The Ultimate Outcome
The other day my mind was drifting to some of the many paths I’ve taken throughout my life’s journey. One of them resulted from a decision to play basketball from age 12 to 34. If someone had told me at the outset that I would break fingers, sprain ankles, play to exhaustion repeatedly etc., I can honestly say I might not have chosen that road. The same holds true for the cancer path I traveled. In other words, if we saw the trials and tribulations of a path without being aware of the ultimate outcome, we would very likely avoid taking it.
I have found that the most important thing is to have faith in the road you travel-- whether you’ve chosen it or not--and trust that the ultimate outcome will be all that it should be. If you examine each part of your life’s journey, you can always find a lesson. Some people learn their lessons well and move on with life; others are doomed to take the same class over and over again and barely gain enough wisdom to graduate.
The role of basketball in my life will always be cherished because it provided an opportunity for complete growth as a person by nurturing my inner development. The rewards outweighed the sacrifices by a long shot. The same holds true for breast cancer. I never could have imagined just how much that experience would change my life. The ultimate outcome was a blessing in the form of a brand that represents an approach to life that Ruth and I could share with others in the hope of encouraging them to look at the uniqueness of their individual lives. Life truly is about trusting your journey.
Note to Self
Always be aware of the purpose for the paths you follow in life. Remember the ultimate outcome will be worth the ride.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Life Lessons
LIFE LESSONS
I have always believed that there are no mistakes in life and that every path we take has a purpose. One of my many career paths took me to Woolrich where I worked with wonderful people, many of whom are still among my dearest friends. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was no longer at Woolrich, but the purpose of that path was soon to become evident.
At one memorable low point in my life I was very sick and severely depressed from chemotherapy. I thought about abandoning chemo and just dealing with the consequences. Right about the time I was going to give up, Beth Hodgens, a sales rep I had met at Woolrich, shared with me three words that saved my life during those dark days -- Trust Your Journey. For whatever reason, those three words gave me all the inspiration and comfort I needed to complete the treatments and get on with my life. I shared the words with Ruth and from that day forward, November 27th 2004, those words have been our companion and have now become our own company.
I tell you all of this for two reasons. One, there’s a purpose for every road you take, and it’s up to you to seek to understand that purpose. Second, you never know what impact you can have on another person’s life through your acts of thoughtfulness. I was gratified yet humbled every day during my illness and recovery by the acts of kindness from family, friends and peers. Then I received the greatest gift of all--three simple but powerful words that changed my life forever.
Note to Self
Send a thank you note to Beth Hodgens for her friendship and kindheartedness. What a great life lesson she shared with you.
I have always believed that there are no mistakes in life and that every path we take has a purpose. One of my many career paths took me to Woolrich where I worked with wonderful people, many of whom are still among my dearest friends. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was no longer at Woolrich, but the purpose of that path was soon to become evident.
At one memorable low point in my life I was very sick and severely depressed from chemotherapy. I thought about abandoning chemo and just dealing with the consequences. Right about the time I was going to give up, Beth Hodgens, a sales rep I had met at Woolrich, shared with me three words that saved my life during those dark days -- Trust Your Journey. For whatever reason, those three words gave me all the inspiration and comfort I needed to complete the treatments and get on with my life. I shared the words with Ruth and from that day forward, November 27th 2004, those words have been our companion and have now become our own company.
I tell you all of this for two reasons. One, there’s a purpose for every road you take, and it’s up to you to seek to understand that purpose. Second, you never know what impact you can have on another person’s life through your acts of thoughtfulness. I was gratified yet humbled every day during my illness and recovery by the acts of kindness from family, friends and peers. Then I received the greatest gift of all--three simple but powerful words that changed my life forever.
Note to Self
Send a thank you note to Beth Hodgens for her friendship and kindheartedness. What a great life lesson she shared with you.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Following Our Heart
Following Our Heart
Ruth and I have noticed that the prominence of our heart logo seems to be a major factor in the purchase of TYJ products by our supporters. Our heart logo was originally designed from a paperclip that you can see at the bottom left corner of the larger pictures on our home page. I’m amazed at how far we’ve come from that paper clip design.
The TYJ logo signifies two things: the heart, which I’ve always seen as the source of strength and the love of all human beings, is combined with a labyrinth of the twists and turns in one’s path through life. We felt that the TYJ heart would inspire women to celebrate both their inner strength and their personal path through life.
Because Ruth and I also believe in oneness with all living things, we’ve become very eco- sensitive. There’s a ripple effect to each and every thing we do, so we assign a high priority to eliminating the likelihood that our brand will have any kind of adverse impact on the environment. We made decisions based on what our hearts told us was the responsible thing to do to promote our product line without harming the world that both you and we inhabit. We want to do our part in assuring that the planet will be left in good shape for those who will follow us.
For example, we use 100% Organic Cotton in our t-shirts, fleece, hats and bags. Organic cotton uses less water and no pesticides or other chemicals are used that might contaminate the earth and eventually water supplies. The inks we use are free of harmful PVC s and Phthalates. Our tags and journal are made with 100% recycled paper and printed with eco-friendly soy inks. The gift boxes and tissue paper are made of recycled paper. The raffia tie for gift wrapping and the first page of our journal contain a biodegradable seed paper. When this paper is planted it grows Forget-Me-Nots. These are just a few of the ways by which we express our belief in the oneness of all living things.
With all the choices we have today, it’s important that each of us continues to follow our heart. It isn’t always the easiest road to travel, but our load is always much lighter when we choose to do the right thing.
Note to Self
Look for ways to make a difference in this world today. Even picking up one piece of trash is a move in the right direction.
Ruth and I have noticed that the prominence of our heart logo seems to be a major factor in the purchase of TYJ products by our supporters. Our heart logo was originally designed from a paperclip that you can see at the bottom left corner of the larger pictures on our home page. I’m amazed at how far we’ve come from that paper clip design.
The TYJ logo signifies two things: the heart, which I’ve always seen as the source of strength and the love of all human beings, is combined with a labyrinth of the twists and turns in one’s path through life. We felt that the TYJ heart would inspire women to celebrate both their inner strength and their personal path through life.
Because Ruth and I also believe in oneness with all living things, we’ve become very eco- sensitive. There’s a ripple effect to each and every thing we do, so we assign a high priority to eliminating the likelihood that our brand will have any kind of adverse impact on the environment. We made decisions based on what our hearts told us was the responsible thing to do to promote our product line without harming the world that both you and we inhabit. We want to do our part in assuring that the planet will be left in good shape for those who will follow us.
For example, we use 100% Organic Cotton in our t-shirts, fleece, hats and bags. Organic cotton uses less water and no pesticides or other chemicals are used that might contaminate the earth and eventually water supplies. The inks we use are free of harmful PVC s and Phthalates. Our tags and journal are made with 100% recycled paper and printed with eco-friendly soy inks. The gift boxes and tissue paper are made of recycled paper. The raffia tie for gift wrapping and the first page of our journal contain a biodegradable seed paper. When this paper is planted it grows Forget-Me-Nots. These are just a few of the ways by which we express our belief in the oneness of all living things.
With all the choices we have today, it’s important that each of us continues to follow our heart. It isn’t always the easiest road to travel, but our load is always much lighter when we choose to do the right thing.
Note to Self
Look for ways to make a difference in this world today. Even picking up one piece of trash is a move in the right direction.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Here and Now--Be in the Moment!
Here and Now—Be in the Moment!
Recently I received an email from a friend of Trust Your Journey who was facing tough decisions relating to her breast cancer diagnosis. Those who have traveled this road of life-threatening illness have had to face critical choices about the surgery, possible radiation or chemotherapy, how to live your life going forward, etc. She mentioned that one of the biggest choices she made at the very instant she heard ‘you have cancer’ was to Be in the Moment.
How profound is that?! Besides the many daily responsibilities with work, family and friends, our modern quick-response society has added cell phones, texting, emails, instant messaging, and we find ourselves consistently distracted, pressured, and out of the moment. Multitasking seems to be the key to survival, and it’s fairly common to be on the phone while answering an email, checking the appointment calendar, or adding to our to-do list. The pace doesn’t change much at home, even at the dinner table. The adults are preoccupied with the day’s events and tomorrow’s schedule, while the children are texting and instant messaging their friends. You could say that each of these activities is a form of being in the moment, but I don’t think that’s in the spirit of being focused, centered, serene, and thoughtful.
We live in a caffeinated world where a feverish pace and multitasking are the order of the day not only for us but for our children who are at an even higher level of “doing it all.” Has there ever been a better time to be more conscious of living in the here and now? I don’t think so. You can enrich your life by realizing that there are many occasions each day where you can make the decision to be in the moment. Don’t wait for a major illness or other life-changing event to make you realize that every day is precious and filled with moments where you can see and cherish the many blessings that are present in each of our lives. Focusing on those “gifts” will help you deal with whatever daily tasks require your undivided attention. It’s all part of your unique journey, and Life is so much more rewarding when you’re in the moment.
Note to Self:
Be in the moment today with all my conversations. You just never know what you might be missing.
Recently I received an email from a friend of Trust Your Journey who was facing tough decisions relating to her breast cancer diagnosis. Those who have traveled this road of life-threatening illness have had to face critical choices about the surgery, possible radiation or chemotherapy, how to live your life going forward, etc. She mentioned that one of the biggest choices she made at the very instant she heard ‘you have cancer’ was to Be in the Moment.
How profound is that?! Besides the many daily responsibilities with work, family and friends, our modern quick-response society has added cell phones, texting, emails, instant messaging, and we find ourselves consistently distracted, pressured, and out of the moment. Multitasking seems to be the key to survival, and it’s fairly common to be on the phone while answering an email, checking the appointment calendar, or adding to our to-do list. The pace doesn’t change much at home, even at the dinner table. The adults are preoccupied with the day’s events and tomorrow’s schedule, while the children are texting and instant messaging their friends. You could say that each of these activities is a form of being in the moment, but I don’t think that’s in the spirit of being focused, centered, serene, and thoughtful.
We live in a caffeinated world where a feverish pace and multitasking are the order of the day not only for us but for our children who are at an even higher level of “doing it all.” Has there ever been a better time to be more conscious of living in the here and now? I don’t think so. You can enrich your life by realizing that there are many occasions each day where you can make the decision to be in the moment. Don’t wait for a major illness or other life-changing event to make you realize that every day is precious and filled with moments where you can see and cherish the many blessings that are present in each of our lives. Focusing on those “gifts” will help you deal with whatever daily tasks require your undivided attention. It’s all part of your unique journey, and Life is so much more rewarding when you’re in the moment.
Note to Self:
Be in the moment today with all my conversations. You just never know what you might be missing.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The New Year
January 1, 2008
The New Year
‘Put your ear down next to your soul and listen hard.’ –Anne Sexton (1928-1974)
Wow, it is hard to believe it is 2008. Wasn’t it just yesterday that we were all worried about our power going out and computers crashing the night of December 31st 1999? Anyway, Ruth and I are looking forward to this year and all the wonderful things we have planned for Trust Your Journey.
I was thinking this morning how important it is for us to understand that endings are actually new beginnings. It happens every year at this time but more importantly it happens constantly in our lives. A relationship ends, a job ends, school ends, a season ends, and the list goes on and on. The flip side of this is the beginning of a new relationship, new job, new education and spring is just around the corner. It is important that we embrace change and realize that whatever may appear as turmoil in our lives today can just as easily be the sign of a new beginning tomorrow.
I love the above quote by Anne Sexton. The beginning of a new year is a great time to listen to your soul. This is the perfect moment to do a ‘Heart Check’ and make changes in your life that have be put on hold for whatever reasons. Change can be as simple as adding 10 minutes of mediation to your day or an extreme makeover. The most important thing is to just do ‘it’ and stay committed to ‘it’.
Kind Regards and Happy New Year!
The New Year
‘Put your ear down next to your soul and listen hard.’ –Anne Sexton (1928-1974)
Wow, it is hard to believe it is 2008. Wasn’t it just yesterday that we were all worried about our power going out and computers crashing the night of December 31st 1999? Anyway, Ruth and I are looking forward to this year and all the wonderful things we have planned for Trust Your Journey.
I was thinking this morning how important it is for us to understand that endings are actually new beginnings. It happens every year at this time but more importantly it happens constantly in our lives. A relationship ends, a job ends, school ends, a season ends, and the list goes on and on. The flip side of this is the beginning of a new relationship, new job, new education and spring is just around the corner. It is important that we embrace change and realize that whatever may appear as turmoil in our lives today can just as easily be the sign of a new beginning tomorrow.
I love the above quote by Anne Sexton. The beginning of a new year is a great time to listen to your soul. This is the perfect moment to do a ‘Heart Check’ and make changes in your life that have be put on hold for whatever reasons. Change can be as simple as adding 10 minutes of mediation to your day or an extreme makeover. The most important thing is to just do ‘it’ and stay committed to ‘it’.
Kind Regards and Happy New Year!
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