Moonbeams

Are you worried about change?

The phrase “change is the only constant" has never been more apt than in the current environment where we constantly hear stories about cuts, increased overheads, competitive pressures and double dip recession.  How we deal with the changes, will really determine our success as independent women.

Now as I was wondering what message I could give that would inspire you to continue adapting and adopting new ways of doing things, I came across a powerful story that sums up how we should all respond to change.

I must point out that although I don't agree with the farmers tactics, the gist of the story is really important.

     THE WISE OLD MULE

 

    Once there was a farmer who owned an old

    mule that accidentally fell into the farmer's

    well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying'- or

    whatever mules do when they fall into

    wells.

 

    After carefully assessing the situation, the

    farmer sympathized with the mule, but

    decided that neither the mule nor the well

    was worth the trouble of saving.

 

    Instead, he called his neighbours together

    and told them what had happened...and

    enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the

    old mule in the well and put him out of his

    misery.

 

    Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But

    as the farmer and his neighbours continued

    shovelling and the dirt hit his back...a

    thought struck him.

 

    It suddenly dawned on him that every time

    a shovel load of dirt landed on his

    back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND

    STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.

 

    "Shake it off and step up...shake it off and

    step up...shake it off and step up!" he

    repeated to encourage himself. No matter

    how painful the blows, or distressing the

    situation seemed, the old mule fought

    "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT

    OFF AND STEPPING UP!

 

    You're right! It wasn't long before the old

    mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED

    TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF

    THAT WELL!

 

    What seemed would bury him, actually

    blessed him...all because of the manner in

    which he handled his adversity.

 

    THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and

    respond to them positively, refusing to give

    in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity, we can

    overcome them and move on to a life of

    luxury.

 

    The adversities that come along to bury us

    usually have within them, the potential to

    benefit and bless us!

  

Remember to continue Creating Positive Change in your life as you move towards a new beginning.

 

Inspiration for Women Over Fifty Facing Life Changes

I find these well known words from Marianne Williamson worthy of repeating and inspirational for women over fifty moving on after divorce or bereavement

"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."

If you’ve enjoyed reading this post, and would like to know more inspiration, please join me for the FREE Telesummit, Talking Prime Time Women, I’m running soon by going here http://talkingprimetimewomen.com/

A Reason A Season and A Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you will know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usaully to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and forse you to take a stand. What we must realise is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you send up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When someone is in your lefe for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But only for a season. And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer  to Fall, the season eventually ends.

LIFETIME. relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person or people involved, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships, and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life.

Brian. Chalker

If you’ve enjoyed reading this post, and would like to know more about change and transitions please join me for the FREE Telesummit, Talking Prime Time Women, I’m running soon by going here http://talkingprimetimewomen.com/

My wish for you....(authour unknown)

Where there is pain, I wish you peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubting, I wish you a renewed confidence in your ability to work through it. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I wish you understanding, patience and renewed strength. Where there is fear, I wish you love and courage.Where there is pain, I wish you peace and mercy.  Where there is self-doubting, I wish you a renewed confidence in your ability to work through it. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I wish you understanding, patience, and renewed strength.Where there is fear, I wish you love and courage. 

                                                           

Postcard from a 'Swoftie' in Turkey

Dear fellow 'Swofties'

From the hours delay on the runway before take off, due to storms over southern France, and my seat on the plane nearly turning brown due to turbulence (I am one hip chick with a fear of flying) the arrival at my destination was fraught with challenges. I had diligently researched and booked the  transfer from the airport to my hotel on-line before I left, as I had booked the flight separately to the hotel. I didn’t want to get into a taxi that might not be registered, with someone I didn’t know in a strange country.

The confirmation email I received assured me not to worry as someone would meet me at the airport carrying a board with my name on and I could pay the 40 euros directly. I was given an emergency phone number and asked for my mobile number (just in case) which I was impressed by. On arrival at the airport I was feeling hot, tired and stressed from the turbulent flight. After waiting for nearly an hour a man arrived. Hurray I thought. Magic Life Hotel? he asked and I nodded confirmation.

The journey took about 40 minutes. As we swung into the drive and I saw ‘Welcome to Magic Life’ my heart soared and I began thinking about a large glass of wine and  light meal before retiring to bed.The taxi drove away and I registered at reception, at least that was the intention. Before long, they told me  I was booked at a different hotel  some 100 kilometers away and had been taken to the wrong hotel. After waiting for over an hour while the Manager tried to sort it out I was told I would have to pay 100 euros for a taxi, obtain a receipt and claim the cost  back from the transfer company.

If my seat on the aircraft was nearly brown, the one in the taxi was nearly worn out from clutching it so tightly, as I was driven at high speed to the correct hotel.By the time I arrived at the hotel, I was a nervous wreck!

I awoke the next day to brilliant sunshine and after a refreshing shower, went to have breakfast. The food was superb in both quality and variety. When I asked one of the waiters for a spoon he got out a cigarette to give me. That was the first of several occasions when I could not make myself understood, usually with amusing consequences. It turned out the hotel chain was German and most of its guests, German or Russian.

After the eventful arrival, my holiday went with a swing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of the many highlights included, para-gliding, Turkish bath, a daily  massage, two fabulous a la carte meals, a trip to a market on the local bus, a wonderful conversation with an elderly lady from Luxembourg using her limited English and my limited French and of course the sunshine and relaxation I had gone for.

Before signing off I want to share some tips with you from things I learned.

• I will always book a package holiday in future, so airport transfers are included and an English speaking rep is available to advise on places of interest, local customs etc. I will also research the nationality of guests and linguistic skills of staff  when choosing a hotel.

• Finding myself at a 'party for one' in the evening I planned my evenings carefully. I ate late at the hotel so I could go directly to watch the entertainment without having to sit around the bar on my own too much.

• Stepping out on a solo holiday doesn't have to mean being alone. Meeting new people is one of my greatest joys.But I did have to make the effort to connect with people. I found being interested and curious and asking people about themselves, their country and their previous holiday experiences worked for me. Although I have to say for this holiday opportunities for connecting with people were limited due to language barriers.
  

• My net book came in handy for keeping in tough with friends and family, checking the weather forecast and entertaining me the day it rained.

• I load audio books on my ipod before I leave. This saves packing books, makes better use of the measly baggage allowance and it is absolutely wonderful being read to as you sun bathe.
  

• I used my mobile phone for wake up calls and calculator for currency conversions.
  

• My lavender oil came in handy as usual for sunburn (however carefully I put on  sun tan lotion, I always seem to miss bits that then get burned) and as an antiseptic for cuts etc. Light and easy to pack too.

• The cheap paper fan I bought at a local market in Spain years ago came in handy for those 'Caribbean moments'!

• I always take pajamas on holiday.I can answer the door looking decent I have a pretty white cotton three piece (camisole, long sleeved top and trousers) When pressed and put with some bling they also double as an evening outfit.

• My neck pillow came in handy again. I use it on the flight and for comfortable sunbathing.It doesn't weigh much and is well worth taking.
  

• My feet are always a problem on holiday as they get hot, my shoes rub and this causes blisters. Plasters often slip off toes and heels in the heat so I take a pack of thin moleskin, cut into strips and keep them in my bag to whip out at the first sign of rubbing, thus avoiding painful blisters.Buy the soft self-adhesive sheets you can get them in chemists and good shoe shops.

It certainly takes more emotional and physical energy to go on holiday solo but this is out weighed by the many benefits. I find every time I go away alone, I come back with greater self-confidence, increased self-esteem and  deeper awareness about myself. So what are you waiting for? Your next holiday is only a mouse click away.

Bye for now

Remember to send me a postcard when you go away

Chris xx

Gratitude

I recently heard the following  on the radio and would like to share it with you I AM THANKFUL
For the wife Who says its hot dogs tonight, Because she is home with me, And not out with someone else.  For the husband Who is on the sofa Being a couch potato, Because he is home with me And not out at the bars.   For the teenager Who is complaining about doing dishes Because it means she is at home, Not on the streets.   For the taxes I pay Because it means I am employed.   For the mess to clean after a party Because it means I have Been surrounded by friends.   For the clothes that fit a little too snug Because it means I have enough to eat.   For my shadow that watches me work Because it means I am out in the sunshine   For a lawn that needs mowing, Windows that need cleaning, And gutters that need fixing Because it means I have a home.   For all the complaining I hear about the government Because it means We have freedom of speech.

Takes gratitude to a completely new level don't you think?