They Can’t Take Their Eyes off of You

You. Lit Up.

I am inspired this week by the Maya Angelou quote you see below. I love the idea of doing something I love so well that people can’t take their eyes off of me. Although it could be the extroverted part of me that likes being the center of attention. In reality it is because I know what it’s like to be the one looking. There is nothing more appealing, captivating, and inspiring than watching someone immersed in the flow of doing something that they love. The are lit up and giving themselves to it fully. There’s nothing quite like it. What makes you light up like this?

Finding meaning is not one size fits all. As Victor E. Frankl says: “Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.” So what this takes is action and the courage to commit to this action. But that is not all of course there is also awareness and love. For love facilitates a deeper awareness of ourselves and others. “No one can become fully aware of the very essence of another human being unless he loves him. By his love he is enabled to see the essential traits and features in the beloved person; and even more, he sees that which is potential in him, which is not yet actualized but yet ought to be actualized. Furthermore, by his love, the loving person enables the beloved person to actualize these potentialities. By making him aware of what he can be and of what he should become, he makes these potentialities come true.” ~Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

This week let’s be more aware. As we go through our week let’s notice how our bodies feel during the tasks of our day. This could be physical symptoms, energy level, thoughts and/or feelings. Be aware of your body and mind when you are working, relaxing, commuting, eating, exercising, taking care of your personal hygiene, whatever you are doing. At the end of each day reflect on what your body and mind are telling you. Share your gratitude for the experience.

If there is one thing I have learned from my gratitude practice it is that there are no absolutes. I can find joy in a really shitty situation and sometimes I feel empty and sad doing something I usually love. So go into this with an open mind. I always tell the story about knowing that computer work is not for me because my body gets so tense and depleted after the work. But just last week I had a computer work assignment that left me tense and fatigued. But the work was also exhilarating, like I feel after an exhausting yoga session. It felt so good to challenge my mind and to contribute to something that will make a difference. No, I didn’t love it but it was fulfilling and meaningful.

So this week be aware. And when you find something that lights you up, do it well. Put your whole self, your whole heart and your whole mind into it. And through it all, find gratitude.

[su_quote cite=”Maya Angelou”]You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.[/su_quote]

This Week’s Gratitude Question

speakup [su_button url=”http://www.ourgratitudecollective.com/activity/” background=”#178fb3″]What do you love doing that makes you feel alive, energizes you and/or contributes to something greater than yourself?[/su_button]

My Gratitude Experience Last Week

zoom On Saturday I was given a homework assignment to write ten things that I was grateful for. I usually write about three or four so ten was quite a bit more. That evening before I wrote my gratitude I was feeling sick to my stomach and also a sadness came over me like a slow moving dark cloud. Still when I sat to write my gratitude list it just grew and grew. There is never a shortage of gratitude. It is an abundant stream that comes crashing in and at times just trickles but it never ends.

Forgotten Gratitude

extra Last week I was also grateful for being able to work for food, and not just any food, some of the best food this city has to offer … The love, support and encouragement of a beautiful soul … The opportunity to learn Reiki in an environment so welcoming that even though I expressed my doubts I was accepted thoroughly and with people who I can now call friends.

A New eCard

Image by Antonia Montoya

Thank you eCard to send, share, save and such:

The Gratitude I Shared Last Week

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Sun	6/28/2015	Thankful for the most relaxing nap ever with healing hands helping me along … Illumination in my closet, I’ve looked for clothes in the dark for far too long … Letting go of fear of unworthiness, I hope it’ll be as quick and easy next time as well.
Sat	6/27/2015	I’m grateful for: Learning and experiencing with people who are here for the same, wholeheartedly. My house still standing and nothing damaged after the broiler was left on for many hours. My sweet girlfriend, always supportive and loving. A comfortable bed and a door with a screen so we can keep it open to cool off these hot summer nights. The opportunity to play music for a crowd of fellow musicians. My body, my mind and my heart, all so strong and sensitive. Abundant water. Finding presence, seeing purple, feeling full. Sobriety, on days when I am anxious and really want to unwind with a drink I’m grateful for being clear-headed and able to take care of myself in other healthier ways. Quick glimpses of the sunset passing through after the rain clouds cleared.
Fri	6/26/2015	I’m grateful for our country finally standing for marriage equality and for all the rainbows on social media and on government buildings and landmarks … I’m grateful for gathering to honor my friends and not feeling overwhelmingly sad like I thought I would, the long hugs shared with friends and so much love all around … Hearing Obama sing Amazing Grace and the rest of his heartfelt eulogy, and the harmony of amens … I’m grateful for an impromptu lunch with my lady, celebrating gay day.
Thu	6/25/2015	What a wonderful chill morning I had … I won’t have a day off this week so I was really grateful to take the opportunity to have a quiet morning not doing much if anything … I’m grateful for being brought into a powerful vision, I’m so excited to collaborate … Mmm and for pecan pie.
Wed	6/24/2015	I’m grateful for one of the best meals I have ever had at Farm & Table, cucumber cantaloupe gazpacho and the most mouth-watering pork chop with apricot and truly unforgettable cabbage, seriously I wanted seconds, thirds and fourths of that amazing cabbage … I’m grateful for a beautiful woman by my side, her eye contact melts my heart … I’m grateful for shade and cool grass when I was overheating at the park … I’m grateful for sharing lunch and a tear with my grieving friend.
Tue	6/23/2015	I’m grateful for work coming my way and for a challenge for my mind … I’m grateful for discovering a reliable free resource for something I was hesitant to pay for … I’m grateful for sticking with it even though I had a bad practice night … I’m grateful I can go to sleep now. Good night, gratitude.
Mon	6/22/2015	I’m grateful for fluid Mondays, I have given myself the gift of freedom to be productive when it happens naturally … My tiny and effective desk fan … I’m grateful for onions, I never used to liked them and now they are the best part of many of my recipes … Having the confidence to write from my heart instead of pandering to potential readers.

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[su_note note_color=”#e7e7e7″ text_color=”#686767″ radius=”0″] My gratitude journey started in May 2011 and continues to this day. Thank you for being a part of it! A daily gratitude practice is simple. Write down three things you are grateful for each day. Download your free GratitudeGuide. My clients focus on gratitude and learn from their successes to make the positive changes they want in their lives. You can too. Call me to set up our first meeting 505.333.9336. [/su_note]