On Living Your Passion and a Confession (Me, A Cheerleader?)

I have something to confess, something those who know me well would never think I had done. 

Back when I was a young teen I attended a private school in Indiana.  They didn't have many sports for girls.  In the winter months, I was determined to find a way to get to all the boy's basketball games.  So, I grit my teeth and got up my courage and joined the cheerleading team. 

Yes, me a cheerleader (ha, ha, ha).  It was one of the most awkward, uncomfortable experiences of my life.  I did not like jumping around in front a crowd.  It didn't jive with my personality or my sporty, atheltic self.  (If I had those pictures, I am not sure I'd even share them with you!)  At least it provides me with a funny story to tell about myself.

Why am I sharing this?  Well, for the past year, my younger daughter has felt a strong inner desire to become a cheerleader.  Finally, last week, with great hestitation on my part (I have visions of her becoming a basketball player), I signed her up for a cheerleading class. 

Her reaction?  She jumped for joy.  She came out of her first class with a mile-long smile across her face.  She was glowing with excitement and enthusiasm.  She couldn't stop talking about the upcoming competition she will get to be in, the baton twirling and the moves she had learned.  And, when she came home, she couldn't stop practicing.  She was focused, determined, and intent on mastering the cheers her teacher gave her.

When a kid has passion, they work endless hours to become good at what they love. 

Too many adults have lost this.  I see them on a daily basis.  The walking drones, looking grey, lacking smiles and robotically going through their days.  They aren't connected to their passions.  They don't feel a sense of purpose.  They feel stuck in jobs they dislike and disconnected from things that make their hearts beat faster. 

Watching my daughter this week reminded me of how essential it is to infuse our lives with activities we love.

When I think back to my high school days, I see now that I had a life-changing moment:  I picked up and shot a basketball at age 16.  I loved it.  I lived basketball. I breathed it.  I would get up at 6 a.m. to do workouts because there was very little I cared about more than becoming the best player I could be.  I could play for hours on end on the hottest or coldest days. Nothing could or would deter me from practicing and playing the sport I loved.  The result:  I scored 1,000 points in the first three years I played.

When passion arises and you follow it with hard work and dedication, miraculous things happen.

Now, my passion is to help individuals and groups reach their full potential.  When I coach others, speak to audiences and write--I feel incredible joy and inner peace. 

Are you ready to connect to more of your passion this week?

Consider these questions  (for maximum benefit, write your answers down):

1.  What did I feel excited about when I was 5, 10 and 15 years old? 

2. What activities did I do as a young person for hours on end, not realizing that time had passed by?

3.  What activities did I do in the past year that brought a smile to my face and a sense of satisfaction to my spirit?

4.  How can I begin infusing more of my passion into my daily life?

5.  Is there a way to integrate my passion into my day-job? 

The more passion and purpose you can infuse into your daily life, the better you will feel.  Rather than struggling to get out of bed, maybe you will start waking up BEFORE your alarm goes off because you can't wait to get started!

This kind of life is possible for each of us.  It takes a bit of soul searching to reconnect to this part of ourselves.  This introspection is a tremendouls long-term investment you can make to create a life that feels joyful and satisfying.

Even thought cheerleading felt opposite to who I was, it certainly seems to make my daughter happy.  So, I will encourage her to go for her dreams and to follow her passion.

Have a passionate week ahead!

Above all, be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.

-- Author Unknown

Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night.

-- Glade Byron Addams

If you feel stuck, I offer life and executive coaching that can help you create a satisfying, purposeful, passionate life.  I'm here if you need me!

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
www.patriciaomoqui.com

No Joke: My Head Was Literally On Fire!

It has been over two months since I wrote.  And, an intense, challenging two months it has been.  There are times in life where the fire of difficulty burns through your insides.  That's what's gone on with me.  It's all positive.  I feel more open because of the experience.

At one point recently, my head was literally on fire.  No joke.  One night as I slept I couldn't even put my head on my pillow.  It was as if from the top of my scalp to the bottom of my neck my skin was burning.  The pain became so intense that I got myself to a doctor (something I have not had to do in years) to get emergency help.

With the right meds and a good does of rest, relief came and the blaze ended. 

How did this happen?  Well, lessons were learned the hard way.  I had become so consumed with caring for others around me that I had put myself aside.  I was worn thin, more exhausted than I had been in years.  Someone in the family required loads of medical care.  In taking care of her, I ended up ill myself.

Someone told me during that time -- you have "special needs" too.  Take care of yourself.  It came to a point that I had too or I knew something serious was going to happen to my health.  In the words of Sigmund Freud, "Being extremely honest with oneself is a good exercise."  It was time to do so.
Since these days with head ablaze, I took a break.  I stopped writing my blog.  My daily emails were halted.  I stepped back to just breathe and improve my well-being. 

I do feel better.  But I know my journey of taking more care of me has just started. 

In fact, I've been noticing that I am learning a whole new way of being.  From the time I was a small girl I was a soldier, forging ahead constantly into the unknown, fierce and focused on winning.  Lately though, I have seen the toll this approach has taken on my body, mind and spirit. 

It's time for new ways, graceful and flowing days.  I now realize the power in gentleness and compassion (especially toward myself.)

To do life on my terms and enjoy the simple pleasures of the moment, that is my focus.  I feel better.

If your body or spirit is signalling that you are close to breaking down, don't ignore it!  Listen.  Pay attention.  Welcome the messages it gives you.  Then, offer yourself whatever it is you need. 

It is health which is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi

Take good care of yourself this week.
I will be doing the same!

With love,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

www.patriciaomoqui.com

Get Inspired: Together WE DO Great Things

I walk in. I feel warmly welcomed. I meet new people with an international focus. My heart awakens. I listen to the speakers tell about their work. I am inspired. That is my experience of the WIL of Greater Philadelphia February meeting. (Yes, you must get to the next meeting!)

From the moment you enter until the moment you leave, there is something to gain from being a part of WIL meetings.

February’s gathering introduced me to a new aspect of women’s empowerment: the challenging advocacy work that happens behind the scenes to ensure women’s voices are heard at the UN policy-making table. Our two speakers, Cate Owren and Eleanor Blomstrom, were from WEDO, Women’s Environment & Development Organization.

What intrigued me most about the presentation was how the organization was formed. A few female friends of like mind saw a need, a gap, and they knew they had to do something to fill it. WEDO founding member Thais Corral of Brazil said it all started with a question, “What if we, as women, use this opportunity of the UN Conference Environment and Development to be the change we want to see in the world?” So this group of friends, of female activists, decided they must take action. They moved forward. Now, twenty years later, the results they have achieved on behalf of women worldwide are outstanding. (Visit their website to learn more: www.wedo.org).

And, that’s how WIL of Greater Philadelphia started too. A few Philadelphia based women who cared about women’s issues wanted to gain more of a global perspective. They wanted to be able to do something to assist women in other parts of the world. So, they started meeting. They found a way to touch lives through raising money and funding eight microfinance banks to date.

It is a joy to now be personally involved in what they are doing.

Isn’t that how all great things start? They start small and grow with focus, commitment and determination.

I left the meeting reminded of the truth that Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist expressed so well, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

You and I, and especially when WE join together, WE can create ripples of positive change on the issues that matter most to us. So, take some action today. . .the World will benefit so greatly if WE DO.

Hope to meet you at our next meeting on April 9th  (http://wil-gp.org/events.html)!

Stop! Don't Wish Your Life Away...Savor This Stage You Are In

Yes, I found myself doing it again today.  That syndrome I had years ago--the "Postponed Happiness Syndrome" (PHS) was back this morning in full force. 

It all stems from that thought pattern I used to buy into a few years ago.  It goes something like this:  "When (fill in the blank) finally happens, then I will feel better about my life." 

I used to wish my life away.  I'd live for the future events that would somehow "improve" my life.  I did that so much and so often that I rarely enjoyed life. 

But, about 8 years ago I found a cure for my self-diagnosed case of PHS.  It was simple but not easy.  I learned to live in the present moment--I mean to really engage my whole being in the here and now.  As I did, life became more colorful.  I started noticing the beauty all around me.  I began to understand the importance of the stage of life I was in:  every second was purposeful preparation in becoming the person I am made to be.

Old patterns have a way of popping up.  The good news is that with self-awareness, you can catch them sooner.  So, I noticed myself letting PHS take over and I laughed.  Then, I shifted gears into the here and now.

I had the most wonderful day.  It wasn't anything out of the ordinary.  But, with my renewed presence, it felt extra-ordinary.  It ended with the a nice hug from my youngest daughter.  I sank into the warmth of our embrace and took the moment deep into my heart. 

Funny enough, I interacted with a friend who was wishing his life away too.  He was finally in his dream location, one he had worked to get to for the past year.  It had become his reality through many challenges, but with determination he had done it!  Rather than enjoying where he was, he already was worried about the summer months and what was coming next.

I chuckled to myself.  Each person is a mirror for me.  So, I reminded him to enjoy where he was and what he was doing.  As I spoke those words aloud they echoed in my own spirit and I knew they were for me too.

Live for today.  I mean really cherish the day you are in.  Look for the blessings.  Open to the glamour of THIS moment.  Life is truly magnificent and miraculous when you stop rehashin the past or wishing for the future.

Be here.
Be here NOW.
Don't miss out.

I am soaking it in again and it feels good.

With a smile,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thouht Dr.

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com

Teenage Confessions -- Ok, I Admit It, I've Made My Fair Share of Mistakes!

You'd never believe it if I told you. . .

When I was thirteen years old, living in the suburbs of Chicago. . .wow, not sure if I should really tell you this. . .

I was young, curious.  I wanted to try new things.  I want to fit in and be cool so I . . .

Hmm, well, my best friend at the time Carolyn (*name changed to protect identity) had a neighbor friend named Julie.  She was in high school.  We thought she was amazing.  She was a rule-breaker.  She was quite different than the follow-the-rules-Christian-school-girls that we were.  We were fascinated and drawn in.

She introduced us to many things.  Yes, cigarettes were included.  So, Carolyn and I bought a pack for ourselves.  We would sit in her room with window cracked open during the middle of winter and smoke a few.  We also took long walks around the block showing off with a cigarette in our hands and circular puffs of smoke coming from our lips.

Yes, we were in the "in" crowd.  One thing led to another.  We wondered how Julie got such nice clothes, bags and jewelry.  So, she showed us how she went about it. 

First she taught Carolyn.  On a trip to the mall, Julie demonstrated how to take the security tags off of a handbag and then fill it with all the things she wanted to return home with (of course, without paying for a dime of it).

Then, Carolyn showed me the ropes.  So, for months, either Carolyn's parents or mine would drop the two of us besties at the mall to "shop."  Little did our parents know what we were up to.  Each time I returned from the mall, I'd hide the goods in the back of my closet.

Summertime arrived.  And, like every year, I went away to the sleep-over camp sponsored by our Christian youth group.  Each camp day we had a chapel session where a speaker shared ideas from God's word.  Oh, did I feel guilty inside.  I was miserable.  I was unhappy and scared.  I knew what I had been doing was not right.  So, finally, one day, I knew I needed to go forward after the service to ask for prayer and counseling.

I went home feeling a burden had been lifted.

Little did I know that while I was away, my mom decided to clean out my room.  Yes, and she even decided to tidy up my closet.  She was shocked by what she found --makeup, earings, necklaces, purses. . . loads of goods that I had accumulated stealing from area stores.  She immediately called Carolyn's parents.  Carolyn had not gone to camp.  So her parents sat her down and the truth came out.

I arrived home from camp.  From the look on my parent's faces I knew something was wrong.  I got home and they sat me down to talk.  They brought out the piles and piles of stolen goods and asked me what had been going on.  I confessed. They made me go and confess my wrongs to my younger brother to further humble me. 

My parents were too smart. They then made me go back to the stores and give back all the things I had taken.  Talk about having a heart that was going to pound out of my chest.  The stores couldn't prosecute me because I was so young.  So they gave me a stern talking too and told me never to enter their store again.

Why do I bother to confess all this to you?  I decided to air my dirty laundry to let you know that none of us are perfect.  We all have mistakes from our past (and even from our present).  The most important thing is to LEARN and GROW from each and every experience.  Clearly, these teenage issues are long gone, but the lessons I gained from the situation have stayed with me for life.  The errors of my ways have allowed me to relate to young people who are trying so hard to fit in and be cool.

As you enter 2013, why not come to terms with your "mistakes and failures"?  Why not glean the harvest of wisdom these situations offer you?  It's time to own your past and march even stronger and wiser into 2013.

I despise the smell and taste of cigarettes now.  Because of those early mistakes I stayed away from drugs and alcohol as a teenager and young adult.  I was focused and had to take ownership of my actions.  These early mistakes paved the way for the focus and determination I brought to the basketball court as I finished high school.  Nothing would distract me.

Everything we experience is tremendously value IF we learn from it.

So, today, I celebrate your "mistakes" with you because each one is helping to grow you into your potential if you choose to gleen the lessons from it.

Happy New Year,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com

Own Your Brilliance -- Yes, Shine Bright Like a Diamond!

Just got off the phone with a dear friend.  She and I seem to be learning similar lessons in different forms.  Being a person with an open heart that is full of goodness is a beautiful thing--except, when you share your goodness with those who do not value it.  Some people like to use and abuse what is offered to them.  They are there to leech, to suck you dry and take.  Thus... 

For those of us who have pure intentions and give freely to others, we often have to learn the essential lesson called:

 Discernment. 

Giving to others is a wonderful experience.  Knowing you are in the flow of goodness and that this flow is never-ending and miraculous is incredible.  However, it is important to distinguish who will value this gift and who may trample on it or not even care about what you are offering.  We can learn to be discerning and notice the energy of others.  Then, we can use our gifts with a laser focus to effect tremendous, positive change in our World.

Each of us is created with tremendous brilliance within.  We are each intriniscally valuable and amazing--gifted in ways we haven't yet begun to comprehend.  As we enter 2013, it is essential we begin to wake up to this beauty and sparkle within.  And, we must also learn to value ourselves enough and be discerning enough that we share our gifts with those who are truly open to it.

So, friends, as Rihanna sings it so well, "We are beautiful like diamonds in the sky...Shine bright like a diamond...Shine bright like a daimond...We are beautiful like diamonds in the skye..."

Shine today. Use your gifts wisely.  Open your eyes and ears and be aware.  Choose well when and where you offer the diamond within  you.

Be brilliant as you enter 2013!


With a smile,

Patricia

Shine...TODAY...Shine Bright...NOW is YOUR Time

As I have meditated upon the passing of some very dear friends this past week, I have come to a great deal of personal clarity:  Very little matters...it is only love that matters...today is my day to live with total purpose and passion...today is the day I have to love others with my full attention and focus.

The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary brought that truth even deeper into my heart on Friday.  When I heard the news, more tears streamed down my face.  I could not fathom the deep pain of losing a child.  I have two precious girls of my own and I appreciate them today more than I ever have before.

Life is brief, so very brief, and we do not know what amount of time we will be allotted for our journey.

So, this week, I challenge you to relinquish your fear and nagging self-doubt.  As you close 2012, I encourage you to step more fully into your personal power.   Open to your dreams.  Take your next steps forward to actualize them.  Know that you are full of light and love.  You are a person of amazing value.  Shine that beautiful light you have...Shine...TODAY...Shine Bright...NOW is YOUR Time.

With a simple smile and a hug sent your way,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com