Food for Thought

"The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure..."
-joseph campbell

How many times have you said "yes!" today?  I think about this a lot and I almost always come to the conclusion that a really great day is one where I've abandoned my inhibitions, fears and self consciousness and embraced a "yes!" mentality.  The sillier, scarier, and bolder the yes, the better.

I was feeling a bit low this week over a few life circumstances.  To be frank, things happened that made it feel like all of the air was sucked out of and breathed into me at once. My inner pep talks were beginning to get a bit stale in my head; I sounded like a sad broken record with no passion for her own words.  And then I received an email from a wonderful friend that lifted my spirits.  She writes;

"I know I have said it to you before - but you have no idea how many times I just "channel my inner Trish".  I give myself this little pep talk that goes like this "if your ipod makes you want to dance - just do it - no one knows you here!"  I am working on just being me, not trying to impress anyone, just 100% me....I remember saying to my mom when I first got here - I was going to practice being brave and just go with whatever feels right in my gut and soul - and feeling peace knowing that its how you'd handle it - and I said "Trish is just such a catch"."

This was a beautiful reminder for me on several levels.  For one thing, I needed to stop being in a funk.  I am not defined by a few unfortunate scenarios.  None of us are. I am worthy of much greater, richer and joyful things.  The longer I stayed glum, the more glumness I would attract to my life.  The more I closed myself off and embodied "no", the more no's would be brought my way.  Sometimes things simply are not going to turn out the way you hoped they would. And that's OK. Breathe, stretch, shake, let it go. 

For another, I have amazing friends.  I believe with great conviction that the family you make for yourself is crucial to survival.  It's crucial to the success of "yes" in your adventure. The loyalty I have experienced from my nearest and dearest friends has brought me back to life more times than I'd care to admit.

And lastly, it was a good reminder to lift other people's spirits whenever possible.  To tell people you love and admire what it is that you adore about them; whether it seems necessary at the time or not. If you think it will be awkward or you won't have the right words to say...you're probably right.  Do it anyway :) Try anyway. Be vocal about your love and positive thoughts.  I guarantee the gesture alone will spark a wonderful little vibration of happiness.  What greater purpose could there be to living besides striving to care for one another and helping to feed our souls in moments of doubt? We have the ability to affect people in ways we could never know fully.  Why not choose a positive one today?

So thank you for your email, dear friend.  It was a bit of sunshine on my rainy day and I am very grateful for your kindness.  I'm back to saying YES! (and so proud of you for owning..and rocking...that shit on your own adventure.  It takes true courage to be a yes woman!) :)

In Gratitude,

Trish