What seeing a bear taught me

Last Sunday, August 28, I went to Waterton Lakes National Park for the day with some friends. We wound up eating lunch along the lake shore below the back of the Prince of Wales hotel, which isn't where I typically would've stopped to eat. One of my friends, Trish, had commented on the way to the park that she would like to see a bear. Sure enough, as we were leaving the picnic area, a smaller 1 or 2 year old black bear came ambling across the road, passing only a few feet from the car. Had we not stopped at that place for lunch we likely wouldn't have seen a bear. So changing things up and trying a new picnic area rather than the typical can pay off. What are you doing to change the typical and make a few differences in your day or your life?

Expect and Accept Miracles!

Just came across this quote from Marianne Williamson on Alex Karis' site: http://alexkaris.posterous.com/. I've seen it before, but it's worth sharing again.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

On trying to stay positive

It's a tough haul, trying to stay positive sometimes. Everywhere you turn there are people trying to knock you down. Not always on purpose and not always people you personally know. There is a lot of negativity in the media that surrounds us. So it takes some effort to sort through the garbage and find the real gems, like this one: The Art of Non-Conformity. Check out the inspiring content and fantastic site design.

Some other great sites which will inspire you (your mileage may vary) include Project Happily Ever After; The Happiness Project; and Experience Life Fully.

Smile

A smile :) can sure have a powerful effect. I have been both the recipient and the giver of smiles :) that cause positive change. I have been told at times that I don't smile :) enough. So, I am starting to smile :) more. And it is proving once again what a simple and amazing thing a smile :) is.  

Stress

I have way too much stress in my life right now, most of it from my current work. It's not so much my current line of work, Information Technology (IT), it's the particulars of my current position, which has been stressful since day 1, and I've only been there 7 months. I really can't see this going on much longer.


I had no idea the effects that constant stress can have your body, from affecting your sleep to dealing with a lot of aches and pains that never seemed to be there previously. It's not like I haven't had to deal with stress before, but this time is different.


The only solution I can see is to find something different and so I am actively looking. All prayers, incantations, Karma direction, well-wishes etc. are much appreciated.

Uncle Howard

My Uncle Howard passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, my grandmother's youngest brother and last surviving of her family. I hope every family has their own version of Uncle Howard; someone who welcomes you with open arms, no matter how long it's been since you've seen him, someone who wants to know, really know how you are doing and if there is anything he can do to help, and you know he means it. I have great childhood memories of visiting with him and my Aunt Mildred, always feeling welcomed and loved. I loved spending time in his yard in Provo, Utah where he had planted and nurtured numerous trees, including some varieties that without his care and attention probably shouldn't have survived in that climate.
He is one of the great men I am privileged to have had a part in my life.

You will be missed.