Self-Exploration Bravery

     I am currently working my way through a book titled Emotional Currency by Kate Levinson. The subtitle is "A Woman's Guide to Building a Healthy Relationship with Money." It is a well-written and interesting read. It is also packed with self-exploration questions. That's the work I'm doing, exploring with writing and contemplation the many different ways I experience money.
    It's making me aware of how emotionally-charged money can be for me, as well as how pervasive money-thoughts and issues are in my life. I've also discovered that I have a few money-related "unmentionables"--ideas relative to money that are quite embarrassing or even shameful that I would never speak aloud. Except I did share them with a trusted person, as that's how we release the shame--express it and let it go. That took some bravery on my part. The point is that we all have these "unmentionables" if we take the time to identify them.
     Money is "core" issue with me. Even that's curious to me, as I've never not had enough. Exploring my relationship with money is making me more aware, and that's the first step to change. I can feel my angst relative to money lessening. That's enough encouragement to keep me bravely plowing through Emotional Currency.
     Bravely exploring,
             Leta

Our overflowing abundance

This is today's Note from the Universe by Mike Dooley:

If you just look at all that already exists in your life, all that you already have: unlimited air to breathe, ample lighting to see, music to hear, books to read, stars to dream by, trees to gaze at, floors to dance on, friends to cavort with, enemies to befriend, strangers to meet, woods to walk through, beaches to comb, rocks to scale, rains to cleanse you, rivers to float you, animals to comfort you, you do have to admit, there's more of it than you could ever, ever, ever spend.
 But try anyway.

Makes me feel rich, indeed!
          Leta

More thoughts on brave, love to my sister-in-law

     I traveled to Pennsylvania from Kansas last weekend to attend the graveside service of my s-i-l, Mary Ellen, who passed away in January. It was a lovely service in a magnificent area of central PA, and I delighted in seeing neighbors and family I hadn't seen in several or many years.
     I cry at any such "closing" ceremony. It doesn't matter whether or not I knew the deceased well. The sadness of loved ones missing that person is overwhelming to me, so I cry.
     I had written a tribute to Mary Ellen and her importance in my life, accompanied by Ted Bear, a gift from her to me some 47 years ago. I was given the opportunity to share it at the luncheon after her service. Of course, I cried. Others did, too. This act was brave for me, because I didn't know if I could get through it. I don't fear speaking before a group, but this was an important act of closure for me, and wanting to honor Mary Ellen in a manner that her powerful love deserved. I did it. And I'm so glad I did. It went very well.
     Releasing a loved one is a supreme act of bravery, maybe one of the most challenging ones we face in this earthly adventure. And then there's the ongoing bravery of continuing to live without that person's physical presence. This is where the idea of "we are stronger than we know" comes into play.
     Being brave sometimes,
               Leta

New Believe Enterprises Website--it's live!

     I think I finally got a handle on the new godaddy website builder and have come up with a new website I'm really happy with, mainly because it is considerably simpler in design. (I also like the colors!) Please check it out (http://www.believeenterprises.com/). I'd love to hear any feedback you care to offer. Thanks!
    Also, please scroll down and read yesterday's post about being brave.
    Have a great week, dear readers!
           Leta

What does "brave" mean to you?

     I'm working on a new website, and it uses the "Brave Broad" theme and looks at the concept of "brave." I would love to have your comments on what "brave" means to you. It may be a phrase or two, or paragraphs, whatever you feel inspired to write.
     For instance, for me, it was extremely brave to skydive. But that's often a once-in-a-lifetime brave. It has taken much more bravery for me to learn to say "no" when I truly want to say "no," to stand up for myself consistently, to buck the opinions of so-called "experts." Really, just living each day well on this amazing planet full of amazing humans is brave.
     I encourage you to think back on your life and note times of bravery, and give yourself lots of credit for them. Ponder "brave" and if you feel inspired, please comment. That will be quite brave of you!
     And, if you are willing to have your comments show up on my website at some point in time, please indicate that. I won't use any names with the quotes, initials at most.
     Brave new website coming soon...
             Leta

Allowing Yourself to Rest

"Work when there is work to do. Rest when you are tired. One thing done in peace will most likely be better than ten things done in panic... I am not a hero if I deny rest; I am only tired."
                            --Susan McHenry

     I often remind my yoga students that they are not less of a human being if they choose to take a break or rest. This is true both on and off the yoga mat. Too often we get caught up in the need to empty our to-do list, bringing ourselves to exhaustion and frustration rather than satisfaction.
     It is a practice, and a worthwhile skill to develop, to take a rest when you need to. One more thing accomplished does not make you a better person. We are human BEings, not human DOings.
     If you are a parent, remember that you are setting an example for your children by your actions rather than your talk. Do you want your children to run themselves to exhaustion or to learn to live at a comfortable pace that they enjoy?
     I am a dedicated napper. I consider napping one of my hobbies. Occasionally a day goes by when I don't take a nap, and those days are noticeably less productive. Naptime is my "stop the world, I want to get off" time, and it clears my head for productive, late-afternoon tasks.
     Notice when you are tired. Recognize that you have a choice in what you do each moment of your life. Make the choice that brightens rather than dims your spirit. Practice, practice, practice!
               Leta

A Bit of Melancholy

     I have been an avid gardener for many years, but as my other interests have expanded and my body has aged gently, I have come to realize that my garden is too big for my somewhat-waning interest. Last fall I returned a 20'x20' section to lawn. I am doing the same now with a section that is about 16'x24'. Trust me, this is a lot of work. It's uncomfortable both on my muscles and my spirit, with several mixed emotions.
     Because of our lovely trees, there is so much shade in the yard now that growing vegetables is no longer possible. That first ripe tomato each season was always an item of enormous anticipation. Now those come from the Farmers' Market (for which I am very grateful). Feeling overwhelmed with the size of the garden makes me feel old. There's definitely some discomfort in that, especially since overall, I'm very strong and healthy. And there's the ever-present reminder of how quickly time has passed, even though it seems like yesterday that we moved in here (1985), and there was nothing but grass--no trees, no flower beds.
     While I know this effort of returning the area to grass will make my life easier, and enable me to enjoy the remaining garden area, I still feel some sadness. Life is precious and too short.
                  Leta