What is taking up space? The parable of the fig tree During the Easter weekend, I came across a reading about the parable of the fig tree, and it got me thinking about the truths in the story and how they relate to me, and perhaps to you. (Mark 11:12-14) The story recounts the incident of a fig tree with leaves but no fruit; since it was not producing, it had no value. Was it a beautiful tree? It had a larger purpose: to bear fruit. How disappointing to see and assume the tree produced the fruit it should, and […]
Opportunity is Everywhere
Opportunity is everywhere if you know where to look…. The funny thing about opportunity is that it seems to follow other people and not those who seem to need it…or does it? I have been pondering that thought for some time now. Why does it seem that some people just seem to luck into the best jobs, the best relationships, and the best opportunities more than others? Or do those who come across opportunity seize hold of it and make more out of it, so it seems effortless and looks as if they tend to win over and over in […]
I Dwell in Possibility
Recently, I came across a reference to a poem by Emily Dickinson titled “I dwell in Possibility.” Like most things that take me by surprise, I have to admit that I did a double-take on the title. Then I thought, “I hope that I am a dweller in possibility, that I leave the door wide open to allow all possibilities that come my way to run wild without my interference, so I may follow the path to whatever is waiting on the other side.” I am guessing that possibility is not a word that gives many people much comfort. We […]
You Are What You Do, Not What You Say You’ll Do
You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do. I don’t know about you, but one thing in life that really chips me off is when people tell me they are going to do something and then never get around to it. Now, I’m also preaching to myself today because I made a list of things I had promised other people but never got around to doing. I had to go and make things right. Now, some folks had moved on, and when I didn’t keep my word, they did other things. At that point, I could just […]
Not My Rodeo. Not My Bull.
Could there be a more perfect phrase? Not My Rodeo. Not My Bull. When you feel yourself being pulled into someone else’s drama, repeat these words: Not my rodeo. Not my bull. I also like the phrase, not my circus; not my monkey – it’s all the same in its meaning of “Be wise, my friend, and don’t let yourself get caught up in other people’s drama.” I laughed out loud when I saw this quote the other day because I love the rodeo. (My mom grew up in Wyoming, so I come by it honestly.) “Not my rodeo… Not […]
May You Respond to the Call of Your Gift
May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path. (From the poem: The Blessing by John O’Donohue) Recently, I was introduced to the words from the poem that prompted my title today. May you respond to the call of your gift and find the courage to follow its path. I will give the whole poem in a bit, but for now, I want to stop your world and ask you to focus on the idea that you have a calling. You have a gift, and you need, with all you have in you, […]
You’ve Got A (Toxic) Friend
You’ve Got A (Toxic) Friend And what is so interesting is that YOU know it. Recently, a client of mine who wants to change the world was taken aback when I told him that he would do well to walk away from his “loser” friends. “How do you know my friends are losers?” he asked. I told him that, with all his community service, non-profit ventures, and summer trips helping others that he’d been telling me about, he’d also said that he’d been doing all of this on his own. To me, this was a sign that he needed different […]
Sometimes When You Least Expect It – You Will Win
Sometimes When You Least Expect It – You Will Win Every once in a while, something happens that restores my faith in how the world works… Recently, I came upon a story of hope where the good guy (or gal, in this case) has a chance to win. Not to say the others in the race are not as worthy, because frankly, they are, but this story touched me, so I want to share it with you. I’m talking about the Oscar nomination for Best Original Song sung by Joni Eareckson Tada for the movie Alone Yet Not Alone. What […]
When Unsure, Take the Next Logical Step
When Unsure, Take the Next Logical Step Last year, I spent a lot of time encouraging you to chart a new course and get out of your comfort zone—learn to live the life you imagined and were born to do, big and small things, to move you down the path of life that would bring joy in big and small ways. Life is short, and I firmly believe that you have to take the reins and get going, or you’ll miss out on some great opportunities, or someone else will take your space, perhaps while you’re sitting around waiting. You […]