I want to feel fulfilled at the end of the day. I want to feel what I do matters. I want to feel like I’m living up to my potential. I want to make a difference.

All of these statements, and more, represent what I have heard from others and have even uttered myself. They are at the core of our reasons for working but how we get to them is often the challenge. What we should know, going in, is that we don’t work solely for money. If it was about money the Oprah Winfrey’s and Donald Trumps of the world could have quit a long time ago. However, there was a time perhaps when money was a strong motivator.

Remember that first JOB you received? That was most likely born out of a need for pocket money or to keep a roof over your head. I remember my first “real” job as a retail sales clerk, I needed it! I had left home and survival was my only true reason for dropping off resumes. Soon into my job, I quickly realized there is more to this than just a paycheque. At the end of the day I went home going over my experience and realized “Hey! I like this” or “Hey, I don’t like that.” I became aware that I had ethics…I didn’t know the definition of the word so much but I knew the feeling and I had preferences that made me strong in certain areas of my work. It was important to me that what I did mattered and that I was authentic in my dealings with people.

There are so many examples of how we go from the “job” to developing  our careers; shaped in profound ways. The definition of ourselves and those around us expands expediently through the career, which as I have mentioned before is the sum total of all your life experiences. How magnificent that you, unique in all the world, gets to contribute your talents to the betterment of our communities. Whether paid or unpaid, it does not matter, as you are welcome to make a difference. Having said that, “making a difference” should not be something you painfully strive for. I see and hear about so many people tortured by the question “How can I make a difference?” You already are! You are here. That may seem so insignificant from your perspective but not from those who have come in contact with you, been loved by you, been nurtured by your spirit.

To feel fulfilled at the end of any day is to look for one thing you learned that you didn’t know yesterday. It can be about yourself, someone else or the world. In taking in that piece of information you may well be enhancing your career, let alone your personal life. How many times have you used something you have learned personally and applied it to a professional situation. In that moment, in the success of that one moment, you have fulfilled something you were meant to do. Things don’t have to be grandiose in order to be impressive; simplicity fits wonderfully in our space.

To live up to your potential, I believe, you must be truly open to possibilities; not strangling its energy in ‘should be’s’ nor marring it in unrealistic timelines. A while back I had a young man in my classroom that was worried that he was not living up to his ‘purpose’, he felt God had a plan and he was not hearing what that plan was. It was painful to see in his face that he believed time was ticking away and he wasn’t getting things right. He was in his early twenties. What struck me in the course of our discussion, is that while he toiled over his perceived shortfalls he was unable to devote energy to hearing the answers to his own questions. He is a brilliant, talented, intelligent young man, already doing incredible things for his family and community but that in itself was not enough.

We have all the answers we need inside ourselves. If we truly are open to the natural rhythms of our life than we can trust that we live in harmony with what is possible every day. If we listened without the noise of “yes buts” and “what ifs” our potential would not seem so dependent on outside entities. We often get in the way of ourselves, restrained by fictitious outcomes and old voices in our heads.

We live up to our potential the minute we break free from those chains and begin to open up the question “What’s next?” with the enthusiasm of a child rather than being stunned by the veracity of our experiences.

At the end of the day if you really want a fulfilling career you must be very clear about what you value. Be open to learning in all of its forms, which includes, through people you initially did not perceive were your teachers.

You must be aware of that emotional blueprint that exist within us all, which is manifested most when you are doing something you love to do. That twinge of excitement, relaxed state, pure bliss moment; times when you have dropped all guard.

Don’t look to others to validate your existence or direction because many will surely let you down. Instead, trust that you came into this world to learn your own lessons and everything that comes your way is already in service of realizing those goals.

Don’t compare yourself to others, they have very distinct paths they are to follow. If you really want to see the magnificence of living your purpose or potential look to nature.

From the mightiest tree to the smallest insect everything matters – it truly is a sacred circle.

Imagine you have spent your life becoming an accomplished violinist, dedicating hours of practice to the music until one faithful day a reaction to a vaccination, renders you paralyzed. At the age of 18 this is exactly what happened to Eric Wan. However, this is not a story of pure tragedy, instead you are about to learn how a quadriplegic managed to continue to do what he loves and how that love of music now touches a chord with other persons with disabilities.

I want to direct you to my sister’s blog post Mobility Through Music which shares the most incredible story about the partnership of Eric and a team of talented individuals whose technology brings joy to children. Watch how the children’s movements make music and see how effective this music therapy can be!

By no accident – we all have purpose. Greatness, vision and possibilities are endless!

I would like to do a little promotion for two business women who are very good at what they do. 

The first is Jessica, owner of Young Seagull. I was recently referred to Jessica by a client and upon speaking with her I was just blown away not only by her knowledge but her enthusiasm! Speaking to Jessica by phone did not interfere with receiving the energy she brings to potential web projects. Shortly into our conversation I felt as though a picture was being created immediately before my eyes and it was framed in a way that I did not need to stand way back to interpret it. Beyond the ideas I already had for my website and blog came a plethora of logical and visual necessities for those pages. Jessica was straight to the point, professionally directed and wonderfully magical in her approach. When someone exceeds my expectations in terms of their expertise and support I am compelled to recognize them. Anyone who is looking for a web designer may want to speak to Young Seagull. She has given me lots to think about and she can do the same for you!

The second person I want to introduce you to is Christine of Scully Love Promo. I have known Christine for about two years now, never met in person but you know how that goes in today’s world…we all find each other some way. What is so neat about her work is that she meets and promotes amazingly talented people. Artists, Musicians, Writers and Business people all benefit from her drive to market. Social Media is definitely something this woman embraces which she highlights not only in her services but also in articles; giving helpful tips to use social media effectively. What is really cool is your exposure to books and other artists that maybe you would have never discovered on your own. If publicity is something you need, Christine might well be the person to talk to or you can just enjoy her posts on the latest discoveries that make business and entertainment exciting.

I don’t know how many times I have edited my posts but it’s a lot. At the best of times I find it hard to see my own mistakes in writing but as my dear editor husband pointed out, it’s bad this week. Trying to get the contents of my head out onto this blog while I cough and sniffle is not going so well. Yes, I will disinfect my laptop after every use. So, I’m apologizing in advance for any abnormal spike in mistakes or nonsensical sentences as my cold has taken over and refuses to allow me to continue what I love to do. Happy Flu Season Everyone!

“Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace.” This quote by Albert Schweitzer came to mind as I heard the story about the dead blackbirds in Beebe Arkansas by fireworks. It astounds me that for a second year in a row, an area that has been blessed with these beautiful birds, couldn’t find a way to protect their habitat. 

What will happen to the idiots that set the fireworks off? Is there any investigation? If they find the person’s responsible, do they pay a fine? Do community service at an animal shelter? Do they participate in the clean up of the dead bodies?

Part of the problem, I have found, is people’s complete lack of education about animals in general. In trips recently to three different states, as an example, I couldn’t believe how many times I listened to parents providing the wrong description/name of a bird or animal to their child. They had no clue! Then there is the absolute crazy reactions to defenseless animals that results in disturbing behaviour.

I watched a woman scream bloody murder when a bird landed on the top of her husband’s head as it was trying to get to the other side of the pool. It was clearly not well and was simply trying to reach the other side as its mate had been continuing to call. It’s last gasp and flight was sealed when the woman freaked out, screaming “It’s attacking my husband!”, waving her hands around, she subsequently drowned the bird. The husband was not as phased,somewhat embarrassed and seemed surprised by his wife’s reaction. The other bird, who had been calling its ailing companion realized, as my friend and I placed the body under the tree , that its mate was dead. After a look to confirm, it then flew away.

I saw a comment on a site by a person from Virginia who contemplated whether the death of these blackbirds “could have been caused by them eating bad fish or whatever they eat.”…WHAT? OMG, at least do some research before commenting.

My sister started a wildlife rescue association back in the 1970′s, it has since grown to be an extremely valued and utilized society. What we saw at the hands of man was something even though I was a child I remember vividly. Raccoons rescued because people had boarded up their dens, with babies inside. Birds shot with pellet guns, left injured and in need of treatment. Beaver dams destroyed with beaver inside. Nest’s bashed out of trees for fun, household poisons drained into waterways or left improperly stored and many other examples of human insensitivity and cruelty.

There are plenty of examples I could give of how little people either know or care about the critters that inhabit our local areas; let alone the rare species we are gifted. In the case of the blackbirds it is not rocket science, fireworks disturb nature. It seems only fitting that if local agencies can’t protect the birds from stupid people maybe families can have a discussion with their members about the importance of compassion to living things.

This made me very angry and the citizen’s of Beebe should figure out a way to stop this from happening in the future. This wasn’t an accident and that makes it particularly shameful.

I don’t know why but the first thing that came to mind when I thought about entering 2012 was two words “Challenge Yourself.” From there I saw a line drawn in the sand symbolizing something I either have been told not to cross or simply a line I have drawn unconsciously myself, I don’t know which. The lines in the sand visual may be a feel the fear and do it anyway thing or rebellious move to distance myself from others who have been negatively impacting decisions or better still it could be just childlike curiosity to see what happens if I put a toe over the line.

This isn’t about New Years resolutions, as those things never work for me, it is a simple message to challenge myself. The answer as to what that is or how many times I will challenge myself is yet to be revealed and funny enough, I’m not concerned by my lack of specifics at this point. The new year, even without resolutions, always comes with promise. When the clock strikes midnight we might not show any outward recognition of expectations but I really believe that internally many of us see it like opening a curtain on the next stage of our life. There just has to be something good behind there…let the show begin!

I don’t know about you, but I feel when you get a message so strongly as I did this one, it should be given a chance not to fade into the backdrop of every day existence. Maybe you have experienced an intense dream or thought that stays vividly  in your mind for minutes, hours or days on end. Is it worth paying attention too? “Challenge Yourself!” Both personally and professionally I can think of multiple things to do that would be challenging. However, I think I’m going to let it manifest organically… when it feels like it might be a challenge I will say “YEAH!”

If you have a line drawn in the sand by yourself or someone else maybe it is time to cross over, meet the challenge and see what happens.

Nothing is exciting when you know what the outcome will be ~ Joseph Campbell.

How will you challenge yourself in 2012?

One interesting thing about gathering over the Christmas season is watching what happens when multiple generations come together. While children run around like buzzing bees high on the sweetness of candy and presents, the adults catch up on life. My husband and I had the opportunity this Christmas to spend time with family and their friends who were much older than us. I discovered there are a few things that separate us and more things that don’t.

First: Even if you are considered a senior in the eyes of society, how you see yourself can be completely different.  If you are fortunate to be in relatively good shape well into your senior years it appears, like in your youth, your mind has no concept of age. Where you place your focus is key to feeling OK. Changes in health and mobility are inevitable but even though the body may change the mind still has a choice…become negative or find the positives in living. How our older generation is participating in life is so different than generations past; the label of senior is only as limiting as one makes it.

Second: We all have a story. I think it is so important to listen to our elders, they have lived through some of the most challenging and eventful times. The stories are fascinating! What we read about in books is their life story. Wars, childhood mischief, educational pursuits, first loves or only love,  financial upheavals, career advancement, raising children, differences in male/female roles in society, relationship joys and challenges, changes in sexuality, appreciation for art, music and even travel stories. There is a solid thread through every story that is relevant to today’s living and learning. We should be respectful of that story and hold it dear to our hearts.

Third: Times, they are changing. If you really think about what has changed in their lifetime it is astronomical! We have advanced at such a speed over 80 years it can be both exciting and confusing to them. In our travel with my parents I found I had to explain a lot of things that we breeze through but you know, sometimes so called efficiency does seem to take longer. It sounds counter intuitive but there were times where even I thought “Wow, all this questioning, typing, waiting and processing for every little thing we do.” So called, efficiency can be mind boggling for all of us. Our technological and gadget filled world, diversity of foods for dining, the array of things available to us in general is overwhelming to those who have not kept up or prefer a more simplistic way of living. 

Fourth: We should all strive for civility. What I noticed was just how civil our older generation can be. Where middle aged adults and kids lose the art of conversation, preferring instead to operate their devices of communication, the seniors delight in a good chin wag. Seniors, for the most part, still engage in civility. Their world is not immersed in anything other than face to face conversation and even if they are techno savvy they know the appropriate boundaries of its use. They are forever conscious of our enjoyment “Can I get you anything?” Respectful of our space “Excuse me.” “Please” and “Thank you” flow far easier from their lips than many younger people. Helping each other put on coats or opening a door and being aware of who is going through behind them is also common place in their civilized, etiquette driven encounters.  So many examples of a seemingly dying way of life that cultivated relationships and still attempts to exercise considerate conduct.

The gap between us is not a vast as one might initially think. We each desire to matter, to be heard and appreciated. We don’t want to be irrelevant or to have the world forget to market or cater to us. We want happiness for ourselves and our loved ones. We have certain comforts we will fight tooth and nail to keep because it represents so many wonderful reasons for living. We, several times over, feel the need to recall and tell our story of when we felt most alive, healthy and useful. We are happy in the company of our own peers and enjoy the ease of common understanding. When we look in the mirror, where signs of our aging is evident, none of us can fully comprehend the number that gets attached to us each year. We each long for something unattained and revel in the delight our own accomplishments. We each want love and need touch.

So, as you spend the next few days or even weeks in the company of multiple generations find that common ground. It may be in the playing of a game with a child, exploring an interest of a youth or bridging a gap to follow a life well lived beyond your years.

As we head into our Christmas and other celebrations that bring family and friends together I would like to offer a very simple post.It goes without saying that many around the world will need us to send our good wishes. As we give to each other it would be nice to quietly or collectively take a moment to send a conscious message saying “I’m thinking about you.”

It may go to the child that is begging on a street in Africa, South America or Asia. It may go to the parents who is feeling down about not being able to provide for their family due to the economy. It may go to the children and/or women who are being prostituted, for which celebration never comes. It may be for the entire family that huddles as bombs drop around them. It may be for soldiers far from home.

To take that moment out is to celebrate humanity and offer compassion which is far better to give and receive than anything that will pass from hand to hand this Christmas.

All the best is wished for you all. May health, happiness and success rise up in 2012 for you and yours.

Is it possible to ask Santa for Candice Olson? Followers of Esteem Rising will fully know what I’m talking about…I’m a big fan of Candice Olson – Interior Designer. I believe I have watched all of her shows from both Divine Design and Candice Tells All but on a couple of occasions recently I came across episodes that seemed unfamiliar. Boy, was I excited!

I know I’m not the only one out there that enjoys her show but I’m also enjoying looking at the  Candice Olson Collection website that features different lines of home decor products. Today, I perused the throws, pillows and rugs that were featured and found some really beautiful designs and colours. There is quite an array of product to choose from and each link should come with a warning “The viewing of these products may cause evaluation of your own home decor choices, dizziness from all the possibilities, urge to purge your existing home furnishings and fatigue from rearranging to accommodate new purchases.”

No sooner did I get on the site when my mind was picturing the pillows on my chairs, the rug on the floor, the art on the wall, the throws draped elegantly, the lighting casting a glow, the new couch positioned perfectly and coffee table ready to receive not only creatively placed items but treats. (My imaginary world always includes dark chocolate treats)

So, I guess I better get my letter off right away to Santa asking for Candice Olson to come to the West Coast. It has been over a year long campaign but like any kid in a design store I remain hopeful one day I’m going to hear the words “Yes, little Jennifer there is a Santa Claus and Candice is coming to town.” If Santa would also be so kind as to bring the items on my wish list from the Candice Olson Collection, then he’ll be really working the magic.

With all the seriousness of the world and some of my topics, I love sometimes to delve into the things in life that give pleasure. We all have our escapes from reality and all of us try to do what we can to help others throughout the year. I encourage everyone to think right now about what or who brings you joy and bask for a moment in the feeling that brings.

Hope everyone reading this enjoys their Christmas and dreams big this coming year!

Cell phones, iphones, whatever the device it has made its way to the gym and I hate it! Yes, this is strong language because I’m tired of the fact there is nowhere to go anymore without being invaded by people and their phones. What irks me more is the lack of policies in place to combat this take over of supposed health centres.

I watched a young woman take a picture of her friend while on the treadmill and wondered where’s that going to end up? I’m walking up on an angle towards her friends machine, another woman is on the treadmill next to her, neither of us gave permission to be in that shot but I’d lay money we were in it. Yes, she may crop the picture and maybe she has no intention of putting it up on Facebook or blog but that is not guaranteed nor the point. The point is my right, and every other persons right to privacy.

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