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Patience Pays Off

So I am finally the owner of a Blackberry. This was a decision I resisted (a theme with me around technology). Though I knew it would make my life easier, I cherished my time away from computers and was not keen on carrying one around with me.

The other day the choice was clear that it was time to buy one so I took the plunge. Of course I was excited to learn how to use it and spent several hours Friday evening playing with it….and then was ready to return it! I was frustrated and annoyed that it didn’t seem to be doing what I wanted it to or expected it to – and of course I blamed it (it could not possibly be user error:) ) I was ready to thow in the towel. It was as if this experience was confirming my resistance and found myself thinking – “ha, I knew I didn’t want to use/need this new technology”!

The next day I decided to give it another try. This time I patiently browsed through the screens, customizing it to my specificications, taking my time to understand how to use best us it, experimenting with the tools, etc. And what do you know… I now love it!

How often are we ready to throw in the towel when something does not go the way we wanted it to right away? How often do we give up before truly experiencing something the way it needs to be experienced?

Special Companion

Last week I had to make the difficult decision to let my beautiful cat, Cookie, go. At 14 years old, she lived a long wonderful life, the last 8 years of which I was blessed to have her in my life.

She helped me through some of my lowest points. No, she could not advise, commiserate, agree or challenge me. What she offered was unconditional love no matter what I looked or sounded like. She gave me warmth and affection as she followed me around the house, curling up beside me wherever I landed. Focusing on her helped keep me grounded in the present moment when I needed to the most.

She added joy to my days. Seeing her first thing every morning as she excitedly waited to be fed – ready for a new day, watching her as she napped in her favorite chair in such adorable positions, coming to greet me when I arrived home, “asking” to be brushed and her having her climb into bed with me most every evening.

Cookie was a special companion and will be missed deeply.

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Who has been such a companion to you during the highs and lows of your life?

Experience Greater Joy

This month’s article is on experiencing more joy in life. I thought this was a fitting topic for summer – a time when many of us take a break from our day-to-day lives for vacation.

I did just that myself spending last week in the Outer Banks of NC. We certainly had our share of joy – from watching the sunset on top of a dune from Jockey’s Ridge, seeing the sunrise from the beach just steps from our hotel, and browsing galleries and shops on the waterfront at Manteo.

Aside from the “doing” the joy truly came from just “being”. Yes, I brought my paints and books but found that this time, I spent more time just sitting and seeing what was in front of me. That was true joy – fully experiencing where we were.

My intention is to have joyous moments every day, not just while on vacation. Breaks from my regular routine where I just sit and take in where I am and what is right in front of me.

Now it’s your turn, I would love to hear what brings you joy in your life.