Saturday, September 27, 2008

I Like (err..need) Attention

This is so hard for me to admit, but I recently woke up to the fact that I like (err...need) attention. Yes, it's true I like (err..need) to have positive attention and positive strokes. At this point you might be asking the question, "Who doesn't?" but let me explain by sharing an example. Last night at my son's marching band performance they did a 50/50 raffle where part of the proceeds would go to the band and the other part to the person who won the raffle. I bought a ticket, not with the intention of keeping the money if I won, but with the intention of donating the money back to the band. OK, so where does the attention come in?

The thought ran through my head of how cool it would be to be acknowledged (in public) for the kind act of donating the winnings. Yes, that's right, that's the thought I had. The next thought I had was, "Holy shit! If that is your reason for donating, then you are donating for the wrong reason! This should NOT be about you, Pam!"

Did I win? No, and frankly, with my attitude I'm not sure I should have. That's when I woke to the realization that I like (OK, need!) attention and from that I was reminded of a few things.

  • I was reminded that it is important to do things because you want to, not because you are seeking attention. Giving should ALWAYS come from the heart and not from the need for attention.
  • I was reminded that I do like attention and that is OK, but that I can find other ways, better ways, to fulfill that need for attention. (Then it no longer is a need).
  • I was reminded that I need to be more aware of this need for attention because from awareness comes choice; how I choose to show up.


So from this day forward, when I feel the need for attention, I am going to...

  • Ask for hug.
  • Say something nice to myself about myself.
  • Look inward.
  • Be gracious.
  • Remind myself that to give authentically means to be detached from any outcome. Give with no expectations.

Phew, there you have it. As always, I am open to any thoughts, words of wisdom, or strategies that have worked for you when you need attention.

Posted by Pam at 7:11:06 PM in Not Just Talk (85) | Comments (0) | Permalink

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Who Cares What Others Think!

Every week my son has band practice and during this last practice our band director (BD) announced that his mother was dying so he may have to be away for a few days. At the end of practice my son told me that he needed to talk with BD. BD was talking with another parent so my son waited patiently until he was finished. When he was done my son said to him, "Mr. BD, I am sorry about your mom. Could you use a hug?" He then gave BD a big squeeze and told him that he hoped all went well with the funeral. As we were walking to the car my son put his arm around me and said, "I don't care if anyone saw me give BD a hug and I don't care what they think if they did. I thought he could use one."

Why am I sharing this story?

It's not because I am completely and utterly proud of my son, because I am (more than words can express). I share this story because, for me, it serves as a wonderful reminder just how important it is to go with our hearts and not worry about what others think. When we do we are no longer being held hostage by other people's thoughts and opinions. We are being true to who we are and we are making a difference. So my friends, follow your hearts without fear that others will think you are weak, silly, strange, odd, (you fill in the blank). And remember, it truly is none of your business what others think of you. It is your business what you think of you.

Posted by Pam at 2:41:06 PM in Not Just Talk (85) | Comments (4) | Permalink

Monday, September 15, 2008

The Universe Does Conspire

Don't you just love it when you get those little synchronistic messages handed to you as if someone is trying to say, "Hey, I get it and I am right there with you."? Today was one of those days for me. As a subscriber to Tut's daily Notes from the Universe, I received the following message; (Bit o' background; one of things I would like to do is redecorate my home, putting down wood floors and repainting the inside, hence the reference.)

What happens when someone worries? Basically, they think of 100 reasons why something might go wrong. And all of those thoughts then struggle to become things, sometimes overriding their more constructive thoughts. It's like a train wreck. Ain't pretty. But that's the power of worry. Now, let's say you want something fantastic to manifest in your life, Pam. Hypothetically, let's say you want a to redecorate your home; repainting and putting down wood floors. (I know you.) Have you sat down yet and listed 100 reasons why it might come to you easily, fast, and harmoniously? I think you should. Today works, The Universe

What a wonderful reminder that if I want something badly enough, rather than worry about how, rather than go to the place of "Oh, I could never", or rather than sit in the Land of Fear of Failure I can do something much more positive and list all the reasons why I can achieve. Yipppeee, just another great exercise to add to my "re-wiring my brain" arsenal. Thank you, Universe and Tut.com.

Posted by Pam at 1:02:40 PM in Not Just Talk (85) | Comments (0) | Permalink

Sunday, September 07, 2008

AWESOME Note to Self

I love learning and I equally love to be reminded of lessons learned. This week a client brought forward a wonderful reminder; to aspire to live a life full of joy. (THANK YOU!) 

Often times we struggle in claiming our passion and purpose rather than paying attention to those small and not so small details that bring us joy. If we are doing things that bring us joy, we are living a life full of passion and purpose.  So my note to myself for this week is to remember to fill each day with joy. If I am living a joyful life, guess what? I am helping add joy to those around me and the world at large. How cool is that!?


Posted by Pam at 11:33:23 PM in Random Ramblings (25) | Comments (0) | Permalink

Monday, September 01, 2008

I'm A Quote Junkie

I really am, I admit it. I am a sucker for a powerfully moving, goose-bump provoking, a-ha inspiring quote and I have collected quite a lot over the years. Of those I have collected, here are just a few that really knock my socks off...my words to live by, if you will.

"We don't attract what we want, we attract what we are." - Anonymous

I'd love to shake the person's hand who wrote this little gem. This quote serves as my reminder to be the best me I know how to be. To be positive, to be loving, to be giving, to be kind, to be all the things I wish to have in my life.

"A man's word is his bond. If his word is not worth anything then neither is he." - Anonymous

This quote was passed down to me from my grandfather via my dad and it was one I grew up with. It's important to me to always be a woman of my word.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are 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. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. - Marianne Williamson

These beautiful words remind me not to compromise who I am in order to fit in and that who I am is more than good enough.

And this little jewel I recently stumbled upon as I was reading the book Feel It Real!: A Guided Approach to Bringing the Law of Attraction into Your Life "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

I am a firm believer that all the good stuff resides in our hearts; our answers, our truest desires, our values, and who we are. I don't ever wish to stop listening to or feeling with my heart.

Since I admitted with this post that I am a quote junkie, I would love to collect more so please do share your favorite quotes with me and why they are important to you! Here is to the power of words and sharing them so we all continue to be the best people we can possibly be.

Posted by Pam at 5:34:54 PM in Random Ramblings (25) | Comments (4) | Permalink