Articulate with Clarity

"When you give yourself permission to communicate what matters to you

in every situation you will have peace despite rejection or disapproval."

Shannon L. Alder

As we travel through life, barriers will block the way. They are not always meant to create a dead end, but a pause to reevaluate and rest. It is in our silence that new information can present itself. Positioned in a different viewpoint on our path, we may be open to seeing things differently.

It is inevitable that we veer off our path, but there is a lesson in everything. It is important that we do not lug our errors around tainting new possibilities. There is an art to forgiveness which sets us free and returns our power back to us. If there has been judgment or rejection, it must be witnessed and then released.

If emotional needs are not being met or partnerships no longer assisting, there needs to be an exploration of how we are delivering ourselves. If we are articulating with clarity, but no one is paying attention, then perhaps our audience needs to be changed. We have choice and can blame no one but our lovely selves if we are not being heard.

 

Obliterate Loneliness

"One of the most important things you can do on this earth

is to let people know they are not alone."

Shannon L. Alder

Some of us may have very rare occasions to be alone while others may be caught in seclusion. In either scenario, our interpretation is pivotal. How we react to a situation has more impact than the experience itself.  As a confidant looking into the emotional makeup of a friend, it is often beneficial to recognize wherever he or she happens to be.

There is a massive difference between being alone and being lonely.  There can be bliss in silence and inspiration within quietude. Perception as to how we use the space alone drives our contentment. On the other hand, loneliness is an emotion that triggers unease, insecurity or fear.

It is not abnormal to experience loneliness. How we respond to this feeling controls the outcome. When we are lonely, acknowledge it and then reach out to supportive friends or seek stimulation from favorite public haunts. Transition into an uplifting space where light can shine, obliterating this sense of loneliness! 

From the Horse's Mouth!

"When you give yourself permission to communicate what matters to you 

in every situation, you will have peace despite rejection or disapproval."

Shannon L. Alder

The conversation you have with yourself is one of the most important exchanges within your day. Listening to the voice within, you learn of your heart's desire, how it can be obtained, and what road best meets your needs.

If you miss getting flowers, go out and buy some!  While you are at it, if you crave chocolate, grab some of that as well. If you miss dining out, treat yourself to a meal at your favorite restaurant. When your soul needs feeding, attend a spiritual gathering.

You can be your best companion.  As you take the time to  tune in to your own needs with compassion, you have improved insight. Do not wait for a knight in shinning armor or the winning of a lottery ticket. You are here by granted permission to be fully you, now go!

Beauty of Heart and Soul

"Raise them to respect women, raise them to stand up for others,

raise them to care for the earth, raise them to be kind

compassionate and honest."

Shannon L. Alder

MATTHEW, my youngest son turns 43 years old today.  I can easily span his life except for various episodes hidden from me.  Throughout the years, he has had a passion for nature whether fishing, rock climbing, cave camping, or simply walking barefooted in grass beneath the trees.  He has maintained a love for gardens, harvesting fruit, vegetables and flowers. He has learned more through experience than reading grade school, high school and college materials.

MATTHEW has a timelessness about him.  He easily plays with little children, engages with strangers and listens very earnestly for nuggets of wisdom from  elders.  He respects that all people have a gift to share and he is waiting with anticipation.  He has learned about bees, woodworking (which he has won awards for), cross breeding plants, and compulsive desire for connection with water.

MATTHEW took years before he could be appreciated by others for his inner gifts.  He is not easy to get to know as he does not express him self easily.  If one waits long enough, however, he or she will be rewarded with an enthusiastic opening of his heart. He feels things deeply, cultivates an awareness that misses little.  I love him dearly, as he has authentically grown into to the beauty of his heart and soul.

Tell Me Who You Really Are ....

"One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others want

you to be, rather than being yourself."

Shannon L. Alder

Who are you anyway?  No, not what you wear or where you live, but what is your essence?  I am not seeking your title or position or your body shape or religious and political beliefs.  I am asking who you might be if you were stripped of everything except your self perception.

Seriously, who would you claim to be?  What would be the strengths you would mention or the flaws and weaknesses?  Discarding poor choices, mishaps, and life lessons, who resides beneath the layers?  What name would you claim and where would your heart reside?

Tell me of the magic in you.  What stirs within from the innocence and awe of spiritual perceptions?  What has been left undone or untouched?  If I asked you to step outside of your body would you tell me then .... tell me who you really are within?

Where You Are Planted

"Every woman that finally figured out her worth, has picked up 

her suitcases of pride and boarded a flight to freedom, 

which landed in the valley of change."

Shannon L. Alder

Transitions are difficult for many reasons.  We take our lovely selves out of our comfort zone and we set ourselves up for criticism from friends ... who don't like change either.  At first we are mildly aware of a shift, and carefully move forward.  As time passes, we become aware of our passages forward  as our old life is but a reflection in the rear view mirror.

Friends may encourage change, just as long as the alteration does not effect them.  There are women who find themselves in dysfunctional relationships and yearn to better themselves.  Unfortunately, the unhealthy relationship does not encourage dreams or desires.  

This is not to say one has to leave present life in order to change.  It is ideal to be able to enhance our selves in place bringing our friends along through our stories of experience.  If we are surrounded by those who truly love us and support us without feeling themselves threatened, we can make great head way where we are planted.

Unrecognized Strength Within

"The most intriguing people you will encounter in this life

are the people who had insights about you,

that you didn't know about yourself."

Shannon L. Alder

Women who have a strong sense of self are eager to share the goodness they observe in others.  They do not feel threatened by the talents of others; rather, there is a  desire is to recognize and celebrate them.  When we feel safe with a person, we shine more of our authentic light.

It is human nature to take our God given gifts and falsely assume everyone has the same.  The author who writes with cadence and beauty; the artist who paints with majestic colors; the leader who instills integrity in others ... they often do not recognize the strength within themselves.

When a trusted acquaintance points out our unusual knack for ______,  and sites examples of it through their own eyes, we begin to realize the quality of our unique gift.  The words resonate within us as we recognize them as truth.  Perhaps we begin to honor and respect ourselves more and hopefully offer gratitude and thanksgiving.