Thank you for being a loyal reader...

...I am taking a blogging vacation this week. Look for a new post next Sunday.

Until then, I wish you peace and many blessings...

Desiderata

Written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann, Desiderata is one of my favorite poems.

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even to the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love,

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Happy Birthday, Mother!!! Thank you for teaching me all the above, which molding me into the woman I am today...I love you dearly, Bon

Dealing with Irate People

“Taking the HEAT,” is an effective method for dealing with openly irate people. In this instance, HEAT means:

Hear them out
Empathize
Apologize or acknowledge
Take action

Never interrupt, correct, interject your judgment or jump prematurely to conclusions about what they mean. Always ask questions to find out as much as you can about the situation from their point of view. Concentrate on what the person is saying and let your body language show it. Maintain eye contact and ensure your facial expressions indicate care and concern.

Irate people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Show them you care by listening responsibly. Responsible listening allows an irate person to fully express what is on his/her mind, which allows built up emotional pressure to be released.

The end result, you will be able to communicate effectively and in a positive manner.

Until next week...

Remaining Empowered During Stressful Times

Being laid off, accumulating expenses and increasing duties on the job due to recent layoffs are only a few of the things wreaking havoc on life during these stressful times. With the light at the end of the tunnel so dim it’s almost out of sight, below are a few suggestions on how to remain empowered:

• Acknowledge that asking for support, guidance and partnership is not the same as being needy. Allowing someone to help you primes the pump in the universal law of giving and receiving. There are as many blessings to the giver as there are to the receiver: being open to receiving invites flow as well as empowerment for all.
• Tap into any communities you were involved in prior to your stressful situation. Why? Any group or groups with whom you have positive interaction on an ongoing basis, even if you feel like withdrawing, can be an integral aspect of ongoing empowerment.
• Remain your authentic self even as you struggle. It is easy to begin to perceive yourself as "less than" who you are when you are challenged. Suggestions to staying steadfastly authentic include positive affirmations and connecting to your life’s purpose.
• Persist in centered-ness without being overly egocentric. Grandiosity and self-degradation are unhealthy, so focus upon who you are being as you are in a stressful situation.
• Make your requests known. While this may be difficult to do when fully mired in the muck of a downward spiral, letting others know exactly what would provide empowerment at this time creates partnership and provides solutions.
• Even at the most difficult phases of life, there is room for you to give. The joy of giving from the heart will elevate a soul.
• Remember to always turn towards love, grow towards greatness and be aware that there are two basic choices: love or fear. Always focus upon love. Honor yourself with loving compassion especially when you are in difficult times, as they are lessons to be learned and joy waits at the curve in the road ahead.

Until next week, much love to all!

Giving: The Key to Getting What You Want

Many give credence to the theory "the more you give, the more you’ll get back," yet the intention behind this action is sometimes not what it should be. In this instance, the whole process can turn sour very quickly indeed.

Deepak Chopra points this out in his book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. He states:

Anything that is of value in life only multiplies when it is given. That which doesn’t multiply through giving is neither worth giving or receiving. If through the act of giving, you feel like you have lost something, then the gift is not truly given and will not cause increase. Practicing the Law of Giving is actually very simple: if you want more joy, give it to others; if you want more love, learn to give love; if you want attention and appreciation, learn to give attention and appreciation; if you want material affluence, help others become materially affluent. In fact, the easiest way to get what you want, is to help others get what they want.

Always remember…it’s important to take care of you, but don’t forget to give to others, too!