If money were no object...

"If money were no object what would you do and what would you have done?"

Here is the link to my friends cooperative blogging post on this subject:

http://gentlegull.blogspot.com/2014/09/if-money-were-no-object.html

         I think money is a fascinating subject. Everyone reacts and values money so differently. For me money has never been a big motivator in my life. I didn't have much money growing up and don't remember feeling deprived but I know it has become more of a comfortable place then having money. And in having more money, I find myself intimidated by "more." I've always wanted to learn about investing etc. just to feel more knowledgeable and comfortable with having "more" money and knowing what are the best ways to allow it to flow more freely. A friend told me once that money was meant to be enjoyed and shared. I'm very good with the money I have and I'm working on reprograming my thoughts - "I will know what to do with extra as it comes flowing in."

        If money were no object... I would pay off my house to secure it for my children. I would purchase a "tiny house" that had enough room for company and/or my children. I would allow money to give me "time" to slow down and stop "doing" for awhile.

       What would I have done? I would have saved more and not given it to another, who just squandered it away. But as all things in the past, I can't change it, so I forgive myself for what I felt I could have done and move on. Money "they" say is just energy... allowing it to flow in and out!

Value...

" Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory."

Dr. Seuss

This is one of the reasons I named my blog "A Present Moment" to help me find value in those moments before they are just a memory. But it is a life long, moment by present moment challenge to be present and paying attention. But when those times slip by, a memory is left and sometimes that memory can be bittersweet and it can leave me feeling like I need to offer forgiveness either to myself or another. It offers value either way to my life with hindsight and reflection.

Duck suit...

"Sometimes you have to work hard at seeing the value you offer. You have to unzip your duck suit, that waterproof layer that insulates you from allowing in praise and recognition. Let it in, baby, or you won't ever let your powerhouse self out. The people who admire you have been given this special task in life to help you see yourself."

words from ~ Inspired & Unstoppable

This is my challenge... Letting the world see me! I've been zipped up and insulated along time. Where I was in my life, it was my protection, but I don't need that any more and life is calling me in a new direction... Will I listen and let it in, so that others can help me see myself as I truly am? I have to say, it is really really scary! Intellectually I know I am safe and all is well but jumping off with the faith that I will have wings to fly is another.

Are you suffering.....

from the belief that you must suffer to be happy?

Here are some tell-tale signs:

*You subscribe to the belief of "no pain, no gain"

*You believe there is no such thing as a free lunch-everything costs

*No one is harder on you than you are

*Comfort, wealth and luxury make you feel uneasy and guilty

*Life's a bitch and then you die. Ain't that the truth.

*Too much comfort cause too much guilt

*You like to strive, but to thrive would increase the guilt factor too much

*You are always fighting and struggling against someone or something

Taking from the book: "Happiness Now" by Robert Holden

In my life it was never spoken about or acknowledged but suffering was part of my existence. I was not fully conscious of that choice and the choices I made because of that unwritten rule. I love the story of two people sharing their tale of woe as the other tries to "out do" the suffering of the others story, ending in someone saying "You Win". This reminds me it's not a contest, you don't win a prize or it doesn't make you a better person. The most helpful response to suffering is to use suffering as a chance to hit the re-set button in life and commit once again to what it truly important and makes me happy.

To be happy, you must value joy more than pain....

Pencil yourself in....

Years ago I had a friend I met in a writing class and when the class ended we would met once a week at a coffee shop to encourage each other and to take time to write together. We would share stories about our day to day journeys and she always encouraged me to pencil myself in on the calendar just as I would a doctors appointment. She showed me on her calendar where she made an appointment with herself once a week and I was always amazed because I couldn't seem to allow that to happen. I chalked it up to she was a grandmother, no children living at home and had a stable life. But looking back I can see it wasn't about what she had and what I didn't, it was about valuing myself enough to show up. To be there for me. I was there for everyone BUT ME!

She would be proud to know I am working on that. I penciled myself in yesterday, showed up and went to a Women's art group just to play. I am doing more and more of that these days. Thank you dear friend for your words.........