It's All About YES, December 2012 by Tricia Dycka

From all of us of It’s All About Yes, to all of you:

Happy Holidays Happy Holidays May the calendar keep ringin’ Happy Holidays to you. (Bing Crosby/Holiday Inn)

Cindy, Readnower Leslee Horner Liz Nonnemacher Lori Latimer Shari Ann Tracie Nichols

Jennifer Shelton Liz LaClair Lori Iadarola Paquette Mary Joyce Stephanie McDilda Tricia Dycka

View Bing Crosby in “Holiday Inn” here: http://youtu.be/3k_q_UMI3tQ

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

From All of Us of It’s All About Yes, to All of You

Contributors

From the Editor...

Live Your Truth, Find Your Soul by Cindy Readnower

My Unapologetic Life by Tracie Nichols

Truth – What’s That? by Liz LaClair

My Life as a Mutated Poppy by Jennifer Shelton

Truth! What The Hell Is It? by Tricia Dycka

The Truth But Not As We Know It by Mary Joyce

Declaration of My Truth by Leslee Horner

Truth, Authenticity & Vulnerability – Oh My! by Lori Latimer

The Relative Truth by Stephanie McDilda

Through the Eyes of a Child by Sherrie Williams

contributors CINDY READNOWER • Cindy has a busy and distinguished life and background. • She has earned her M.B.A. • Over fifteen years with Fortune 500 companies in computer sales and marketing • Former owner of two restaurants • Certified Life Coach • Certified I See Your Dream Job and I See Your Soul Mate Coach • Studied Lightworks Method Energy Healing • Writer, Columnist • Business Consultant Owner, Integrated Mindset and Skinny Leopard Media • Two-time winner of Sarasota’s Favorite Life Coach Award (Nattie Award) • Appearances on radio, local television and Internet television

TRACIE NICHOLS, M.A. Tracie is a change-maker and advocate for women and the earth. She’s the creator of Soul-Truthing—intuitive mentoring, helping women unearth and live their raw soul truth. “I believe it’s all right there – in your heart—and all it takes to ease it to the surface is a little help blowing away the smoke and moving the mirrors. Because you’re flat-out amazing, and we need you.” Tracie has been developing her intuitive gift for nearly twenty years. She weaves her intuition with her training in Human and Organizational Transformation helping people make, and stick with, significant life changes. You can find nearly daily practical ideas, insights and inspiration on her website. “Stop by tracienichols.com, grab a cup of tea, settle in and enjoy! I especially enjoy when you share your thoughts by posting comments on blog posts!”

LIZ LaCLAIR

I have TWO best parts of my life. I’m thrilled to have found my business calling! I truly enjoy working with my clients – the work I do is fun! Check out how I got past my challenges – learn how I’m taking what was a not so good and making it great. Yes, I write a blog too. I’m a small business entrepreneur who likes working/supporting other small businesses. The other best part of my life? I’m married to the love of my life. He’s very supportive of what I’m doing. Who could ask for more? You can find me at http://www. virtuallyhelps.com/

JENNIFER L SHELTON

Jennifer is the founder and administrator of FemCentral, the Virtual Institute for Women, where she also works as an astrologer, intuitive coach and instructor. She teaches undergraduate, online classes in global cultures for Franklin University and works as an education, outreach and training consultant. She’s a writer. She’s a mom. She’s gloriously busy doing the things she loves. You can find Jennifer at www.jenniferlshelton.com

TRICIA DYCKA

Tricia is an Entrepreneur, life enthusiast, author, intuitive, funny, very candid, great listener. Take the path less traveled. Living in the moment. Enjoys massive amounts of chocolate and coffee. Supportive friend who is there for you when everyone else has abandoned you and thinks you have lost your mind. Encourages entrepreneurs to embrace themselves so they can create an environment that supports their dreams. You can find me at www.triciadycka. com

MARY JOYCE

Mary is known as the Resources Queen – naturally gifted intuitive Coach, speaker, writer and mum to two beautiful young children. She helps Purpose led Entrepreneurs automate the admin in their business to save Time, Energy and Money using proven resources so they focus on serving and doing what they LOVE.

She also works with local government agencies in the UK providing trainings in both life and career coaching. She works with women from every background from Entrepreneurs, small business owners to mumpreneurs to help them live a life of Purpose and prosperity. Mary believes when you systems in place, it frees you up to concentrate on building your business to attract your ideal clients. She teaches how you can grow your business through relationships and use your previous experiences, utilise your inner resources to accelerate your learning to boost your earnings. You can find Mary at www.resourcequeen.com

contributors LESLEE HORNER

Leslie is an author, blogger, and artist. She is currently working on a Young Adult novel series about a girl who flashes back to previous reincarnations that all have two things in common, true love and death. When Leslee is not writing she’s creating art or spending time with her husband and two young daughters. You can learn more about Leslee at www.lesleehorner.com.

LORI LATIMER

Lori is a hand analyst, an intuitive coach, speaker, and certified teacher of The Art Of Feminine Presence. She’s also a mom and grandma to two darling little grandsons. Working as a paralegal in family law for many years and going through her own divorces (yes, more than one!), she saw a pattern in herself and other women who’d been successful in their careers but were missing something in their personal lives. She now loves helping women find joy and passion within themselves so they’re able to find all of that and more in both their personal and business lives – just as she’s done. You can find her at www.lorilatimer.com.

STEPHANIE McDILDA

Stephanie is an expert on unconditional love – for yourself and others. As a speaker, coach, and author, she enjoys working with professional women and corporate leaders. She supports her clients in translating love into a powerful leadership strategy first for themselves, and then for others. Stephanie is warm, approachable, encouraging, and intuitive. She looks forward to connecting with you and learning how she can best support you. You can connect with her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ FlashpointInternational or email her at stephanie@flashpointinternational. com

SHERRIE WILLIAMS

I’m Sherrie, a.k.a. wildfire :) by those who really know me. I was born in Albemarle, NC and raised on a farm in Davidson, NC tending chickens, horses and a crop. Father was a carpenter, blacksmith, photography bug and engineer. Mom is a career Real Estate Professional/Broker/ Consultant and Motivational Speaker. I have 4 children ages 16 to 20, two are my fraternal twin girls. I have done many things. The best of them is being the mother of these 4 unique spirits I have been blessed with. I am an independent location/traveling photographer and have also over the past 20 years been an avid lover of the spoken and written word in all forms. I was a fitness trainer and gym manager at one point. I prefer to nourish now where the true reservoir of strength and wellness comes from and starts, our spirits! You can find me at: http://www.facebook.com/ OnlyWildfirePhotography

It’s All About YES VOLUME 2 ISSUE 12

Looking for a bit of encouragement or just a ‘lift’ in your mood? Well, that is where our Facebook page comes in. Filled with possibilities, our Facebook page is a page that you will want to visit often.

TRICIA DYCKA Publisher

LORI PAQUETTE Editor-In-Chief

LIZ LaCLAIR Editor cover image: www.123rf. com/14014714.html by mrscathyokeefe /123RF Stock Photo

FROM THE EDITOR… Christmas season is a time spent with family and friends. The smells of pine trees, cinnamon, decorations, lights, fun, festivities and waiting for Santa to come down the chimney brings such a warm fuzzy feeling. For this month’s ezine we discuss truths. Our topic is: Do you follow your own truth? What does that mean to you? How do you effect others in your community because of it? Does your truth stay with you all year? (Or only for “special occasions”) We have decided that we will take a holiday break and start back up for our February 2013 eZine. Please check out our previous articles here: http://issuu.com/itsallaboutyes All the women of YES want to wish you a beautiful and festive Holiday Season.

Live Your Truth, Find Your Soul by Cindy Readnower

Is it possible to really live your “truth” in today’s world? The answer to that is “yes” and “no”. You get to believe whatever you want and live your life according to your beliefs, as long as you follow a certain set of rules, and those rules can vary on where you live geographically, the family you were born into and just how far outside the norm you are willing to stretch and risk being ostracized or pushed away. How much grief are you willing to live with? How many people are you willing to let go of because they cannot accept your beliefs? How many times will you risk getting the cold shoulder or a disdainful stare? All these questions require very personal answers and often a lot of soul searching. If you look at the numbers of kids being bullied in today’s society, it is readily apparent that anyone outside the “norm” leaves themselves open to ridicule and worse. We all learn at an early age that to let our true selves show to the world can mean that some rotten things are done to us. We have to find a way to stay true to ourselves while still trying to fit in and do it in such a way that we can live with ourselves and our friends and family. As we age and come into our own, part of that aging process is learning to truly embrace who we are and not to apologize to anyone for that. It is about living our own identity and not letting anyone or anything come between that and our true selves. It’s akin to a tempering process, the early fire we feel that urges us to rebel as teenagers, turns into a joining of society as we get our first adult jobs and have to support ourselves and then evolves into a much more responsible role as we have other people who depend upon us such as spouses and children. The challenges we go through, the joys we experience, the love we feel for others all mix up into a kind of soup that pushes and propels us to search deep inside ourselves to find the real “soul”, our authentic truth. A lot of people kind of wimp out along the way, because it isn’t always easy to speak your truth, keep your friends and earn a living at the same time. The older you are, usually the less validation you need from others and the more your “internal” validation system kicks in, the more you need to be your authentic self to be able to have self esteem. You learn that you just can’t live with yourself if you compromise who you are and your beliefs. You finally know that the worst kind of betrayal is the kind you perpetrate on yourself by denying who you really are. This wrestling with our internal selves, our soul, ends up propelling us to find our way, to do more than “talk the talk” and begin to “walk the walk”, forward into acting, living and believing in ourselves, our talents, our abilities, our beliefs and even embracing our fears and challenges, knowing that we are truly okay to be who we really are.

My Unapologetic Life by Tracie Nichols

I’ve had people tell me that they are inspired by the way I openly talk about my intuitive relationship with the Earth. Some have even described me as “unapologetic” and “courageous,” which kind of blows me away. Looking at it, though, I guess I am unapologetic. A planet, our planet, asked me to tell her story. That’s my truth. It’s hard to do that without being fairly bold and outspoken. It certainly feels like a huge step for a shy introvert accustomed to quietly hanging in the background. As a result, I’m living my truth out loud, in front of everyone. Using the language of heart and spirit to talk about a deep connection with the natural world that is as essential as breathing is to us all. To talk about this truth, I use my own words and experiences. I come from a spiritual perspective. I don’t wrap what I’m talking about in the more traditional packages of environmentalism or sustainability, because they are someone else’s truth. I share my truth because it’s how I can contribute to healing our society and our environment. It’s how I can help recover the sacred feminine and support women into following their truth. Have I always followed my truth? Hell no. I spent years hiding out. When I finally started talking about who I was and how I experienced the world I opened up to a very few people. Wanting to be liked – to be OK – to be sure everyone else was OK – these were the inner voices I heard the loudest. Wanting to not offend the neighbors...wanting my kids to not be teased at school, these were reasons that I continued to be very quiet about my truth. Eventually, it got painful to hide. I mean, actually painful. Headaches, sore jaw, shoulder, neck and back muscles. I ground my teeth at night and clenched them during the day. My blood pressure went up. Not following my truth was slowly killing me. It’s just that there was just so much radiant, thriving LIFE pulsing through me from my relationship with the Earth I felt like I would explode if I didn’t share it. (Well, maybe not explode – but you get the picture.) There’s a great quote from Martha Graham that reminds me why it’s important for us to live our truth, out loud. “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost…” I’m convinced losing even one of us diminishes us all.

Because I’m following my truth, people in my community have felt validated in their own experience of feeling/sensing communication from nature. Vibrations from stones, hugs from trees, thoughts from streams…. Every being is feeling seen, heard and understood.

People in my community are considering the well being of their nature family as they make everyday choices. I get emails and phone calls asking me things like, “Is the old oak tree in our yard ready to go or should we have a healing circle for it?” Responses like this feel like a clear “Huzzah!” from my community. Yes, I still get eye rolling or snide comments from some people. I send them love and move on. Living my truth is keeping me healthy (or at least unexploded) and helping my community to be healthier and happier, too. And that, my unique and radiant friends, is reason enough for me to keep going.

Truth – What’s That? by Liz LaClair

WOW following your own truth. Do you know what it is? Or just have a vague idea? You know a kind of this is how I go thru life thing and it seems to be working. Now, in case I’ve never mentioned this before. I’m no saint. But for some strange reason people seem to think I range from good to wonderful – and throw in very smart. (Where do they get these ideas?) Well, I do have my own ideas about many things, and for the most part I try to live up to the standards I hold others to, it’s only fair. Right? I’m basically a Golden Rule kinda girl, with a bit of fool me once shame on you – fool me twice shame on me thrown in the mix. I do my best to say Hi to people on the street or when passing them in a building. Yes I get some strange looks – but it’s a courtesy to acknowledge another person. They could be having a bad day and feel no one cares or even notices them. My saying Hi might confuse them enough to give things another look. Maybe the day isn’t so bad after all. Since I expect me to treat people as I want to be treated – with respect, dignity, and with fun – I expect people to treat me in kind. I expect that when I go “out of my way” to do something to help someone, that others will as well. (No I don’t expect people to do things for me, or feel anything is due me.) There have been many times in my life when I’ve wondered just what is it with that person. I believe that I can’t be that far off the beaten path to go along with my way of acting/treating others is wrong-headed thinking and what others do is/should be the norm. I do have a part-time job in retail. This is something that can (once in a while) really tests my resolve to be “good”. We had a customer who called in asking a variety of questions about health and beauty items. I spent time (quite a bit) running up and down the aisles getting the information she needed. Didn’t bother me any – it’s part of what I feel I’m suppose to do. I even had her laughing. She kept thanking me for taking the time to help her. Then a while into the call she explained that she’s a recent stroke victim and that she is now blind in one eye and has to depend on others to help her. She’s getting a gift basket together for each person who helps her on a regular basis to thank them, so she has to buy things when they are on sale.

Right after telling me this she asked me about a specific product. Then said “I’m sorry, I just don’t know what you white people use on your hair.” Do you know how hard it was NOT to laugh??? My answer was depending on the weather, sometimes (some of us) want to get a shaver out and shave off all of the hair and hope for the best. After she was done laughing, I told her some of the things that work for me. She kept telling me I’m a wonderful person and thanking me (a lot) for helping her with her project. I’ve had kids look at me strangely when my response to their question is Yes Little Miss we have... Yes Young Sir it’s right over here… Then when I thank them for picking up what they’ve knocked down, you’d think I grew antlers on my head or something for the looks I get. There are times when some of the kids do get a smile on their faces when I call them Little Miss or Young Sir. Treating a person the way I want to be treated. It doesn’t matter how old that person is or who they are, it’s just a good way to go through life.

My Life as a Mutated Poppy by Jennifer Shelton

Originally published on FemCentral on August 20, 2012

The university where I teach sends out a daily “leadership practice” email. The following, sent out last week, was particularly timely for me: The source for the term the “tall poppy syndrome” can be found in ancient literature. It refers to a social phenomenon when people who “stand out,” like the tall poppy in the field, are cut down. Think about it. How often are leaders attacked, criticized, resented, and cut down because they stand out? Sometimes it seems like the “taller” the leader stands, the more the organization accomplishes, the greater the criticism. What can you do? Stand out. Be a leader. If everyone stands out, the whole poppy field would be taller. I had never heard of tall poppy syndrome, so I did some research. From Wikipedia: Tall poppy syndrome is a term primarily used Anglosphere nations to describe a social phenomenon in which people of genuine merit are resented, attacked, cut down, or criticized because their talents or achievements elevate them above or distinguish them from their peers. A related concept is that of a crab mentality in which members of a disadvantaged community or group are seen as undermining the success of other community members. The image is drawn from the observation that a crab clawing its way out of a bucket (or barrel in other versions) is pulled back down by his fellows. As a child, many of you may have been told that when someone tries to “cut you down,” they were “just jealous.” I was in a very open, respectful group discussion last week, and a different perspective emerged. One person viewed “tall poppies” as competitive people with a need for attention. And, she stated that the she did not like to see women competing with each other in this way. When we read about the Divine Feminine or review research-based studies on women’s strengths, the word “collaboration” usually appears. Generally speaking, women tend to be more collaborative, and less competitive, than men. I’ve always agreed with that. But, until this week, I had not considered that my definition of “competition” and “collaboration” may be radically different than another’s. I’ve been on both sides of this situation. I’ve had women consider me competitive, when, from my perspective, I felt like I was experiencing “crab mentality.” But, I’ve had times in my life when I felt like someone was deliberately stepping on me, and others, in order to stand taller. I feel there are a few things going on when we get this competitive “vibe.”

1 – Our Shadows Golden Variety: We see someone else leading, shining, standing tall, and we really want to be doing that ourselves. Instead of trying to also stand tall, we, for all kinds of personal reasons, cut the other person down. We think that we can’t or shouldn’t be shining, and project that opinion about ourselves onto another. Dark Variety: We assume other people have the same motivation that we do. Perhaps, if we were behaving in the way the “tall poppy” was behaving, we would be trying to prove we were “better” than another. We attribute our motives to that person, and judge them for it. 2 – The person really is trying to stand on other people, and keep them down, in order to elevate herself. (Which is, of course, a result of her own shadows.) From what I’ve observed and experienced, it’s hard to make the call on this. I’ve had people (as a child and as an adult) assume that I was trying to succeed at the expense of other people, when that was not my motivation at all. In fact, when this kind of opinion about me has emerged, I’ve been shocked and hurt. But, it’s made me realize that I often make similar judgments about others. When I was a pre-teen, and I discovered what some people thought about me, I wondered if perhaps something was fundamentally wrong with my personality. Maybe I had “bad” motivations and just didn’t realize it? I started muting myself. Not speaking my mind; not naturally leading when I felt compelled to do so. I became quiet and withdrawn. And, after roughly 30 years, that landed me in a psychologist’s office. It’s easier to be my real self online, because everyone is “abstract.” In social groups, though, I only “come out,” when I feel safe – when I believe that people will accept that when I’m outspoken, and when I engage others in debate, that I’m not doing it in a spirit of competitiveness, but simply IN SPIRIT. Due to years of conditioning, I can pick up, in an instant, when someone thinks I’m being competitive. At that point, I instinctively start muting myself again. Thing is, the person thinks I’m competitive and then, I withdraw, and that probably reinforces their opinion! I’m withdrawing because I don’t want to be seen as someone I’m not (a ruthless competitor) but they interpret it completely differently. continued on next page

Which brings me to my point. Most of us HAVE NO IDEA all the myriad psychological reasons people do what they do. We have enough trouble understanding our OWN motivations. There is actually a simple “solution” to all of this. We all follow The Four Agreements, as set forth in Don Miquel Ruiz book: 1. Be Impeccable with Your Word 2. Don’t Take Anything Personally 3. Don’t Make Assumptions 4. Always Do Your Best I also work with another agreement – BE YOURSELF. It’s taken me a long time to understand and accept this, but I am who I am for a reason. So are you. It doesn’t serve ourselves, others, or society, if we mute or even mutate who we are, just because people are making assumptions. What is your experience with “tall poppies”? Have you ever been “cut down”? Have you ever tried to cut someone else down?

Truth! What The Hell Is It? by Tricia Dycka

A long time ago someone asked me what was my truth? I thought what the hell is it? What are you talking about? So I went on a journey to discover exactly what that was. How did I start? By examining exactly what I believed. By realizing where I was in my life was not where I wanted to be. That was the first step in realizing I was not following my truth, my inner compass or guide. So how did I change it? I questioned everything in every aspect of my life. I challenged it, when I realized I would automatically respond to someone or a situation. I check in on my emotions and realize when I am uncomfortable, afraid or angry there is something not quite right or aligned inside of me. It is at these junctions I ask what it is that I am not seeing or sensing in the situation. How can I change this? Is this something that I need to believe in or is it something that I can release? This does not have to be hard. It does have to be something you wish to attain. I had recently heard that when a belief comes up one that is ingrained, ask is it really yours or does it belong to someone else? I do realize that some of my beliefs are not mine; they are in place from someone else. It is those that I continuously examine to see if it fits in with whom I am or who I want to become. By being honest with myself allows others around me to feel completely safe to reveal who they truly are. It is great to be around others who will challenge you, support you and uplift you, to become the most powerful person you are meant to be. If these are not the people in your community it is time to find a new community. It is important to surround yourself with loving, energetic and likeminded people. As you follow the journey and embrace yourself in your truth, your community will be there when you slip and fall. Even as you wonder to yourself, if it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easier to follow the road well traveled, the one when being a robot is completely accepted, your community will stand by you. During this journey I have made some amazing friends, learned about what it means for me to be spiritual and the experiences are one of a kind. Some people have come into my life for an hour, a day, months, years and a lifetime. It is with this understanding that when a friendship distances for no other reason than each of us is on a different path I am grateful for the time spent and the wisdom gained. Someone recently said to me that I have lots of real friends. I had to stop and think about it. I realized yes I do! I have great friends throughout the world and for that I am so grateful. Even more interesting is someone had to bring it to my attention. continued on next page

Sometimes there are things that are so glaringly obvious to others but for some reason not to us, usually those are part of our gifts, our specialty. Take each day with the curiosity of a child, the passion of being loved, excitement of riding your very first roller coaster and the daily time to get to know yourself and what your truth really means to you.

A Truth found on Wisdom Quotes Facebook Page:

Page Source: https://www.facebook.com/WQ2010

The Truth But Not As We Know It by Mary Joyce

Do I follow my own truth – yeah course I do until something else comes along to change my mind. I do trust my beliefs and instincts yet not fiercely that I don’t consider other people’s view and take their ideas on board. As the old saying goes you gotta stand for something or you’ll fall for anything. However I am always wary of those who hold onto their beliefs too tightly. They kinda scare me. I remember the first time I came to London as a visitor with a friend when I was about 16 and we went to Hyde Park corner. What’s that got to do with truth I hear you ask. Well let me tell you.

You see in Hyde Park corner in London Town every Sunday and during the week for the real hardcore, they have what’s called a speaker’s corner. Every Sunday morning, people flock here from far and wide to “experience” Speakers Corner at Hyde Park’s Marble Arch. Some people participate in the Open Forum — anyone who has something to say, on any subject they please, (usually Politics, Tourists, or Religion) can stand on their soap box and “entertain” the audience — others just come to listen and watch. More than often, the discussions get quite heated. It’s worth a visit...at least once. You can imagine the topics up for discussion and standing on a soapbox you’re more likely to be branded a lunatic than be taken seriously. Witnessing that as a youngster had a profound effect on me and how we should communicate our truth. Standing up for injustices, uniting in a joint cause is what builds communities. There is great power in having a joint purpose with a group of likeminded peeps and we’ve seen over and over again how that can improve the world’s major issues, shift perceptions and bring about change. I believe those with the most flexibility in thoughts and belief and aren’t always concerned with being “right” are more open to success and happiness.

When you look deeper at how our beliefs lead to our behaviour and how that affects others, we come to a point where we must question our priorities. Things like stubbornness, being uncooperative, having and displaying a sense of entitlement of being better than others or being aloof, traits like these are off putting. The thing with truths is that they are borne out of our experiences, the filters we have in our understanding of our world. There are very few things in the world that everyone will agree on or take as truth apart from perhaps that sun will rise tomorrow. Yes I believe we should live in our truth however I don’t think we should try shoving it down someone else’s throat to become theirs. Flexibility people, keep it in balance. I’d rather be happy than right any day.

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Declaration of My Truth by Leslee Horner

Anyone who wants you to believe them and follow them will tell you they are speaking or writing The Truth. It is easy to accept that declaration and feel confident in the information you are receiving. It might be truth and it might not be. The greater question when presented with so-called “truth” is does it align with your personal truth? Over the years I’ve walked the path of selfdiscovery, I’ve identified my personal truth. That truth is that I am connected to and a part of something divine. There is an energetic source from which all creativity comes and I can not be separate from it. This divine source, which I could call God, is not outside of me far off in the heavens. It is not a father figure I must plead and pray to. I am the outpouring of this source as is everything I do and create. This truth has changed my life. Once I was presented with that idea, which I recognized as truth by the way my heart opened and any sense of confusion about the nature of God lifted, I sought a greater understanding of it. I began to meditate as a way to rest in the divine within me. I discovered a new sense of confidence. I realized I didn’t have to wait for life to happen to me I had the power to create it. Everything that was currently in my world had arrived there through the power of my thoughts, beliefs, and actions. My relationship to Source (or God if you like) was real and always there whether I acknowledged it or not. As an extension of this truth, I understood that every other living being also carried this divine source within them. I could see how the energy of our thoughts and actions affected those around us. The more uplifting thoughts and beliefs are carried by the members of a community, the more positive that community will feel. The more that I acknowledge this connectivity, the more I feel it. And the more I seek to raise my awareness and acknowledge the divine all around me, the more divine people are attracted to me. While I find peace and comfort in my personal truth, I am also aware that not everyone aligns with the idea of God within. Everyone is on their own spiritual path and at every marker along the way there is a different “truth” that will feel right for each individual. Wherever one finds himself or herself on the path is the right and perfect place for that person. There is never a need for me to push my truth on another. I try in my life to live from that place of spiritual oneness, knowing I am creating my experience. If I am resting in this truth, I manage to find peace in even the difficult moments. Hopefully my energy and awareness brings a lift to my family and community without me ever having to make any pleas to anyone.

Truth, Authenticity & Vulnerability – Oh My! by Lori Latimer

Ah, the truth. We’re taught as children to always tell the truth. But really – no one has ever told the truth 100% of the time. Sometimes we do it to protect ourselves or someone else, other times, well let’s face it, our motives may be less than admirable. So what exactly is this thing called “the truth”? I’ve learned that for me truth means being authentic. It means being willing to be vulnerable enough to express my feelings. In the hand analysis I do, there are certain markings in people’s hands that make some more prone than others to struggle with expressing their feelings. So what happens when we don’t express our feelings, our truth? What often happens is we become like a pot on the stove with the lid on it. If we stuff our feelings down long enough, eventually they become like the boiling pot and the lid flies off – and our feelings explode. That usually isn’t a pretty sight. As women, we have the opportunity to lead by example – to our children, other women, our communities – by being authentic, by expressing our truth, by being vulnerable, by not stuffing our feelings down and holding back our truth. To do that, you have to own your power and your voice and use them to express your truth, whatever that is for you. That doesn’t mean it always has to be pretty or positive. Sometimes, as the saying goes, the truth hurts. What matters is how you do it. Expressing your feelings does not have to be done in a meanspirited, disrespectful, or negative way. When it’s done in a kind and compassionate way – both for you and another person – there is opportunity for growth, change and transformation. Speak your truth in a respectful way, even if it isn’t going to be pretty – or easy. If you haven’t expressed your feelings in a long time, (maybe since we were little children for some of us) it may be painfully challenging to do it. Start small. Take baby steps. If you’re going out to dinner and you’re asked where you’d like to go, instead of saying “I don’t care,” or “it doesn’t matter,” express your choice. The next time someone asks you how you are, don’t just utter the standard “I’m fine.” Answer from your heart, and tell them how you really are, from the deep, authentic place inside of you. That way, when you’re faced with a more difficult situation and need to be vulnerable and express your truth, it will be easier because you’ve been practicing. Expressing your true, authentic feelings is like using a muscle you haven’t used in a long time. It takes practice to build it back up. But just like an unused muscle, the great thing is that you can start from where you are and keep building! It will pay off and the rewards can be more than you ever imagined.

The Relative Truth by Stephanie McDilda

The truth resides in every human heart, and one has to search for it there, and be guided by the truth as one sees it. But no one has the right to coerce others to act according to his own view of the truth. ~ Mahatma Gandhi From the time you were born, there have been many people telling you what to believe as truth. In some cases, the truth is absolute. For example, when your mom asked – “Did you take a cookie from the cookie jar?” there was probably only one right answer. But as I got older, I realized more and more often that the truth, in many cases, is relative. Often people confuse their truth with THE truth. For example, I might say, “Math is hard.” and that is my truth. However, you might be thinking, “No, math is easy.” I have learned to identify what is true for me and I live in integrity with my beliefs. That means I stand confidently for what I know in my heart to be true, regardless of – or even in the face of the judgment of others. In order to follow your truth, I would make these recommendations…

1. Think for yourself and question everything. As we grew, there were many well intentioned people who taught you that their truth was THE truth. My mom told me that children in 3rd world countries would suffer if I didn’t clean my plate. Today, I have opted out of the “clean plate club.” Perhaps your parents taught you that people of other races, religions, or cultures were to be feared, and somehow, that is not your truth. When I was growing up, I was taught that it was a SIN to question the teachings of the church or the minister. When I let go of some of those teachings, I developed a deep relationship with God. My grade school teachers taught us that working together on projects was “cheating”… today, we call that team work. Question everything you have been told and decide for yourself if it is your personal truth.

2. Listen to your heart (or gut) and act with integrity. I believe the core of your spirit resides in your heart, and there is research that indicates that it may also be a major thought processing center as well. See http:// www.heartmath.org/ for information on the Heart Math Institute. I don’t know about you, but when someone tells me something I can almost instantly tell, in my heart, if it feels right or wrong for me – whether it is MY truth. Notice I said for me… not an absolute right or wrong. Sadly, too many people have been conditioned not to trust themselves and to listen to the words, advice, and opinions of others. In my early church, “blind faith” was continued on next page

considered a virtue. Please know that I am not negating faith as I believe in God and many things unseen. I just know what resonates in my heart is more important that what someone else tells me to believe.

3. Suspend judgment and honor other people’s truth. It is interesting that when other people believe something other than what we believe, most people are quick to judge and usually that judgment is that the other person is wrong. We often feel it is our duty or obligation to set them straight. We will take a much needed step toward peace when we can learn to honor the beliefs of others and agree to disagree. It is also fine to share your beliefs in the chance that others may see things differently, but you will meet with much resistance if you beat them over the head with your beliefs. If the beliefs of another are not harmful, I usually say – “Well, they see things differently” and let it go. (Of course there is a fine line here, because many religious people believe you are harming yourself if you don’t agree with their beliefs.) There is a right way and a wrong way to share your beliefs. To say “You are wrong” (or any other statement indicating the same concept) will immediately cause defensiveness. If I want to share something of a differing belief, I might say – “I see things differently. Would you be interested in hearing my views?” Always ask for permission to share your truth and be open to having your own mind changed as well. My approach to this topic is one of respect, open mindedness, and love. It has resulted in many warm and civil conversations. I also find that people will ask my opinion, which I will share with the caveat – “Don’t take my word for it, listen to your own heart. What feels true for you?”

PAST ISSUES WHICH MAY INTEREST YOU

Through the Eyes of a Child by Sherrie Williams

A quote from a friend of mine: I have discovered the key to growing up is not to become a responsible adult, but a responsible child. I think everyone for just one day, should abandon all adult pursuits, and go to park. Spend the whole day there, and watch the children there, go about theirs instead. The answer to pretty much every question and quandary of mankind, can almost certainly be found through the eyes of a child. They are happy in their self-created wonderland, buzzing about creating random smiles, laughter and giggles amongst everyone around them. Children are infected with chronic happiness. Drowned in innocence, and bathed in the light of acceptance and genuine love. Look! Over there in that patch of grass; there sits a little girl, poking a straw into an anthill, eyes lost to the rapture of the moment. She giggles with delight as they climb on top of each other as they scramble upwards to reach the source of the interloper we dared disturb their abode. I can remember the abandon of moments such as this, and I still engage in such moments every chance I get. You will never be more human, or more feel more serene, than at moments like this. There are no worries, no trivial pursuits and unnecessary busyness detracting from the simple joys of just being. Go chase a butterfly or be still and patient, and let it come to you. Catch snowflakes on the tips of your fingers or with your tongue. Take a stick and try to find the weevil in that little tunnel in the sand. Run through a field and laugh as the grasshoppers your disturb fly into to escape the stampede. Jump into the pool when you hear that plop of a bullfrog jumping in, see if you can outswim and catch him, then hold him and just look at each other, a simple moment between two animals learning about each other. I did it just a few months ago Man is most nearly himself when he achieves the seriousness of a child at play. ~ Heraclitus. You will never be more human, than at these moments. So get back to the business of just enjoying moments as they happen, and the things and people in them. Believe me; your problems will be right there waiting for you when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done playing. No one can make any decisions that make any sense when their judgment is clouded by their own unhappiness and disillusionment. To make any decision or choice, or understand anything at all, you must be in a place of contentment, of bliss and joy. Mostly, you must have innocence within you guiding your steps and choices. A jaded and embittered spirit cannot a perceptive and honest decision make or life live.

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Learn to be happy for no reason at all. Run just for the hell of it. Laugh out loud to just hear the sound of your own laughter. Mostly, love with the carefree abandon of that child that sits in the midst of dozens fluffy yellow chicks peeping and scrambling all over you. I have. It is a beautiful thing. Go play in the kid’s petting zoo, even without your kids, if they kick you out because they say you aren’t a kid. Pout, cross your arms, stick out your bottom lip and say I am a kid and mean it! If they still kick you out, wait till their back is turned and sneak back in. I have done both. Go see a Disney movie and laugh so hard and snort so loud, you embarrass your children. Done that too. Make a mud pie and mean it! When you wake up tomorrow, go outside, stand in the yard in your PJ’s and hold your hands up to the sky and spin in circles and giggle as you’re told to get back inside and put some clothes on by your embarrassed teenagers. While you’re out there make sure you remember, this is your moment. Seize it. You can live this and these moments and others like them just about anytime you want Now go play!