We are only our 'word'................

I had a discussion the other day that got me thinking.  We were talking about how things ‘used to be.’  You know, like decades ago (and further back in history) when folks understood the importance of YOUR WORD.

For example, when you said you’d do something, YOU DID IT! You kept your word.  

Sounds so basic and simple, right?

Guess what…………..That concept has become SO complicated! 

For example, have you ever had a repairperson PROMISE to do work for you (even wrote up a contract) only to discover that they ‘didn’t deliver’ or worse still ‘took the money and ran?’ 

I've experienced this so many times and yet each time I am shocked and saddened anew.  

How about politicians who talk a big game during their campaign only to renege on their promises?

And let's not forget………Big pharma, agro-farms, GMOs and on and on!

For me, this behavior is SO disappointing and disheartening.  Seriously, I could weep when I think of people treating people in this manner.

This 'not keeping your word' behavior happens in the contractor world, but it also happens with regularity in our government, in the business industry and in our relationships.   

Have you read the book, ‘The Four Agreements’ by Don Miguel Ruiz?  One of the agreements is ‘Be impeccable with your word.’

So what does THAT mean?  Among other things, it means to always be truthful.  It means to do as you say you’ll do.  The Brethren say, “Yes means yes and no means no.’  Ahhhhhh, this is SO beautiful. 

If you have been less than impeccable with YOUR word, CHANGE THAT IMMEDIATELY!  If you've been dishonest with someone, tell them your truth now.  If you have had dealings with folks who operate in this way, go the extra step to let them know of your disappointment (if necessary write a letter, contact your local better business bureau, etc).  

We all MUST start treating one another with integrity and respect.  Let us all choose to be impeccable with our word!

All Will Be (fine) ....... WELL!

I’ve always admired Maya Angelou.  But seriously, who HASN’T?  My first ‘Maya Experience’ was at President Clinton’s Inauguration.  Whoa.  That poem knocked my socks off!  I can remember thinking, “That took a lot out of her.  Not only did she look a bit dazed when she finished the last line,; she didn’t even seem to have the strength to put an arm around The President when he hugged her!”

Over the years, I’ve read her books (starting with Why The Caged Bird Sings) and have seen her interviewed on several shows including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Super Soul Sunday and the Master Class series. 

Let’s face it, Maya is…………..A force, a phenom, an icon, a loving mother (to her son and to other men and women she calls her ‘children’), a teacher, a scholar, the REAL DEAL!

So, recently, when I heard Dr Angelou utter the phrase ‘all will be well’ I took particular note.  Why?  Because, as she explained it, it meant that things might not turn out  1.  The way you wanted  2.  The way you expected  3.  As good or great as you had hoped, but……….The way they were supposed to turn out.   

Get it?

Okay, for example, say you were trying to get pregnant and weren’t able.  You might be tempted to become very upset and frustrated because the idea of motherhood/fatherhood was not coming as easy as it seemed to for others.   Not the way it was supposed to.  If you stopped right there, you would miss the opportunity to surrender to the bigger picture (call it the universal plan).  You’d get stuck in the mire of ‘THIS IS NOT MY PLAN!!!!!!’ 

What would ensue?  Negativity, anger, sadness…………..?

What if you were to consider Dr Angelou’s sage words (“All will – not fine as in a storybook ending, but - be well”)?  What if you were to choose to surrender and create a space for the universe to do it’s work? 

There might be a pregnancy, there might be an adoption, there might be a change in your life’s purpose (from parenthood to entrepreneur, perhaps). 

If you truly begin to subscribe to this state of mind, you cannot even BEGIN to imagine how FREE you will feel!

Out on a limb................!

I just read a blog post by Seth Godin that  inspired me to write a blog post of my own about the topic he was addressing!

Okay, so what *was* this fascinating topic? 

Taking a risk.

So what’s the big deal about THAT? 

Well………..When was the last time you ‘took a chance’?  (walked up to a stranger and introduced yourself, spoke up against an injustice, performed in front of an audience, gave a speech, told someone who deeply hurt you that you loved him/her,  forgave someone, etc)?

Me?  I’ve been ‘taking chances’ ‘giving it a shot’   ‘getting my hands dirty’ a LOT lately.  Trust me, it ain’t easy!  But guess what…………It’s truly liberating! 

But WHY does it set you free? 

Because………You give yourself permission to let go or SURRENDER!     

Recently, five of my children and I performed in our dance company’s annual recital.  We are called ‘The Von Taps’ and we did a tap dance to ‘I Want You Back’ by The Jackson Five.  Was this an example of ‘going out on a limb’ or ‘going for the gusto.’ YOU BET IT WAS!  But………again………..It felt soooooo wonderful when we danced to the best of our abilities in front of that audience! 

I encourage YOU to take a chance……….TODAY!