Bolder!

Peak of Success

My daughter was once fascinated by all things Everest so we watched a lot of movies and read a lot of books. We can learn a lot from experienced mountain climbers.

For instance, I learned that those who summit Mt. Everest do it in stages. Just getting to Base Camp is a big deal. From there they move on to other camps at gradually higher altitudes. The purpose is acclimate to the thinner oxygen at each camp before climbing higher. They wait for their body to catch up to their ambition.

Work hard, yes, but take some time to acclimate. Don't rush the process and don't de-value the quiet moments. They provide the fuel to carry you to your dreams.

Another thing I learned about Everest climbers is that not everyone who goes to Base Camp defines success in the same way. Many people go along as the support system. Their goal isn't to reach the summit but to make sure the climbers get up and back safely. They succeed only when everyone is back off the mountain and the party begins.

Appreciate your support team in your own climb. Not only will they help you up the mountain, but they'll make sure you get back in one piece! And it's not as much fun celebrating without someone to share the moment.

From Everest I also learned it's all about where you put your focus. I attended a lecture by a young man who had summitted and the picture he showed of crossing an aluminum ladder over a crevasse with spiked boots made me shudder! When I asked how he did it, he said it all depended on where you focused. Looking past your feet was to invite paralyzing fear. See only your feet and you can ignore the gaping maw of ice below you. (Well, he could. I don't know if I could!)

Choose your challenges, define success for yourself and climb on. Let go of your excuses and focus on what you know to be true. Then celebrate.

It's a great recipe for success.

Reason Enough

Too often we use a skewed value system to measure the worth of our dreams. The message of our culture is "If it can't be measured in dollars and cents then it's a waste time and resources."

Isn't it about time to challenge that limiting belief wherever it shows up in your own life. What do you dream of doing? Even if it makes no difference to anyone but you, even if it has no value to anyone but you, aren't you worth it? 

I have a tree trunk in my office. It's about 3 inches in diameter and almost reaches the ceiling. I forget where I picked it up but one day I put it on a stand, wrapped it in narrow strips of pink, purple and yellow cloth with some fuzzy yarn thrown in for good measure. The picture doesn't really do it justice because it's actually quite pretty with colour and texture dancing around it. I see it everytime I look up. A lot of people ask me what it's for. I simply shrug and smile.

I did "just because". It's a treat for my eyes. Reason enough for me.

Today, do something you love just for the joy of it. Make space for something that makes you smile that secret smile. Simply because.

REASON ENOUGH

On a subway platform
music falls from gifted fingers,
bouncing off commuters too busy
to hear the gift.

The artist plays on,
melody reason enough.
Listeners not required.

In the freeze of February
sculptors unlock beauty
from icy crystal blocks,
daring the sun.

The artist works on,
fulfillment reason enough.
Eternity not required.

In the clear night sky
stars dance with colour
caught in draperies of light
While we sleep.

The Artist paints on
Love reason enough.
Watchers not required.

--Aprille Janes

Choose Joy

This morning, I planned to eat a quick breakfast in front of my computer, trying to get a head start. Last week was so busy that I woke up feeling behind already, so I chose to jump on the treadmill of Too Much To Do before I was even out of bed.

However, life often has other plans for me. As I passed through the living room, something caught my eye on the back deck - a tiny profile so minute I'm not even sure how I noticed it.

 The hummingbird sat resting on the hangar holding his feeder.

I stopped and stood perfectly still, not wanting to spook my visitor. He seemed perfectly at ease, a posture I'm not used to seeing this particular little neighbour take. Normally he buzzes from flower to flower, darting around the yard and disappearing so fast I sometimes think I've imagined him.

Right now, however, this tiny soul sat at rest, watching everyone else hurry - namely the finches on their feeder nearby and me. His movements were so relaxed I could almost imagine him taking a deep breath, enjoying a quiet moment in the sunshine that highlighted his brilliant colour.

Then, with a movement so quick that I barely noticed the transition, his wings whirred, he dropped down to sip a bit of nectar and left on his morning rounds.

Did you know that Hummingbird is a symbol of joy in many traditions? He's a reminder to laugh and enjoy life. I needed that this morning. After my visitor left, I took a deep breath and sat at the table with my breakfast to enjoy a few moments of quiet before my day began.

This morning I chose joy rather than overwhelm and it changed everything.

Green Peppers and Focus

I was surprised by the amount of feedback that my article on multi-tasking received. It sounds like a lot of us are longing for a simpler way of being. To be able to focus on one thing is a luxury these days that seems hard to come by.

Focusing may be more difficult than you expect so I suggest you start in small ways.

 When was the last time you appreciated the beauty of vegetables? Really look at them as you prepare the evening meal tonight. Slicing a green pepper in half reveals the beauty of pattern and a luscious scent!

As you drive to work, turn off the radio and enjoy the journey.Are the leaves starting to change in your area? Or are the rains turning that summer brown to green again?

Really be with your kids when they come home from school today. Give them your full attention. Being heard and appreciated is rare these days. And who knows, maybe they'll even listen to you!

The point is to BE with one thing for just ten or fifteen minutes today. Then build on that start.

Today I'm writing outside on my front deck, enjoying the gift of sunshine, flowers and hummingbirds. I feel so blessed to call this my 'office' and I take a few moments each hour to look up and notice the breeze, the birds and the flowers. Practicing gratitude helps me to focus and to BE.

I encourage you all to pull away from the busyness of modern life for a few minutes and step out of doors. Take a few deep breaths and practice gratitude for what you find out there.

"The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers. - Thich Nhat Hanh"