an awesome tool.  Some folks just need the encouragement you might write on a day you feel particularly “up”.  Others are looking for info about which you are an ‘expert’.  Still others simply ’stumble upon’ your writing - enjoy - come back time and again - and tell others about you.  Suddenly, you have an audience and a presence you didn’t have before.

Before you know it, business is coming from sources you might never have thought possible.

So open your ToolBag and tuck blogging in there with all the other essential tools you are collecting.

Have an awesome day of discovery with much love & great blessings.

Linda

I’m on a roll today!  Some days, talking here is a chore (mind’s a blank and ‘bod’ says “let’s run away from home, Fitzgerald!”); but today is one of those days when many messages flow!

Our first “Monday Moments” was on how important it is to exercise our brains-minds in order to stay mentally agile.  That leads me to continue the subject as I reflect on what it is that keeps us from atrophy along the journey!

Last Friday, I chatted briefly about one of my favorite sources of inspiration these days - in the form of Russell Watson and his incredible voice.  Just playing one of his CD’s sends me soaring into creative-city.  I bring this up because I realize this young man has an effect on my feeling young again.  He’s a source of inspiration that touches my core where linear life disappears and eternity takes hold.  Whatever it is about him and that magnificent voice; it does awesome things to this ‘old gal’ (oops didn’t mean to say that word!).

I firmly believe - no, I know - that what keeps “father time” from our door is continually being inspired by something or someone.  Whatever or whoever breaths energy into us at any point in life is a “whatever or whoever” we need to keep near. 

In other words, whatever or whoever ought to be part of our anti-aging strategies.  We’re so prone these days to think of anti-aging as only relating to what we put on our skin to keep the creeping lines from our eyes and various other asundry outward appearances of ‘chronological maturity’ from our faces.  All too often, we forget our inner life that needs anti-aging strategies as well.  After all, what we see outside is often a function of what’s inside!

I just did a mental calculation of the important folks in my life other than family. I discovered that most of my female friends, with the exception of several women I’ve known since school (grade school mind you), are at least 15 years + my junior.  When with them, I don’t think of an age difference and hopefully they don’t think of it either.  We share similar interests, make each other laugh, can be strategically honest and generally thoroughly enjoy each other’s company.  We’ve bonded as folks say.  What difference the years make - none whatsoever. 

Several years ago, I made a vow to “me” that I would rarely hang out with a group of women I’d known for years and usually enjoyed immensely.  However, at some point, the conversation turned to “age” and how we were “getting old”.  What had been either serious stimulating conversation or totally frivilous chat that regaled us with laughter, suddenly turned to the latest medicine each was taking and general chit-chat around the resentments of “getting old”.  I came away depressed and had trouble pulling out of it to take back my belief that I am “ageless”!  In fact, it became difficult to put on makeup without looking in the mirror and to look was too painful.

See how our internal mental image of ourselves can be ‘tweaked’ by others in such a way as to see ourselves in a mirror in light of their perception of who we are?!

Now I stay in touch only with those who think that the “golden years” are golden because we’re out of eggs and can laugh heartily enough for others to stare in our direction.

The point of all the above is to say be mindful of who we hang out with.  Pay attention to what “turns us on” (yes at our chrono-maturity we can still experience “turn on” and I say Thank God for that!).  Grab ahold of whatever or whoever it is that inspires us and causes the brain to turn back the chrono-clock to a time when the mirror didn’t reveal even the slightest wrinkle.  Even if “grab ahold” must occur only in our wildest dreams.

With that said, I’ve decided it’s perfectly appropriate to hang out with my newfound friends in the Russell Watson ‘fan club’ across the pond, as well as here in the ‘colonies’ and be as enamoured of youth, style, beauty, talent and charm as they are.  Why?  Because to do so is to say “life in the 2nd half of the journey - regardless of the season we find ourselves” - is worth kicking up our heels about.

And it’s worth putting folks who bring to life the spark of youth that remains within us forever in our “keeper” bag!  Just in case the descriptor “keeper” is foreign to you - it’s a phrase my dad used.  He’d grin broadly with that familiar twinkle in his eye and say. . “ah, now she’s a keeper!”

Seriously (oh must we be), do as we used to advise our children - “pick your friends carefully”.  And make wise decisions about the environments in which you ‘hang out’.  Add some internal anti-aging strategies to your shelf where you keep those awesome ‘fountain of youth’ products.

You’ll be glad you did and the mirror will say back to you - “you stunning woman you!”

Ciao! 

Linda

P.S.  Others I’ve put in my anti-aging strategies besides Mr. Watson are Il Divo (discovered and formed by Simon Cowell of American Idol fame) and Josh Groban - in that order!  If you love great music and awesome voices; check these beautiful young men out for yourself.  I’m sure you’ll find they take years and any forming ‘wrinkles’ off your soul.

I missed yesterday! 

No I didn’t forget or get sloppy or anything like that.  I was simply gone most of the day and too ragged around the edges to think clearly or creatively upon our return.  And I was mentally processing the exciting event I attended on Saturday.

The gentleman standing behind me yesterday as we watched Jim find directions for us via his laptop; wireless broadband phone & MapQuest shook his beautiful white-haired head and made a comment equivalent to saying “I’m too old to learn the computer!”  I retorted, “We’re never too old to learn something new.  We just think we’re too old!”

I was peeved by his comment since I had just come from an exciting day at the Smaller Indiana BlogIn on Saturday.  Driving onto the campus of my Alma Mater (Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis or IUPUI) was like deja’vu!  I recalled when it was simply 3 buildings with two separate locations in the city and fighting to grow in size and integrity.  Now it’s a sprawling campus with housing and “School of_____” everywhere.  It was great fun coming ‘home’; sitting in a lecture hall and then moving to the classroom for separate seminar sessions.

I made a ‘resolution’ as I sat there!  Since I’m a life-long learner who gets turned on by acquiring new knowledge; I decided I needed to return to the classroom.  The very thought of it resulted in my dropping 25 - 30 years from a mental image of “age”.

We’ve heard the research, I’m sure.  All the experts tell us that to stay mentally alert as we grow more ‘chrono-mature’, we must keep the mind (”brain”) active.  What’s the phrase - “use it or lose it?”

It’s true!  If we don’t continue to exercise our mental capacities, we’ll lose mental agility.  We’ll soon find ourselves descending into a mish-mash of jumbled images & distorted memories from which recovery is seldom possible. 

But, if we decide (and it’s an act of the will) to remain mentally alert and image ourselves as youthful - then we will remain youthful. 

And I have a theory (totally untested by scientific method) that as we image ourselves youthful - so shall we be.  I think our bodies tend to toddle along after our brain and if our brain and use thereof, concludes that “youth is wasted on the young” - then perhaps our bodies will stay only a few years behind what the brain is racing out to do!  I don’t know that we can do much about gravity, but I do think we can aid all those anti-aging skin care systems for which we spend boo-coo bucks by applying some anti-aging strategies to our mental capacities as well!

I think it was Napoleon Hill who said, “As a man thinketh, so he shall be” or some such similar quote!

So I decided that I would audit a class or two (credits are not the object); sit in a classroom with folks half or more my junior and think that I am only a few more years ‘chrono-mature’ than they - and learn a buncha’ new stuff! 

Besides, just putting on the jeans with my sloppy fake “Birkies”; my new gold hoop earrings and a loose-fitting top (to hide the bulge about the middle) was like discovery of Ponce’ DeLeon’s fountain of youth!  Drinking in what Doug had to say was the intoxicating elixir of youth.

Let me just put it this way!  It was ‘addictive’.  With that said, we’re back to the saying - “What’s age got to do with anything?”

Not one thing!

Have an awesome day with much love & great blessings.

Linda

What in the world is a “blog in?” 

I can’t tell you because I’ve not done one before, but today I’m headed to the great city of Indy for a “blog in”.  Forty or so of us who blog on a regular basis will gather at my alma mater (IUPUI) to learn from the experts & each other how to better our “blogging skills”.

A few years ago, I was barely computer literate!  The only thing I’d heard about “blogs” was they were for the most part, political in nature or someone’s need to gain a little notoriety by writing personal stuff for the whole world to witness.  In fact, I was advised to ignore this thing called the “blogging craze” and stick to a simple site for chronologically maturing women, etc - etc. - etc!

Well it was advice I didn’t take!  And I’m delighted I didn’t; because blogging has become much more than a craze or phenomenon.  It is here to stay.  Many of th earliest blogs (i.e. “The Drudge Report”) are sources of much info that gets in the hands of millions worldwide long before traditional media sources even know “what’s up!”

Why is this the subject for a Saturday in spring?  Because many of you who are part of our AWP and now our AWI(tm) community blog!  You’ve discovered the power of the written word and how valuable many blogs are for dispensing information or grabbing the attention of a wider audience (business or personal) than ever before.

What’s also becoming well-known, is that women (and men) of our genre’ have discovered the awesome power of the internet (when used for proper purposes of course) - social networking, online purchasing and blogging.

As women of excellence with the wisdom that comes with entry into the 2nd half of the journey, we have much we can share of value with each other.  Being a resource for each other is a major part of our vision & mission!

So shortly, I’m going to leave the bed unmade, ’stuff’ for which there seems to be no more room, in bags on the floor and head for the “Blog In”.  I hope to learn valuable tips that I’ll pass along to you and gain some new friends in the process.

Have an awesome day with much love & considerable blessings.

Linda

What is it that attracts us to others?  I don’t mean just any “other”, but one person in particular?  Especially when we are further along in the 2nd half of the journey and certainly moving rapidly on the “chronologically maturing” scale!

As I took my noon break on the back porch in the warm Indiana spring day; I thought about this and decided I needed to write it now - rather than later.

What prompted the thought process?  I got a message from another “Russell (Watson) addict” in the great state of Texas.  She introduced herself and shared a little info on her background and that of the US moderator for the official R.W. Forum.  What got my attention was the fact that the moderator (in Hawaii) is 84 years of chrono-maturity!  Gee, I thought I was a wee bit too mature for such teeny-bopper behavior.  Not only is the moderator well into the 2nd (or perhaps 3rd or 4th) part of the journey - but so is my new friend in Texas (any friend of the Russell is a friend of mine you see).  And furthermore, I get the impression that many of those who gather about the Forum on a daily basis are of our vintage!  It got my creative thought processes rollin’.

Why would women mature enough “to know better” suddenly find ourselves drawn to a person much younger than many of us.  I remembered the Elvis ‘graze’ when I was in my teens; and shortly after that the Beatles ‘graze’.  And I recall going into a deep depression following the untimely death of my then heartthrob - Indiana-raised JAMES DEAN!

But I was a kid!  Well not a kid, but young enough to feel it appropriate to be enamoured of the latest international sensation and not be embarrassed or apologetic for it.

Now along comes the ‘later in life’ phase when most of us settle into thinking that the hormones have left our DNA and lament that little or nothing truly excites us anymore (except maybe a brief glimpse of the Scottish lad Sean!).  After all - we’re far tooooo mature for such childish things as a crush or whatever one calls our Russell-addiction.

So in my best chrono-maturity, I decided to try to analyze this phenomenon and give it shape and form.

The truth is, the hormones never leave our DNA - they just hide until the moment or the person is “right!”  I think it has to do with a deeper appreciation for life as we move along the maturity scale.  I also think we are attracted to folks who have tremendous God-given talents and abilities and use them well!  After all, regardless of who the person is - we know the Author of the gift.

Perhaps in Russell’s case, it is what appears to be a genuine wholesomeness that is rare among internationally recognized talent these days.  Perhaps it’s the smile and twinkle of eye when performing and obviously about to say something incredibly funny.

Try as I may, I can’t find the words to wrap around my weak analysis.  In my case, it may be that I have daughters and gained sons via marriage - and if I had a son, I’d like him to be. . . . you know the rest! 

Whatever it is, it’s great!  I remember my wonderful dad used to get chastised by mom for making a typical male comment about a gorgeous female star.  Her “Herm, at your age!” was followed by his smile and dancing eyes as he thought of the perfect retort -

“Well, E.E. (her nickname), at any age, I can look and dream what it would be like to ‘touch’.  And when I no longer want to do that - I’m DEAD!

Perhaps that’s the answer!  As long as life courses through our bodies, we will enjoy the ‘look’ and even dream of the ‘touch’.  And when not even that occurs - we’re dead!

Ah, we are wondrously made!  Thank God that we never grow so chrono-mature that appreciation for beauty, talent and integrity cannot overtake us and leave us marveling. 

Or leave us wishing “oh if I were just 30 years younger & 30+ pounds lighter about the middle. . . !”

Well, we can’t have everything - but as long as life flows, we can look and savor the gifts that are ours to admire and enjoy!

Admire and enjoy great gifts and considerable talents in your day!

Linda

I’ve written here before about the power of women.  A power to make change for the better!  Power to connect & transform.  Power to reach out to each other and make a difference in each other’s lives.  Power to soften the rough edges of societies & cultures that for too long have had edges that rip & destroy.

I’ve recently run across a new book by Ed Silvoso entitled “Women - God’s Secret Weapon”.  The following is part of the promo paragraph: “Silvoso unfolds practical steps for women to be restored to their God-given positions of effective ministry and presents powerful examples of what happens when women are “twice refined” then released into ministry. This book will embolden women to step beyond stereotypical roles and find healing from long-term emotional hurts. It will also establish for men a confidence that they can walk side by side with women, helping them to be restored and refined.”

Silvoso is a Christian author native to Argentina.  He looks at “us” (women) from a Godly perspective and calls us “worthy”.  Actually, more than worthy!  He encourages “us” to take up our God-given destinys’; be healed from pain that all too often keeps us from doing so; and invites us to walk in the strength, courage and power that is rightfully ours.

I could launch into a tangent about why it is the case that we haven’t done so; but it’s Friday and no one wants to explore such a serious subject at the close of the week in the market place!  I can tell you, that some of the reasons we have not walked from the stereotypes and pain are among my greatest “pet peeves” in the 2nd half of the journey. 

And speaking of the 2nd half of the journey, I firmly believe that one of the greatest life episodes that creates an awareness that we’ve entered the 2nd half of ‘a’ or ‘the’ journey is when we realize that we have power as women.  And I think that comes when we wake up one day and recognize that there is a 2nd half of the journey!

The moment we come to that realization is the moment we get a glimpse of who we are as a woman.  I mean a woman - without all the stereotypes and labels that have plagued us over the years.  Without the need to accept shrouds designed by those who don’t want us to discover our power.  Shrouds upon which are written the words “weaker sex” or “not fit for” or “it was Eve’s fault”. 

I’m not pointing a finger at any one person, sect or crowd - just noting that history has not been kind to us in general and not specifically encouraged us to rise from the “ashes” and take our rightful place as equal partners in the coming of the Kingdom.

That is changing!  And works such as Ed Silvoso’s piece is part of the changing climate in which women in the 2nd half of the journey will now find ourselves.  I encourage you to check out Amazon.com; find the Silvoso book and check it out for yourself.

I think even Ed would agree that “we’ve come a long way baby!”  But then, not far enough as yet.

Have an awesome day with much love and gracious, generous compliments on your womanhood.

Linda

check out Russell at www.russell-watson.com!