we keep track of, and remember, important developments.
the graduation.
the wedding.
the big move.
the new job.
the births.
the deaths.
but what about the small easily-erased moments?
what happens to them?
unless we keep a diary (and occasionally re-read it)
or relate an anecdote to a friend,
these memories are often stored away
in that sealed vault-of-forgetfulness.
nine words.
that inject meaning and inspiration into my very bones.
that challenge the most stubborn part of my resistance.
that push me over the precipice and invite me to wildly live.
“life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
~anais nin
these are the words that i need.
ciao from barbarasco in tuscany!
on october 16, 2013 – almost two years ago – i wrote the following words in a blog post:
italy, you have stolen my heart.
(or maybe i’ve simply found my heart?)
i am at home.
life in an italian village . . .
sweet little man who made my day with his huge smile and “buongiorno”.
curious goats in tresana, eager to make my acquaintance.
prosciutto, ready for slicing.
open door of welcome.
i absentmindedly turned the pages,
browsing through the old travel magazine
that had been sitting on my shelf for years.
when these capitalized words jumped out at me:
MANGIA COME PENSI.
(“eat like you think.”)
and all of a sudden the message was clear.
have you ever wondered what i do here at essence7 wellness?
i coach women who are recreating their lives after losing years to anorexia or bulimia.
and i introduce them to the 7 essential elements of my weightless program.
awareness. movement.
life is sometimes very wonderful,
and sometimes very difficult.
but most of the time,
life is just neutral.
remember during the difficult times
that the pain won’t last forever,
that things will eventually shift.
and remember to savor the wonderful times,
to imprint the joy in your heart and in your head,
a stirring reminder to carry you through.
don’t blame other people for your own errors and inaction.
don’t make excuses when you fail to deliver.
don’t stand in your own way and deny yourself permission to grow.
don’t ignore your powerful potential.
Reason
Engagement
Self-discipline
Power
Ownership
No excuses
Stability
Insight
Bear the burden
Integrity
Levelheadedness
Influence
Trust
You
have you ever had an obsessive thought?
have you ever ruminated endlessly over something from your past?
most people have experienced this to some extent.
a few have been more plagued by it than others.
with time your obsession with the thought can turn into the actual problem,
rather than the original thought that was bothering you.
I love books. And I enjoy reading multiple books at a time, ready for whatever strikes my mood of the moment.
Here is a glimpse into what I am currently reading:
1 – A Year in the World: Journeys of a Passionate Traveller by Frances Mayes
Mayes’ delicious prose makes even the mundane a thing of beauty and wonder, to contemplate and devour.
