Last week, 
our family went to an amusement park in Park City, Utah, for a day of fun. When you take the chairlift up to the top of the mountain, one of the rides offered is the Alpine Slider. The Alpine Slider is a bobsled track that runs for about 3,000 feet down the mountain. As we approached the starting gate, there was a very large sign that read: WARNING! YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF YOUR RIDE. I laughed out loud! My immediate thought? “Well, I should hope so!” As my 7 year-old daughter and I got buckled in for our ride, I started thinking about how Smart Women are in control of their ride—I’m referring to the ride called a passionate, energy-filled and purposeful life.
Posts Tagged ‘purpose’
Smart Women Are In Control Of Their Ride
Thursday, August 26th, 2010What Smart Women Learn in the Recovery Room
Thursday, December 17th, 2009A few weeks ago, I had surgery to remove one of my healthy kidneys in order to donate that kidney to my husband Greg, 
whose kidney was failing, so that he would enjoy a more vital, healthy life. On December 1, we both were admitted to UCLA Medical Center. Everything went well regarding the surgery, however, when I woke up in the recovery room later that day and became aware of my surroundings, I felt restrained and an overall feeling of loss of control. As the hours went by (and the pain meds began to wear off!) I realized there were 4 “obstacles” that I needed to overcome in my journey to again feel in control of my life. The 4 “obstacles” were: forced oxygen, a catheter, an IV in my arm, and being strong enough to stand up and walk without assistance. This got me thinking about how Smart Women need to overcome the “obstacles” in their lives in order for them to be in control of their destiny.
As women, we can sometimes carry a heavy load of responsibility. We are nurturers by nature. We tend to say “Yes” more than “No.” Over time, some of the roles and responsibilities you take on no longer serve you well and can become “obstacles”. There have been times in my life that I’ve felt as if I was being held captive to some of the roles and responsibilities in my life. What are possible “obstacles” right now in your life?
Smart Women Know “All About Me”
Friday, April 25th, 2008This is a big week for my son Jack who is in first grade. It’s his “All About Me” presentation. We spent some time this weekend gathering all of the items that he believes are a representation of who he is right now. This morning, I was walking behind him and watching him carry his box full of items, head held high, proud of what he had chosen and really sure of who he is, right now, at age 7. It got me thinking about this exercise, “All about Me.” If I were to put my life on display today, what would be in my box? What would be proudly displayed on the table?
What I noticed in my son’s box, were not only hobbies that he’s interested in at present (baseball, Lakers cards, Harry Potter) but also past accomplishments (soccer trophies, art pieces) and photos of his family, including grandparents. This is a great exercise for all of us, no matter what age. Women’s lives are so busy today with many demands for our precious time. We typically make sure that everyone around us is achieving their dreams and goals—children, family, friends, co-workers, and community. We don’t have much time to get into that space where it’s “All About Me.” However, it’s essential that we do this, if we are to manifest our own dreams, take our own risks, meet our own challenges and create our legacy. In my work with women, one of the benefits they share over and over again, is that it gives them the space and creative environment to focus on their “All About Me.” It’s taking that time to learn what’s next for you and then making a plan to make it happen.
How about you? What would be in your “All About Me” display today? Would you stand back to admire all that you have accomplished? Would there be a representation of where you are going in the future? Are all of your dreams and goals represented? Is there something that you would like to include but have not had time to get around to it? If so, make some time this week to sit down in a quiet place, maybe with a cup of tea or coffee, a journal and a writing pen in your favorite color. Make it an “All About Me” hour or entire day! Ask yourself a few key questions. A wonderful question by a very wise and talented author, Parker Palmer, goes like this, “If your life were asking you a question, what would the question be?” (more…)
