…heartbeat
of the positive revolution
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Who are you? Recently I had the privilege of speaking at an eWomen Network dinner. During the “Accelerated Networking” portion of our evening, ten women at each table took one minute each to answer four questions, the first of which was “Who are You?” In this business setting, I gave my business answer: “I am the owner of a wellness business that offers specific strategies to people who want healthy bodies, healthy finances and healthy relationships.” But this is not who I am. I am increasingly uncomfortable with defining myself by what I do. Grappling with this dilemma especially since Revolutionary Agreements was published, I feel uneasy when asked for my bio to define who I am. While it is true that I have accomplished all on that list, I am not my achievements. So who am I? And how do I answer the question, “What do you do?” when I am less interested in defining myself by my past and more interested in simply being present in the moment. Heading off to a gathering where I was looking forward to making new friends, I realized that I would not be able to avoid being asked, “What do you do?” “I am a writer.” “I am a wellness consultant.” “I’m the mom of an awesome teenage son.” “I’m a member of …, on the board of…., in the choir of…“I am… I am… I am…. Arrrrgh! While all of these reflect my interests, I am none of them! Yearning to be liberated from labels and freed to create myself anew in any moment, an emotional inburst erupted into this writing: ---------------------------------------------- In the past I knew. Simple, Now no answer Been there, done that Doing less, being more. So to answer your question And I don’t mean to be rude. Perhaps I will discover a new way to express who I am as beautifully as my friend and colleague, Teri. When asked “Who are you?” she might reply, “I am a devoted wife, mother and friend who blesses family, friends and people I meet with the gift of growing older with grace, hope and financial health.” Beautifully weaving her personal and business mission with her feelings about life, she offers us a model to follow as the New Year approaches. At the end of this month I have set aside time to reflect on 2006 and create my vision board (aka dream board, treasure map) for 2007. Until that time and on that day I invite my heart, mind and soul to playfully explore “Who am I?” and “What do I do?” reminding myself that whatever answers appear are perfect for right now. Won’t you join me? With gratitude for who you are,
Your stories are the heartbeat of the positive revolution. Keep them coming! It’s All in the Attitude Maria Elliott, founder of Substantial Solutions, has been a wellness consultant to individuals for more than 25 years, and a life coach. Her vocation is finding solutions that empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. After experiencing the power of the Revolutionary Agreements in her own life, she decided to offer them to her corporate clients. www.substantialsolutions.com Our patent-pending Ultimate Wellness Program™ helps corporations and other large groups solve the problem of increasingly costly employee health benefits. By helping employees master simple keys to the five fundamentals of ultimate wellness, we reduce the high cost of employee sickness and promote greater productivity and well-being. Those five fundamentals include having a healthy attitude, practicing healthy breathing, drinking healthy water, eating healthy nutrition and enjoying healthy movement. The Revolutionary Agreements go straight to the heart of a healthy attitude. I cannot imagine anything more effective than the Revolutionary Agreements to help individuals discover how powerfully their attitude affects their wellness. With Marian’s consent, we are creating online modules with learning assignments incorporating five of the Agreements that are particularly relevant to the workplace: I agree to keep doing what works and change what doesn’t, to give and receive thanks, to respect our differences, to resolve conflicts directly, and to see the best in myself and others. We are grateful to be playing a part in helping our country find a way through the current health care crisis. We believe we have a solution that will help people make good choices so they can live into their fullest potential of wellbeing, both physically and mentally. The Revolutionary Agreements are an immensely valuable part of manifesting this dream. Young children do not concern themselves about who they are – they show up in the moment as innocents, curious and enthusiastic. The little girl below reminded me yet again what this season (or any season for that matter) is really about. Thank you Sheridan; thank you Marian. Thanks to all the young and young-at-heart who believe that magic is not only possible, it is necessary. Seen any unicorns lately?
Sheridan and the President Blond, blue eyed and six years old, While other kids want Xmas toys She gave to him her street address She said that she would take the time “Mama, please, do this for me.” Surprise, surprise when one fine day He thanked her for her special gift Her family is so proud of her. Is it possible we could pause, “And a child showed us the way.”
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