I'm standing up for my truth

Today, Mindful Beginnings® is about standing up for what we believe to be our truth, but doing it in a way that shows respect to others.  Often, I've written about appreciating difference, finding our own paths in life, etc.  The opportunity lies in finding our truth and still being in harmony (and community) with others.

I live in Hermosa Beach.  There is an election on March 3rd and its residents have the opportunity to vote for or against oil drilling.  At first, I was going to quietly sit back, vote "no" and not share with others, for fear of offending someone.  I then thought how blessed I am to live in a place where I can share my ideas and be protected from physical harm.

So, here I am, voting "NO" on oil drilling.  Here's why:

When I first moved from New England 23 years ago and landed in Hermosa Beach, I looked up at the soft sand, the warm sun and the sky above with its blue colors of wonder.  I knew I was home.  I went for a jog along the shoreline my third day in, only to collapse.  I couldn't breathe and my heart started pumping in anticipation of this newfound feeling, of which had never happened before.  Was it the smog?  What happened?  A man around my age approached and said, "Dude, call 911!"  I asked for water, slowed my breathing down, and ultimately no ambulance was needed.

Fast forward to today.  The story of my collapsing illustrates how important our environment is, especially for vulnerable populations.   No, I didn't read the reports that share the health impacts to our city where the proposed oil drilling site would be located.  I did, however, gather information from people of whom I trusted:  my husband, an attorney, and also watched the process of my own elected City Council, who were voted in to represent the best interests of its people, sat through countless hearings, behind closed door meetings, to understand and best represent its citizens.  All of these Council members are voting no and have publicly announced this, including some members who waited until the very end to join their fellow council.

My process of how I arrived at my truth was one where I sought counsel, but also listened to my own inner wisdom.   I trust myself to listen to those thoughts that continue to tell me we need to move forward to find alternative ways where we don't have to rely upon oil.  Yes, I drive a gas-powered vehicle.  I also drive an electric powered golf cart.  I do the best I can with the resources that I have to make this world a healthier place to live.

I have read some information highlighting the proposed oil drilling site having a 150 foot setback from its closest residential dwellings.  150 feet?  I could never wish any emissions from this project to reach vulnerable populations (elderly, children, those with suppressed immune systems).  For all of the above reasons, I am voting "NO".  

For the children, elderly and vulnerable populations, I'm voting no.

For those living near the site, I'm voting no.

For the times that I jog on the beach (these days it's been more like walking), I'm voting no.

For future generations,  I'm voting no.

I want to #KeepHermosaHermosa and move towards change that is aligned with my truth.  Please join me in voting no.  If not, the work becomes living (and staying) in harmony with you, too.

I hope you find your truth regarding oil, the environment, how to parent, fall in love, clean your house and balance all that life has to offer.

Here's to TRUTH!

Blessings,
Lisa

Vision and goal setting jars really work: set those intentions!

Comb through the internet and you'll see lots of folks setting intentions for this New Year.  New diets and new ways to exercise are just some of the goals to elicit change in our lives.  I remember reading about how some people were writing down their dreams/visions/goals on pieces of paper and then tucking them away into a jar, never to look back until the following year to reflect on what came to fruition.

What the heck, I thought.  Let me try this with my boys.  And that we did.

Wow, what a year.  As a result of this "jar" activity, I haven't been writing on my "Mindful Beginnings®" blog.  I've learned that I  must be careful what I wish for, because it may very well come true!

And here's my story....

It started when I asked my kids to write down their goals.  Of course, I joined them.  We wrote them on tiny pieces of paper, then rolled them up and placed them into the "coveted" jar.  This jar didn't have a name, like the photo pictured above that highlights the word, "dreams".  Ours was an old "Ball" jar, and the paper didn't have any yarn wrapped around each one.  We simply wanted to get the job done (and this is the story of my life with boys; sometimes it doesn't look like the Pinterest version of things, but the point has been to do it in a style that suits us).

We halfheartedly put them in, kind of forgetting that we even participated in this activity.

Fast forward to one year later.  Christmas night I brought out the jar.  One of my written goals included how I wanted a job where I was working "part or full-time, supervising staff and making a difference in the world; a job where I'd earn xxxxxx amount of money...or more".

This is exactly what I got.  Since April 2015, I've been working at a large University, feeling like I'm channeling Mother Teresa in what I'm being asked to do.  Not only did I receive the salary that I had written on that tiny piece of paper, but I received the "or more" amount of salary 5 months later.   I haven't minded the absence of  blogging.  I don't know when I'll write next, but when I do, I promise it will be to update and share the magic of my journey, for I never know where it will take me.

Please write your goals down, then forget about them.  The universe has a way of working out and bringing to you exactly what you should receive.

Believe me, I know.

Happy New Year!

Lisa

Why can't we all help to avoid tragedy?

Today, I sat and read the entire document from the State of Connecticut, which highlighted the history of Adam Lanza; his school and mental health records, and all events leading up to the tragic massacre at the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, CT.

I don't mean to revisit the past.  My intention is to learn from it so that we can avoid such a tragedy ever occurring again.

This boy needed help, that we all know.  What is obvious to me is how so many professionals (through the years) worked in silos, which ultimately put Adam Lanza, and our society at risk.

Here's the link, if you care to read:  http://tinyurl.com/mmbc7df

The importance of screening children ages 0-3 becomes more paramount.  I want this for every child; not just those in wealthy communities, but the underserved as well.

Please share your comments here if you choose to read this document.

As we move into the Holiday season, some people won't fare well.  Feelings of depression and gloom may emerge.  My response is to proactively share a smile, or be armed with the questions to ensure someone knows how to seek help if they experience these feelings.

Here is a number I hope we all will share with anyone in need.  Let's all do our part to ensuring the safety for ourselves and our loved ones.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone Number

1-800-273-8255

Women's online spirit and soul of woman magazine features Mindful Beginnings® article

Plan to immerse yourself in the world of wonder, as you read articles in the latest issue of Sibyl Magazine.  In it, you'll find stories on health, healing, love and relationships.  Page 5 highlights an article  from Mindful Beginnings®, highlighting how to know if you're making the right decision on your journey through life.


http://pnder.com/SibPr/APRIL-MAYSibyl2014.pdf










Enjoy!

~Lisa

Amazing you, oh, yes you are!

Sometimes just hearing the words, "You are amazing" can lift you right outta your chair and up, up, up into the blue sky above.

Think about it.  Just like adding water to a wilting flower, our words have the power to perk another up.

That's all I have today, folks.

Have a lovely day.  Finish it with knowing how amazing I think YOU are.

Hugs,
Lisa

Thank you for making me food so I don't die, and other Valentine love from the mouths of babes

In honor of #OperationFebruary, which is meant to spread more love into the world, I thought I'd share these seriously cute Valentine cards.  Maybe some of these will spark something in my own family to write some on their own.

What I love most about these cards is the honesty.  These children tell it how it is.  They don't beat around the bush.  They haven't "learned" to squelch their feelings and emotions.  They were their hearts on their sleeves.

Enjoy these quotes, and I hope that we all can speak out truths this Valentine's Day.
http://distractify.com/fun/fails/the-most-hilariously-awkward-valentines-from-children/

Time to rally behind art by drawing a heart

And, just like that, we are off to support a local artist who has been spreading joy throughout the land.   My journey started during the month of February, when I wanted to create a vehicle to honor the positive actions of my kids and spouse within the confines of our home.   #OperationFebruary began, where we would write on heart-shaped paper, and put it in the respective member's envelope to read.

#OperationFebruary quickly moved out into the community.  It just had to, because we all can use a little more love in our lives, can't we?

This Valentine's Day, some members of our local beach community will be honoring an artist that has been creating chalk drawings along the cement sidewalk (AKA "Strand").  For the last couple of months, there's been an individual who doesn't approve of these drawings and washes them away.

Rather than give attention to the removal of art, the idea has been to celebrate the chalk artist, whose only intention has been to inspire.

Please read below what was posted on Mindful Beginnings® fan page on FaceBook, and see if you can join us!

Have you noticed all the joy that #Funism brings, via the chalk art expressions all around our beach community? "You are on the path to greatness" as you walk up the staircase where Hermosa meets Manhattan along the strand, "Not all who wander are lost" on the strand wall, or "Hug Your People" are just some of the visual play on words you may have witnessed.  

In celebration of Valentine's Day and the artist behind #Funism, I am declaring #OperationFebruary, where we continue to honor the love in our lives, and spread it even more. Funism could use more love and recognition.

Here's how we can help:

On 2/14/14, #OperationFebruary asks for you to grab your own piece of chalk. Walk, run, jog or skip down to the strand wall anywhere in Hermosa Beach, and bring your creativity.

Draw a heart on the wall, draw a heart on the strand sidewalk. Pinks, purples, blues. Yellows, reds and oranges. Pick your color. When you feel complete with your art, you can also add: #Funism or #OperationFebruary.
Do so any time of the day this 2/14/14.

Let's meet in a more formal way, with Funism supporters performing their own group operation. 22nd Street and The Strand in Hermosa at 10:30 a.m. Bring your chalk. Bring your smiles. Bring your gratitude for a kind of art that is temporary and fleeting, and the kind that saves lives when it lifts those who suffer from stress and despair. #chalkcanthurt 

If you can't make the 10:30 a.m. time, simply go down on your own at any point during the day!

See you soon!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!