A Heartfelt Christmas Gift from Me to You - Please pass it on!

Just finished a walk.  There is nothing like the fresh winter air hitting my face and filling my lungs.  It changes me.  It helps my spirit regain flow.  Today  I put on my headphones and used music to take a walk back through 2013.  Yes, I actually had some "theme songs" this year.

I thought I'd share them with you as a Christmas gift.  These songs inspired me in dark moments, and helped me find a way to flow through the highs and lows of the year.

Grace.  God's grace.  That's what filled me this year.  That's what carried me.  That's what allows me to shine and be free even in the midst of challenge.  Michael W. Smith is an artist I listened to in high school.  For some reason I was drawn back to his music.  This rendition of Grace - A New Hallelujah has a way of lifting me far above any worldly concerns  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBsCkZd-HU4):

Surrender.  As a child I remember being in Sunday services.  They'd do altar calls and often would play I Surrender All as the background music.  I remember opening my heart to God at a young age, asking Him to take control of my life.  This year I found myself back at my inner altar, singing at the top of my lungs again:  I Surrender All.  One day I searched for the song and I found the most gorgeous version of the song, again my Michael W. Smith  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULNH9svens0):

Faith.  I found myself choosing again and again this year to believe God's promises.  I recalled the many times throughout my life where God provided a way -- a way that seemed to good to be true.  But, God knows exactly how to work miracles in our lives.  I took time to trust, trust, trust.  I opened my heart and presented all my desires and dreams to Him.  Then, I lifted my hands in praise, knowing that as a child of the King of Kings, I am always cared for in the most amazing ways.  In our services at the local church I attend, the pastor closed his sermon one day with this song and it has been one I play almost every day now -- I Lift My Hands by Chris  Tomlin  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbNK50T35wY):

So, I leave you with these songs I have grown to treasure.  May your Christmas holiday be one that rejuvenates you.  May your life be infused with new energy, beautiful peace and new vision for the year ahead.

I send my Christmas warmth and love your way,

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

The Silent Treatment!?! (And on my Birthday!) Wow

Total silence.  No talking.  No conversations.  Blocked from all electronic inputs even.  Can you believe that is what happened to me just a few days before my birthday last week.

Ok, I admit, it was self-imposed.  I chose to do a three day silent retreat after reading a Hafiz poem called For Three Days:

FOR THREE DAYS

Not many teachers in this world

Can give you as much enlightenment

In one year

As sitting all alone, for three days,

In your closet

Would

Do.

This means not leaving.

Better get a friend to help with

A few sandwiches

And

The chamber

Pot.

And no reading in there or writing poems,

That would be cheating;

Aim high--for a 360 degree

Detox.

This sitting alone, though, is

Not recommended

If you are normally

Sedated

Or have ever been under doctor's

Surveillance because of your

Brain.

Dear one,

Don't let Hafiz fool you--

A ruby is buried

Here.

The poem got me thinking.  My deepest desire is to reach my God-given potential.  My life's calling is to help others do the same.  So, why not give deep silence a try for myself? 

I've spent time meditating the past few years and it has always been something incredibly helpful to me.  Insights arise from my time in silence and inspiration fills me whenever my mind can quiet down enough to hear Divine whispers.  

I was guided to a local retreat center called St. Raphaela's (I'd be happy to share the details if you'd like to go there).  It was a simple place, an old mansion, run by a group of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  

I was given a room and three meals a day.    During my time there I sat in their chapel quietly praying and listening.  I laid on the grass experiencing the support of the Earth.  I walked in nature.  I watched the golden falls leave glisten as the wind blew them to the ground.   

Silence is refreshing.  It is also valuable because it stirs up the old, un-resolved (often painful) sediment that still needs to be dealt with.  In fact, while on a walk I came across an outdoor wedding.  I saw the father walking his daughter down the aisle.  All of a sudden it him me, "My Dad had never been there...he had not walked me down the aisle. . . " Tears flowed down my cheeks as this pain resurfaced.  The release was cleansing.  It gave me a moment to further release the past and open more deeply to the Heavenly Father who has always been with me through my life journey.  

I bet you are saying, "You are crazy!  Three days, that seems so long!"  Well, to be honest, it made me crave more--a full week, even a month? 

I enter this new year of my life with a desire to find practical ways to incorporate silent moments into my life.  And yes, I will definitely get another retreat on the calendar at St. Raphaela's.  

Why not open to a moment of silent on a regular basis?  Scripture says, " Be Still.  KNOW that I am God."  All the world's religions teach that silence is an entry to wisdom and Divine revalation.    If you need answers, direction, comfort, support, encouragement and insights, time in silence may just be what you need.  

True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment. ~William Penn

With my love as I enter a new year! (Thanks for journeying with me.)  

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

 www.patriciaomoqui.com

Going Deeper in Knowing Next Steps: What is the Mind Without the Heart?

I had the privilege to share an hour of coaching with a colleague.  She coached me the first 25 minutes, then I coached her. 

I love being on the receiving side of coaching.  Coaching is a powerful experience.  And, she provided me the space to get clear on the approach I wanted to take with some of my writing goals.  But for most of the session I was stuck in my head, spinning around and around and putting incredible pressure on myself.  Suddenly I realized, I needed to connect to my heart.  What was it that was really best for me right now?  Was it time to push for completion on the project or, was I to allow the book to emerge in the best time?

When I went into my heart space, the dark clouds of inner pressure suddenly parted.  I knew clearly that this book would be born.  I decided on an approach that fit my current schedule.  I chose to do the work from an energy of joy and peace rather than forcing it to come together.

Funnily enough, as I coached my friend, she was dealing with a similar dynamic.  She had gotten stuck in her head, worried that she had to approach completing some of her professional goals like all the other people around her.   As she verbally expressed the inner conflict, I reminded her of her heart. 

She moved from the mental question of "What SHOULD I do?" to the heart question of, "What do I really desire to do?"  Letting go of the pressure she had been putting on herself to meet up to external expectations brought her back to peace.  She saw the clear set of next steps she really wanted to take.  And, she felt relief.

I've been realizing the power of the heart.  I had grown up learning to figure it all out mentally.  The last few years, however, I began to listen more closely to what I wanted deep down inside myself.  Life has become more of a gentle, loving, compassionate movement forward than a hard-core focused march to achieve.  I still do achieve, but I do so in a much more enjoyable manner.

Notice this week if you find yourself stuck in your head--overthinking things.  Then, go deeper into yourself.  Go down to your heart and your gut.  Listen for whispers of your spirit telling you of what would bring you the most joy on the journey to your vision.

Then, for a little soothing, why not listen to the song Mind vs Heart by Nneka (one of my favorite Nigerian artists):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKE9j6nmYwE . 

Finally, A New Blog with some Fabulous Ideas to Inspire and Empower You!

Empty space inside.  Clearing out old.  Opening to new.  Contemplation.  Meditation.  Growing awareness.  Living.  Being.  Listening. Noticing. Healing.  Willing to write but no words to be found.

That's the space I've been in as a writer as of late.  Inspiration has flowed in short spurts (thus the Facebook and Twitter posts have flowed), but not in the longer blog spurts.  But, tonight, I just felt compelled to share a few helpful ideas:

1.  You can always choose a positive perspective.  A fabulous way to do so is to ask the following questions:

What good can I see in this situation?

What good can I see in this person?

What good can I find in myself?

These questions bring you toward light and hope, toward grace and goodness.  These questions allow you to experience life in an empowered way. 

You can become good at asking these questions by carrying them in your pocket and reading them regularly (especially in those moments when your mind is tending toward the dark, dreary, negative). 

2.  Taking the time to express the positive you see in others to them is powerful.  It's a technique called Acknowledgment.  You notice good traits another person has.  And, in one easy statement you can say aloud (or in a text), "One thing I know about you is that you are_____________ (good, kind, compassionate, creative, humble, gracious, helpful etc.)." 

Just this past week I shared a struggle I was having with some of my friends.  In the course of the conversation someone acknowledged me saying, "You are an amazing woman."  Those words were like refreshing water in a moment when my spirit was thirsty. 

Why not find some people in your life and reflect to them something positive you see in them?  By doing so, you lift them up.  And, you too will feel the joy of using loving words to encourage them.

3.  Ground yourself in THIS moment.  Yes, you only have to do life one little moment at a time.  Some call it the ever-present NOW.  The whole point is to bring your mind, body and spirit fully to the NOW.  Doing this allows you to more fully enjoy, experience and maximize life. 

Practice this today by taking a deep breath.  Feel your heart beating.  Feel your feet planted firmly on the ground.  Affirm:  I choose to take one moment at a time and savor the experience.  (Doesn't that feel good?)

I bring these ideas to you because I practice them myself--and, for me, they really do work to keep me uplifted, peaceful and flowing in the midst of life's constant surprises and challenges.

Hope you find something you can use in your journey!

With a smile,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

www.patriciaomoqui.com

Out of Your Head!

Last Friday I spent some time at my daughter's camp for "Family Fun Time."  There was food and a talent show.  We all had a nice time and headed home.

My daughter began telling me all about her day.  The tone got darker as she spoke about a little girl she was having some troubles with (let's call the girl Julie to keep her real identity private).  "Mom, Julie just keeps bothering me.  She looks at me funny.  She says mean things.  She follows me around.  I can't stand her.  I don't want to see her on Monday.  It makes me uncomfortable when I am around her. . ."  The stories about Julie went on for about ten minutes.

Finally I said, "Maggie, you can have a few more minutes to say anything else you need to express about Julie. Then, we are going to take Julie out of your head.  It's the weekend.  You won't see Julie.  You don't have to give her so much free space in your head."

So Maggie rambled on for her allotted time.  Then, I said, "Okay, time is up."  I symbolically put my hand on her head.  I said, "Let's say a prayer and ask God to help you with this situation with Julie.  When I finishing praying, I am going to take Julie out of your head."  Maggie laughed.  She thought that was funny.

So we prayed together.  Then, I pretended to crack open her head and I scooped Julie out of her brain.  I opened my window and together we said a "Bye, bye" to Julie for the weekend.

Cool thing is, it worked!  Maggie didn't speak about Julie the entire weekend. . . that is, until Sunday late at night when she began thinking about the week ahead.

Maggie took Julie out of her head for a few days.  The result:  peace of mind.

How many people do you allow to take up space in your head?  Do you give them free rent and free reign to wreak havoc upon your life even when they aren't physically present?

All too often this can happen.

So today, why not give this idea a try -- get the person OUT OF YOUR HEAD.

Yes, symbolically take the person you are upset with out of your head. Create some inner space for healthier, happier thoughts and emotions.  And, then, when you encounter that tough person, be certain that you will find the energy and power to deal with them in that moment.

Wishing you peace,

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

What To Do If You Get UNWANTED Guests!

This week I thought I'd share one of my favorite poems with you by this deep-thinking poet named Rumi.  It is a piece that has helped me to become more self-compassionate and self-aware.  It has also reminded me of the value of each experience, of each emotion, of each challenge.  So, enjoy this lovely piece.  And, share your comments after you read it!

Enjoy the week ahead!

Patricia Omoqui

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.

meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

-- Jelaluddin Rumi,

translation by Coleman Barks

Dealing with "Your Angry Boss"

She came to me crying, very distraught and worn thin.  She had this angry, demeaning boss.  She had been working for this boss for many years.  She tried so hard at first to please her.  Yet no matter how hard she worked or how efficient she became, nothing ever seemed to be good enough. 

As the days, weeks and years wore on, she became exhausted.  She dreaded going to work.  She performed at a level to just get by because she didn't feel appreciated or approved of.

Soon, she decided to leave the company.  The nasty boss had become too much.

Any of this sound familiar to a work experience you've had?

Many of us have run into these difficult characters in the workplace.

Yet, most of us live day-in and day-out with an "Inner Angry Boss."  Many of us believe that in order to achieve more in our lives or to feel valuable, we have to become self-critical, self-demeaning and harsh.  But, if any of our friends or family heard what our "Inner Angry Boss" was saying to us, they would be upset--they may even try to step in to stop the awful, de-motivating self-abuse that was going on.

Take time this week.  Observe your inner-boss.  Notice self-judgment.  Become aware of the things you say to yourself about yourself.  Are you being mean or kind?  Are you being harsh or supportive?  Are you offering criticism or approval?  I challenge you to write down your self-talk so you can see it in black and white.

Just as a mean boss at work causes one to feel dis-empowered and unmotivated, so too studies have shown that this kind of self-talk is demotivating and keeps us from producing  positive results in our lives.

Give thought this week to making some space for seeing yourself through eyes of self-compassion.  How might you become kinder to yourself in the way you think this week?  Write down any ideas that come to mind.

"In all the great spiritual traditions, at their heart is tenderness--just to be kind inside, and then everything rights itself. Fear rests. Confusion rests."

Pamela Wilson

"Self-compassion is approaching ourselves, our inner experience with spaciousness, with the quality of allowing which has a quality of gentleness. Instead of our usual tendency to want to get over something, to fix it, to make it go away, the path of compassion is totally different. Compassion allows."

Robert Gonzales

Then, perhaps, you may decide that your "Inner Angry Boss" may need to be fired, or at least demoted to a lesser position (wink).  It is all up to you!  

With my love,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr. 

 www.patriciaomoqui.com

On "My Final Week to Live" and New Vision

I've been contemplating a powerful question, one I came across in a book I've been reading called The Untethered Soul (I'd highly recommend it).  In one of the later chapters the author discusses the power of living with the end in mind.  Each of us are here on Earth temporarily, that we all know.  Yet few of us live knowing that any moment could be our last. 

In fact, the majority of us live each day scrambling to pay bills, building up possessions, striving for higher titles and earning accolades.  We act as if we are going to stay on Earth forever.  But, none of us do.  We each will eventually face death and move into The Beyond.

So, I've been thorougly enjoying the question the author posed:  If you knew this was your final week on Earth, how would you live? 

Wow.  Contemplating this has brought me amazing perspectives.  It has re-awakened in me new vision:  colors seem more vibrant, the air seems more satisfying as I breath it in.  I see my children and my husband in a new light, soaking in each of the joy-filled moments we have together.

Living with the end in mind allows us to connect to our true priorities, to the things we care deeply about.  Thinking of this question has inspired me to focus on what I care about -- my family, my purpose, finishing the books that are inside my heart, and living every moment FULLY ENGAGED rather than worried or distracted by things that mean very little.

It just so happened that last night we spent the evening in Chinatown, Philadelphia.  David and I decided to take the kids out for a special evening and went to our favorite restaurant, Penang's.  As we sat together enjoying a variety of dishes and laughing, I looked over to a table near the door of the restaurant. 

It hit me suddenly:  that was the table where Taiwo Bankole and I had shared a meal when he had visited the USA for the first time last fall.  (Many of you may have read my previous blog about Taiwo's sudden death:  http://harnessyourpower.blogspot.com/2012/12/another-loss-dear-taiwo-bankole-you.html). 

After Taiwo had landed in New York City, he took a bus to Philadelphia.  He called me when he arrived so I came from my work to meet him for a meal.  At that table in Penang's, Taiwo and I shared a cup of hot tea and some food on a very rainy, chilly fall day.  Taiwo was full of life, eager to experience everything possible that Philadelphia and America had to offer.  His eyes glowed with excitement.  His heart and his vision were so big.  I was so happy to see him and spend the next few days and weeks with him.

With the question I was contemplating, it was as if God was reminding me of how real this question is -- any of us could take our last breath today.  Taiwo breathed his last breath in 2012 and he was only in his twenties.  None of us are guaranteed to be here for years and years.  Each of us only have THIS MOMENT, this incredibly vibrant, beautiful, rich moment to experience life. 

So, as you spin on this miraculous planet called Earth and approach this day, I ask you to live with the end in mind.  If the angel of death whispered to you, "This is it...your last week is here...how will you live it?"  How would you respond?  What would you spend this week doing?  Who would you call that hasn't heard from you in awhile?  What experiences would you savor?  What would you pour your energy into?

If you haven't been spending the last 52 weeks in a way that was meaningful to you, why not re-think how you will spend this upcoming one?  Approach it with boldness, passion, determination and purpose.  Live it with joy and care.

Hope this question inspires you as much as it inspired me.

With my love,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
www.patriciaomoqui.com

Ask the Question, Receive the Answer!

One night, a few weeks ago, I was wrestling with a question, "Should I continue to publish my daily email list, Food For Thought?" 

I've been writing this daily email since 2007.  Lately, I had been feeling that I did not have much more to share.  So, I stopped writing, unsure how I would  move forward.  Deep in my heart remained the question as to whether writing the daily emails was to be a continued part of my purpose.

My greatest joy comes from helping individuals reach their full potential.  That is why I had started the list years ago.  I have been changing and growing.  I find myself expressing my life purpose in new ways.  I no longer felt certain that writing, running and managing the list was the best expression of my purpose.


That night, I woke up at 1 a.m.   The question still burned in my heart.  I was doing some inner wrestling.  Eventually I surrendered and said a prayer, "God, please give me clear direction as to how I should handle this list.  I am willing to do Your will."  I closed my eyes and did some deep breathing.  I soon fell asleep.

Around 2:30 a.m. I woke up again.  My mind was still restless.  I looked at my phone to check the time and noticed an email had come in.  It was an email from one of the readers of the Food For Thought list.  The email asked whether I had stopped writing the list.  The person said for twelve days she had not received the emails and she was concerned.  She encouraged me to please keep writing because the emails were something she had come to depend on for her inspiration and growth. 

Wow. Prayer whispered.  Question asked.  Clear answer received.  It's weeks later and I am still in awe of how I was directed.  I've started writing the list again and have a renewed sense of inspiration and focus.

(To sign up visit www.patriciaomoqui.com .  On the top right of the home page is a yellow box -- put your email in the box if you wish to be on the daily email list.)

I've used this ask questions / receive answers process repeatedly for years.  I get incredible results. When answers are needed, I have learned to pose the question and then rest my mind.  Without fail, an inspired response comes to show me exactly what to say or do.

Why not give the process a try this week?

Write down the questions you have.  Then, verbalize your prayer.  Confidently wait until your answer emerges.  Then, smile when you find the clarity you need.

You may very well be amazed how this process works.  I certainly am :)

"To be able to ask a question clearly is two-thirds of the way to getting it answered."
- John Ruskin

Have a blessed week ahead!
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

www.patriciaomoqui.com

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