Life is a Road Trip

Last fall I decided to begin taking an annual mother/daughter trip with my four year old daughter. What fun! She’d be the perfect travel partner for me since my husband doesn’t like to travel as much as I do.

Four weeks ago we left on our first adventure. We packed our bags and headed to Houston, TX to spend a few days with my friend Anne and her husband, and then spend eight days experiencing the life of “retired RVers” with my parents.

My parents, who have been full-time RVers for 6 years, spend their winters in southern Texas and their summers back here in western Wisconsin. This year, my daughter and I were going to be riding back north with them, for what would be for both of us our first RV trip.

We covered a lot of miles that week; hit some tourist sites, tasted some wines, spent some quality time with Grandpa and Grandma, and created some lasting memories for my daughter. Trips of this nature are far different now than they were 10 years ago thanks to GPS. Every morning my parents would enter in the day’s final destination and our path was set. We were always in the good hands of “Tillie” (what my parents named their GPS). Now, what I found odd was as soon as Mom took her seat as co-pilot, she would pull out multiple maps and follow along with the GPS every mile of the way. They just couldn’t trust their travels to this piece of modern technology.

As I observed this behavior each day I got to thinking about what a great analogy this was for life. How often are we lead down a path but don’t trust enough to follow it? We see all the signs, but because of fear, timing, or just thinking that we might know better, we don’t follow where our life-path is leading. These so called paths are the passageways that are leading us towards fulfilling our life’s purpose. We must learn to believe our internal GPS and head confidently in the direction that it leads us.

I think we’re all there from time to time; where we hear that little voice inside but we choose not to listen, just as my parents did not listen to the GPS a few times. And that never gets anyone very far – in our case, only lost. Keep from becoming lost yourself. Follow your internal GPS; listen to your internal guidance, make conscious decisions, take risks, set goals, and make your dreams a reality!

Becky,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
“All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.” ~Unknown

Lessons from the Graduates

I just picked up the local paper and found a special insert that featured the 2010 High School graduates for our surrounding area. Asking myself how it could possibly be graduation time already, I quickly glanced through the names and faces wondering if I would recognize anyone. I found myself reading up on the Valedictorians and Salutatorians from all the neighboring communities. The paper interviewed each of the highest ranking students with the same questions: What are your plans after graduation? Are you nervous to give your commencement speech? What are your hobbies? And, what advice would you give to your underclassmen?

Expecting some pretty ordinary answers to those questions, I have to confess I was a bit surprised, and oh so pleased as I began to read through their responses.

One graduate will be attending a local college, not completely sure what degree she will earn when she is done, but she does know that her goal in life is to do something that will inspire others and make a difference in the world.

Another graduate confided that he was a little anxious to give his commencement speech, but it wasn’t the thought of getting up in front of hundreds of parents and fellow students that had him nerved up. He wanted to be sure that the topic he picked and the speech he would prepare would make a lasting and empowering impression for those in the audience.

As I continued through several more interviews I began to notice a common thread in the advice that these young adults would like give to their underclassmen. The same message was rephrased over and over again in their answers. Nearly all wanted to advise those students who will be walking across the stage to receive their diploma in the next few years, not to be afraid to try new things. “Take that class even though your friend isn’t.” “Don’t let fear stand in your way of trying new things.” “Take advantage of those opportunities that come up to experience something different.” And the best one, “You’ll be happier that you tried, than regretting that you didn’t.”

Not a one is striving to make a million dollars or even be a famous actor/actress; they already know that fame and fortune aren’t the things that make one happy. These young people are all ready to go out into the world to inspire, empower, encourage, and not let any new opportunity slip through their fingers.

We were all there once; excited and revved up to go out and change the world. It’s not too late, to get back to that place, ya know. We can take a lesson from these young adults and eagerly embrace the opportunities to try new things, make it our passion to inspire others and make a difference, and use our words and platforms to empower and encourage.

Thank you graduates for your inspiration, and here’s to a life of your dreams!

Jenny,
Sister of Soul

Soul-spiration of the Week:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” ~Henry David Thoreau

The Strength of a Woman—Even Shaggy Gets It!

We just love our Facebook Fans…or do I now refer to them as the people on Facebook who “like” us? Anyway, one of our fans, empowered woman extraordinaire Sandra Watts, posted a link to Shaggy’s Strength of a Woman video in response to one of our recent Facebook posts.

I’m continuously amazed and awed by the power of divine timing. You see, we’re putting the final touches on Monday evening’s tele-class, The E Factor: What is Empowerment. Needless to say, as we finalize our virtual handouts and review the training outline for the class, our minds are focused and tuned-in to every aspect of a woman’s power. As I watched Shaggy’s video and concentrated on his lyrics all I could say was, “Yes! Shaggy gets it!”

Empowerment can be an ambiguous term; that’s if you let it…

As women we need to get clear about how we want to show up in the world. We must commit to fulfilling that vision. And then, because so often we wait for life to serve up our order on a platter, we need to go out and claim what we want.

I’m sure Shaggy meant for Strength of a Woman to be a tribute to the empowered women in his life. For me it was a powerful reminder of the kind of woman I want to be…the woman I am becoming…the woman I am…

She'll put a smile upon your face
And take you to that higher place
So don't you under estimate
The strength of a woman

Are you ready to tap into a source of personal strength you never even knew existed? It’s not too late to join us for The E Factor: What is Empowerment. It’s all about flexing your muscles, although not in the way you might think!

During this tele-workshop (that’s right, it’s all taking place over the phone) you'll discover how to develop your E Factor and build up your personal power. We'll also help you to identify what really holds you down and stands in the way of realizing your full potential. And, we won't stop there…we'll be revealing our top Empower Points, and as always, you'll leave the session with an action plan to implement all you've learned.

The "E" Factor: What is Empowerment?
DATE: Monday, May 17, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: In the Soulspring Tele-classroom
FEE: It's FREE*! We invite you to be our guest!
*Long distance charges apply where applicable.

You will receive your tele-classroom access code and training
materials via email prior to the training call.

REGISTER HERE

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Kim,

Sister of Soul

Soulpiration of the Week:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. ~Marianne Williamson

Motherhood Advice from an Angel

I started thinking mid-week about the fact that this Sunday was Mother’s Day and that my blog should somehow relate, but I was struggling on which direction to go with things. I thought that I could write a funny blog; full of humorous mom moments. Or I could write a really deep and moving blog; one that would surely make my mom cry. Or maybe something inspirational would be better? I had no clue. The possibilities were really endless of where I could take this week’s blog post. And then it hit me! I’m a mom – why not tell a “mom story” from my own experience. Perfect!

I’ve been a mom for almost five years now. My daughter will turn five next month and my son is nearly 14 months. I am by no means a perfect mom but I try my best and think I do a pretty darn good job. Oh, but believe me, there are times where I’m stressed, overwhelmed, and cranky all at the same time.

I can recall a specific day about 2 years ago when I was having a particularly tough day. It seemed as though everything was going against the grain that day, including my daughter, who was about 2-1/2 at the time. We had an appointment that I was trying rush out the door for – and that was maybe the day I learned that you can’t rush a toddler. My usually sweet, well-behaved daughter was being just plain naughty. We finally got to our appointment and I was still feeling irritated. It was one of those days where you’d opt to put your child back in if it was in any way possible.

While in the waiting room I noticed an older, gruff-looking man sitting across the small room. I’m sure he could sense the kind of day I was having, as I was trying to keep my daughter from being completely unruly. I went to grab a magazine and this gentleman said to me, “Sometimes, all you can do is love them.”

I have always believed that there are earth angels that are put in our paths in the moments we need them most. That day I needed that man to be there to say those words to me to pull back up from my “downward spiral of a day”. Those words have made a world of difference to me. Since that day I have found myself repeating them to myself whenever my kids are putting me through an especially trying time. And when I’m completely at the end of my rope, I take a look at my beautiful children, and think, “right now, I’m just going to love them.”

Today, I’d like to give a special shout-out to all the mom’s out there: Here’s to our power to heal boo-boo’s, our strength in upholding our families, and our beauty when it’s least expected. Happy Mother’s Day!

Becky,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
“No one in the world can take the place of your mother. Right or wrong, from her viewpoint you are always right. She may scold you for little things, but never for the big ones.” ~Harry Truman

If You Can Read This . . . Thank a Teacher!

I have a special place in my heart for teachers. I had some good teachers when I was in school. No one teacher in particular stands out for me, though, except for maybe--my dad. He taught at a technical college for over 30 years, however it wasn’t until his retirement party that I got a good sense of the affect he had on hundreds of students.

You see my Dad wasn’t your “typical” teacher. He wasn’t just teaching these kids the trade of how to fix major appliances. No, he was also teaching them life lessons. Those “other” things it takes to be successful not only in the business world, but more importantly in life. Lessons such as: it is always best to do the “right thing” instead of taking the easy way out, the art of good customer service goes way beyond the customer, the many benefits of a simple hand-written thank you note, and the list goes on.

As his former students mingled about the day of his retirement party, not one person said, “Your dad was the best teacher because his class was so easy!” In fact, it was quite the opposite. They told story after story of how they admired their teacher because he held them accountable. They respected that, and they knew that the tough lessons had made them successful.

His teachings didn’t stop in the classroom. I can recall many lessons as I was growing up; some harder to learn than others. But nonetheless important life lessons that I now carry forward to my own children. To this day, I am blessed to be able to continue to receive wisdom and advice from my number-one teacher.

A white wooden windmill stands as an icon atop a prominent knoll on our family farm. I see it as a symbol of my dad’s teaching career transitioning into his retirement profession. He began construction on this windmill in the months prior to his retirement. I’m not quite sure of the reasoning behind it, but maybe it is to signify the new direction his life would take--being grounded by the enjoyment of teaching others and the freedom of now going whichever way the wind may blow.

This Tuesday, May 4th is National Teacher Day. Be sure to acknowledge those teachers who have made a difference in your life. And remember, teachers don’t necessarily have to do their teaching in a classroom.

We’d love to hear your stories of that special teacher and how they impacted your life. Just enter your comments below.

Jenny,
Sister of Soul

Soul-spiration of the Week:
The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book. ~Author Unknown