heart full of grace

Welp, I think it's time I finally fessed up to the life changes I've been alluding to the past few months.

But first...

I had a lovely date last week with my sweet friend Kim at the Jewish Contemporary Museum in San Francisco. We had been discussing at our book club a few weeks earlier (I know, I'm so sophisticated I can hardly stand it) how there were still so many places to visit and explore in this wonderful city of ours and decided we would make great adventurer buddies together in checking them all out, starting with the JCM.

While walking to the museum (pb&j snacks in hands--crunchy pb, strawberry jam and potato chips smushed in the middle...trust, it's awesome) Kim detoured me to first visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial.

In a nutshell, it was breath taking. (I'm SO sorry for the crappy iPhone pics. I promise to go back with my fancy schmancy camera to try and really capture the incredible beauty of this structure).

In perfect timing, just a few days earlier my bestie sent me a card containing some wise words from Dr. King...

I was in awe of how powerfully the water falls from the overhang, creating a mist throughout and a booming yet somehow soothing sound. It truly sets the tone for the entire piece. Kim and I agreed that it helped us to hear MLK's voice in our heads as we read each quote along the path.  We compared goosebumps with each passing segment, taking in the beauty of his timeless words. If you are ever in the SF area I highly recommend spending a quiet moment at this site.

My favorite part of the JCM was the video section in the exhibit called "California Dreaming".  Here, Jewish folks living in the Bay Area shared their stories and experiences on their faith within California communities.

One story in particular deeply struck me. To summarize, a middle aged woman of non-Jewish decent (I believe she noted being raised in a Christian Science household) decided later in life that she wished to convert to Judaism. She talked about her internal struggles with taking this leap of faith, her fears of being rejected by others and the multitude of insecurities holding her back.  Eventually, with time and patience and a little self love, she realized there was no more room for hesitance.

She said:

                             "It was what my soul required of me."

Instant chills.

I love (LOVE) this sentiment; the realization that an internal desire to do, become, achieve something is a push from the deepest parts of our souls...that it's not simply a desire, but an actual requirement of our beings.

Wow. This is exactly how I've been feeling the past few months.

....Which brings me to by big life news.

Do you wanna know what's brewing in The Grateful Life?!

(I'm pretending you are eagerly saying YES! and nodding your heads)

I've decided to become certified as a Health and Wellness/Life Coach.

Gulp!

For one thing, I know in my heart this process can only serve to make me a better Joyologist here at Weebly (yep, that's my title on my business cards!). Being able to bring positive vibes to work is a huge bonus of my job and I want to help ensure all of our employees are living their most fulfilling lives, both in and out of the office.

For another, Wellness Coaching is something I personally have greatly benefited from over the years. The idea of "paying it forward" feels very right. Having the ability to assist others in discovering their worth, healing their past, learning to let to go and make the most of every day is, without a shadow of a doubt, what makes my pulse race.

And finally, this is the kind of career I truly see myself in long term. It will allow me to travel, explore, connect with folks around the world; to adventure, play, learn and grow. All while sharing my truth and supporting those discovering theirs, too. With a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love, I seek to serve others by encouraging them towards love, faith, gratitude and kindness.

Am I nervous? Sure, a little. Do I have a few ego-centered doubts questioning if I'll be any good this? A few, yep. But as soon as I push my fears and insecurities aside I hear my tiny spirit voice inside cheering me on and shining a light on this path.

I know, simply, it's what my soul requires of me.

In Gratitude,

Trish