"Slug Bug!" POW! Just what a boy needs, a valid reason to punch mom in the arm. I don't fully understand why boys need that chest pounding hormone at such a young age, but that's not what I intended on writing about tonight, so I'll get on with it. The Volkswagen Beetle car concept I started with distracted me a bit. Maybe that speaks to my state of mind lately. (If you spend time surfing the internet for information and connections you'll want to read on. If you don't..... well I recommend you leave this post and go hug your child (pet) or do that one thing you've been putting off. But then again if you read on you could actually apply this to your real "in person" life.)
So anyway.....lately, I've been thinking about the passengers I allow in my Traveling Sanctuary. It is easy to connect with others via online social networking. Your path can intersect with so many amazing people, who share much needed information. Knowledge is power and you are bombarded with choices. A survey of Forbes bagillionaires reveal that they spend at least 3 hours a day reading, most of it online. To like or not to like. It's as easy as a click. Should I add this to my RSS feed? It's as easy as three clicks.
Surely, more is better right? Size matters. Yet, maybe it's not the size of the boat (actually Volkswagen Beetle for this post), but the motion in the ocean (internet surfing for this post). Ah heck, that's just what people say when they don't have a sizable following on Facebook and Twitter. I recently watched a TED Talk about choices. I am sharing the video at the end of the post. Don't get distracted with it now. Watch if you would like to challenge your ideas about the freedom to choose and whether it's better to have more choices.
Your Traveling Sanctuary is the size of a Volkswagen Beetle
Let's face it, you're only one person, so from that perspective your capacity to spend online time with others, is the size of a VW Beetle. The question is, "Are you trying to stuff it with too many clowns?" And when I say clowns I am not implying these passengers aren't wonderful, amazing people. But damn a bus load of clowns in a your VW Beetle is pretty overwhelming, with all them huge red noses and massive feet (he he).
Ask Yourself ....
What do I hope to accomplish via my online presence and how does that influence how and who I connect with online?
Is your connecting and knowledge consuming proportionate with your "actions" that actually accomplish your online goals?
I Love all the Clowns but I can't fit a bus load into my VW Traveling Sanctuary
Based on your goals.......
Take inventory and prioritize. Sheena is re-organizing her RSS Feeds. Check it out. I frequent her posts.(Ironically enough the presenter's, on the video below, name is Sheena as well.) Chris Brogan has a few thoughts on this subject. I read his blog every day.
Balance your "fuel" into categories: Mind, Body, Spirit, Joy, Fun and Fear Shredding.
Is it business or pleasure? There's a time for work and a time for play. The best is when your work is your play, but sometimes you just need to put that huge red nose to the grind stone.
One final note (OK maybe two or three)
Just because somebody is your friend on Facebook doesn't mean they are allowed to fill your online space with negativity and baggage. Generally I believe you attract what you're putting out there. If somebody un-follows or un-friends me I figure I'm not delivering what they need. I'm cool with that. Most people I follow online that have huge followings have them because they are amazing and they deliver on point information to their targeted followers. Get it? They concentrated on their online goals and the following followed. Imagine it looking more like a convey of VW Beetles that are not overloaded with clowns and their baggage.
Thanks for clowning around with me. Convoys can be a pretty powerful force when you have a common interest and desire to make a difference in virtual and real worlds.
We're Moving. Soon this blog will merge with the new Modern B*a*g Ladies Website. We're working on some great projects and gaining some more focus. Thank you for your continued support and patiently following along. We hope you'll invite more of your friends as we will be providing the vehicle to share your stories, to challenge you to take action and to help our sisters.
Rosi said, "You've come a long way. Just look at what you've accomplished." I find her words encouraging. I've heard those words a few times in the last year from amazing sister friends.
Nearly two years ago I wrote my first blog post. (Excuse me while I reflect upon this milestone: Who is this B*a*g Lady Anyway.) I wrote, "You're probably wondering who the heck is this BAG Lady and why is she writing these posts. Well there was no election, so I wasn't voted in as "THE" BAG Lady, but there in lies the beauty of it. All women are welcome and there's no test, no panel of experts and no debates. I just basically volunteered because I've observed the women around me seeking some Believe Act Go power. I thought, "Self, we (women) could use some collective BAG. My sincere hope is that I can inspire, the Belief in yourself,,the desire to Act and the vision to Go where your dreams meet your reality."
3 1/2 years ago I became acutely aware that I was traveling on too busy, mom, wife, career woman highway. I thought my exhaustion and spiritual emptiness was the price every woman had to pay for success. I did have a physical wound. Surgery took care of that. During the 6 weeks of medical leave I was forced off of the fast lane to reflect on how I had arrived at this place. The physical wound soon healed, but it was just the beginning of my spiritual healing.
We're fast approaching the 2 year anniversary of this blog. 2 years ago I wrote about not being a casualty of corporate America, which by the way is not the enemy. Casualty? Kind of dramatic. Myrna was my life coach at the time. I told her I needed an escape plan. She interpreted that to mean that I needed to replace the income my career had delivered. I would have thought the same thing if I were her. I wasn't quite sure where I needed to go or how exactly I was going to get there, but I did know I had much more too offer AND for a purpose much bigger than myself.
Self discovery, which we call Discovering Your B*a*g, can't be accomplished through a 6 week on-line training course. It's a life long journey. With this in mind, I remind myself not to be so hard on myself and less critical of the pace of my so called "escape". When I hear the words Rosi shared with me today I am reminded that it's about the journey. I hope you'll keep riding along with me on this journey and invite more as well. Here's Modern B*a*g Ladies on Facebook and Twitter.
I bet I have read more in the last 3 years than I have my whole life leading up to that point. I even braved the laser beam stares during a Pee Wee hockey game IN MINNESOTA because I just had to finish that book to the left. I just couldn't put the book down. My son WAS NOT on the ice, but according to my husband I was still committing a mortal hockey sin.
The book, A Million Miles in a Thousands Years, was a gift from Chris Brogan and Donald Miller.
Here's how that came about via Chris Brogan's blog......Chris states, "I’d love for you to write a quick blog post about the importance of story in your life. That’s it. If you want, link back to http://www.chrisbrogan.com/importance-of-story, so I’ll see the trackbacks as well."
The first 100 people to post an article, regarding the importance of story in their lives, on their blog, would get a book. Here's the article I wrote, Reasons to Surround Yourself with People You Admire.
When I read a good book I like to share and I love when you share your favorites as well (do that in the comments below. Hint. Hint). So, in preparation to compose this review, I go to Donald Miller's website. As the page comes up I think to myself, (causing a distortion on my face which causes that deep crease between my eyes), "It's a sign. One Don Miller giveaway followed by another." I feel as it I have already won.
Here's Don's offer. You and a friend (I can't wait to ask a friend to go) can win a trip to Portland Oregon for the Living a Better Story Seminar being held September 26th and 27th.
CONTEST RULES
1. Write a blog telling us about the kind of story you want to live. It might help to read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years to better understand what this means. The story doesn’t have to be a life story, it can be what you want to do next year, or for the next few years.
2. Tell us a little about how you think the seminar might help you out. You don’t have to get detailed, just let us know specifically what you’re hoping to get from the seminar. This will help us cover all our bases as people come to Portland.
4. Embed this video on your blog: (at the end of the post)
5. Submit a link to your blog in the comments on THIS blog entry. If you submit a question about the contest, we will unfortunately have to delete the question because we are trying to keep the entries clean and organized.
Here's The Story....Once upon a time there was a very shy girl. She was a good girl. The only dreams she had were at night, except for one day dream. Her day dream was to be on stage, singing, but mostly dancing. As a teenager she took the stage on the softball field. The bat, her microphone. The pitch. The Swing. Crack! The beat. Her feet. She dances her way around the bases. She slides across the stage. Dirt flies. Safe! A trio. The crowd roars. Music to her ears. Truly the first sisterhood, for which she belonged. The band worked together, laughed together, cried together, won together and lost together. Her confidence soared on that stage. The tour ended. The day dreams ceased.
Not until many years later did she again have huge day dreams, a day job and a night passion. Her day dreams creep into the night, hence her lack of sleep most nights. She's writing this at 2:30 am on a Saturday morning. She feels THAT feeling, she calls OH YES Moments, that reminds her of days on the dirt stage. There's something in common between then and now. Women. Team. Acceptance. Passion. Fun. Joy. Low Fear.
Her belief, that girls who didn't go to college get married, led her into a 23 year career in a male dominated industry. (Long story, which involves a marriage, the need for health insurance, a divorce and a re-marriage.) Who knew she would stay so long, but the benefits were so nice. Would she allow the testosterone to numb her feminine power forever, for fear of non-acceptance? Some days, most, she questioned what she wanted and how she would get there. Glimpses of her glory days on the field came and went.
Her daughter says mom has a very boring story. If she could only see mom's vision. PICTURE THIS: Millions of women carrying a Traveling Sanctuary Tote B*a*g. Inside holds the story of a woman and a scavenger hunt, challenging women to travel and Discover their B*a*g (believe act go). When women accomplish a challenge, a donation is provide, by sponsors, to organizations that help women in shelters. The power of giving to someone else through you giving to yourself, that's the most eco-friendly, renewable fuel source in the universe.
THE GOAL: Tell stories that fuel infinite Traveling Sanctuaries. The tote bag is a walking billboard that tells a story and allows you to open up a dialogue about your dreams and values. It is a metaphor that represents you as a Traveling Sanctuary. What are you fueling it with? Do you have the right tools? Are you traveling outside of your comfort zone, because this is where you meet your OH YES Moments and Discover Your B*a*g. It will create an inclusive sisterhood, where women feel free to strip off their labels and help each other.
Future plans involve providing women in shelters access to the fuel and tools afforded to women who have resources. These resources include: lap-top computers with wireless cards, smart-phones, access to online training, which can be delivered through mobile applications and specific to all women's needs.
We will start with a simple canvas bag, like the one I started carrying 3 years ago. What did I say I started doing three years ago? I started to read more stories. I didn't just put books in that bag. I put all kinds of things. I called it my Traveling Sanctuary. What I came to understand is that that bag was a metaphor for me. I am the Traveling Sanctuary and I needed to fuel and tool it properly so I could provide fuel and tools to others.
The past three years I have been slowly building a community of women and a platform from which to execute the plan. I have met so many amazing women. I will begin by, helping them, tell their story. A new website will soon launch and I am currently working on our first story, tote bag and scavenger hunt.
HER CHALLENGE: Will her daughter lose herself, only to find her again mid-life? Was her mom meant to have a 39 year introduction section to your real life story? Perhaps. She convinces herself that she needs to accept the fact that she was born with a diesel motor, "Slow to start, but when she stays plugged in and gets going she's POWERFUL". She needs to strip away the bought and borrowed beliefs that has delivered too many things, debt and a false sense of security. When you think about it, it is somewhat similar to a woman who stays with an abusive partner. The fear of the unknown causes a false sense of security. Either way it's a risk. You doubt you have the resources or courage to venture out on your own. There is a family to think about; their needs and their security as well. This is a challenge of many women, more so for single mothers.
The girl is ready to take the stage. In September she hopes to be set out on a challenging scavenger hunt, which involves more than reading and listening. She needs a little push and to be held accountable. Actions speak louder than words. Let's amaze each other by what we can do in just a few short days.
Below is a Twitter exchange between myself and Kelly McCormick, author of OutSell Yourself. (Dancing B*a*g Lady commentary, "For those who are not familiar with Twitter just imagine it is text messaging on steroids.")
@OutSellYourself (aka Kelly McCormick) tweeted: My thought of the day: Focus on the big picture. Do 5 do-able action steps to move forward - today. (Dancing B*a*g Lady commentary: "She said the A word, Action. It's the middle work in B*a*g (believe act to) This catches my attention.")
@believeactgo replies: @OutSellYourself thank you. will do. (Dancing B*a*g Lady commentary: "This reply announces my intention and commitment to finding 5 do-able things.")
@OutSellYourself replies:@believeactgo Keep me posted on your successes! (Dancing B*a*g Lady commentary, "Sweet! Someone who expects my success and furthers my commitment by expecting a response")
@believeactgo replies: #1 doable today (1am this morning.g) rewrite executive summary of prosperity plan. CC: @outsellyourself #2 doable today - Mailed a gift to an amazing woman. CC: @OutSellYourself #3 doable - conference call with web designers. CC: @OutSellYourself #4 doable today - assess need for service and request feedback from benefactors. CC @OutSellYourself @OutSellYourself Did 5,6,7,8 and 9, which included the all important playing catch with my son. I'll think of 5 doables each day.
@OutSellYourself replies: @believeactgo Wow...you are creating success at the speed of light! You inspire me. :-)(Dancing B*a*g Lady commentary: "Inspiration always comes full circle.")
Get some fuel. Find a tool.
I invited Kelly into my Traveling Sanctuary B*a*g (believe act go), as a passenger, when I made the choice to follow her tweets. As I journey further down the path of developing Modern B*a*g Ladies I may want to invest in Kelly's coaching services, which assists with branding, selling and marketing. She outlines her services very well on her website.
Soon after following Kelly's messages on Twitter, I knew I would be filling up with the fuel she was sharing. Kelly offers the fuel. And Twitter is the tool that delivers her fuel. I've never spoken to Kelly on the phone or in person. We have never exchanged emails for that matter, but forever in my mind Kelly McCormick will be attached to "What are my 5 doables today?"
Kelly, delivers her expertise and inspiration for free, on Twitter, and I suspect she doesn't do it expecting everyone to hire her or buy her book. I suspect she does it because she believes in community and building relationships.
So, again I ask,"What's in your B*a*g, literally and metaphorically?" Are you getting the right fuel? Do you have the right tools to share your fuel?
Focus on the big picture. Do 5 do-able action steps to move forward - today. Heck, do 1 do-able action. Doesn't matter how big or how small. Believe. Act. Go.
I came downstairs 90 minutes ago and I am just now starting to write. I guess I could blame my daughter for distracting me. She came down stairs to see what mom was doing. She actually asked if she could help me find a suitable bag for our scavenger hunt. (We interrupt this blog post to interject some mystery and shamelessly coax you into reading to the end. Just pretend you are watching the news as they break for commercial, "When we return breaking news on several Jesus sightings,")
I feel like I am getting too caught up in the details, which may be my way of putting off what is really important, MY MISSION.
Modern B*a*g Ladies is an inclusive sisterhood. Our mission is to fuel each others Beliefs, so we are charged to take Action and Go to our dreams. We will spread our new found joy, shred our own and others fears and just have more fun. We are real! We are not yes ladies! We are OH YES Ladies and it feels great!
So I've made a decision. Which is that I will make a decision and GO!!! You know the "A" and "G" in the bag, realizing there's a false "B" (borrowed belief) which is hissing in my ear, "You can't do that. Blah, Blah and Blah."
I'm going to KISS my bought and borrowed beliefs and get on with it. Keep it Simple Super Star! I guess that's KISSS. KISSS the HISS goodbye. Yep I'm talking myself into it. Embrace the process. One small step for Kim. One giant step for KIM being KIND to herself. Gosh you'd think I was trying to walk on the moon here. Actually, sometimes it feels like it.
Here's some action words for all you Discover Your B*a*g OH Yes Ladies: Reading, Thinking, Talking. All very nice verbs indeed. Necessary? YES. Enough? NO. Reading will inspire you and get you thinking. It may teach you a new skill. I talk about wonderful books all the time. I tell people my plans, but when it comes right down to it I need to blister my feet and callus my hands more. This involves forcing myself into a corner and finding my way out. You must force change upon yourself. You can't read and get it. Think it and get. Talk about it and get it. You must want it bad enough that you are willing to lose going after it and then get back up again and fight some more.
So, today on my way to work I see a man walking. I see more people walking these days. One morning I saw a woman walking. She was carrying a purse. How many people carry their purse on a walk meant for exercise? I turn the truck around. Approaching her I lower the window and ask if she needed a ride. No I'm just walking. I kind of felt stupid. I see her almost every day now and it makes me smile. I honor anybody committed to more exercise. Yet, for all I know she had her car repossessed and now she has to walk to work. Either way she walks in a proud way.
A robe, long beard, sandals, walking stick, large rosary and a backpack. "Should I stop?" I lower my speed, holding up traffic behind me. My sister picked up a hitch hiker once. Dad sternly schooled her in the dangers of picking up strangers. "I am on a major highway. What could happen? There's too many witnesses." I increase my speed. "This is going to delay my arrival to work." Blinker on, I make a quick U turn and head back toward "Jesus".
I approach and lower my window, "Is there anything I can do for you?" I don't remember what he says. He looks very normal except for his clothes. "Are you on a pilgrimage?" "Do you walk everywhere?" He explains that yes indeed a pilgrimage. The first in 7 years as he as been ill. I offer him $10. He can not accept money, only food, water and shelter. He had his lunch for today and today only. He explained that he was part of some brotherhood order. "Safe journey. I will be praying for you." He replied, "And I will pray for you as well." I do another U turn and he continues to walk. "Dang I could have offered him my orange I had packed for my lunch today." I momentarily hear that hissing in my ear.
3 years ago I would not have stopped for either traveler. Sad, but true. In a small way this is a step towards the blisters and the calluses. Writing tonight did not come easy. It is a labor of love or an emotional labor I wrote about in my article on The Survivor Manual titled, Sister Subsets and Brother Brackets.
I will continue to read, think and talk. Apparently it's inspiring some worthy actions. I must be kind to myself and travel ahead with faith and less fear. Did you know the most quoted commandment in the bible is "do not fear?" I shared a kind word and hope with a man that looked like Jesus today. Knowing that he is praying for me brings me comfort. I leave this post off to bed sending loving energy to him and a few others. It is a worthy action. Necessary? YES!
A comedy by Williams Shakespeare - The title implies that a great fuss (“much ado”) is made of something which is insignificant (“nothing”) such as the unfounded claims of Hero’s infidelity. (Wikipedia reference)
Everything you do affects everything else, so what are you doing? (what Shakespeare's play was really about and what modern day Shakespeare Angela Shelton says)
Acknowledging Mistakes and Making Different Choices
Your Labels Are Showing(little article I wrote over at The Survivor Manual that you should read)
Now imagine this. Everything you do affects everything else AND it's like screaming it into a megaphone for everyone to hear, see, feel, etc and so on.
Tell us what you're doing. I know it's something amazing. Please share because you are an inspiration and we need that because THERE'S MUCH TO DO.
When I see you, I see me. I'm in awe. You're beautiful. You're smart. You're brave. I know you fart.
When I see you. I wonder how to be. That could be bad if that makes me feel less of me. Yes I doubt myself from time to time, but so do you. I know this to be true. When I see me. I see you.
The room is filled with 325 beautiful women. She has style. That one has grace. She can sing. Kelly and I exchange possum stories. Really? Yes really. Its amazing what will bind two complete strangers, so talk and listen. Kelly started a blog a day after we spoke. I love her for that. She has an amazing story. She has overcome so many things and she is making a difference in other's lives. Possum stories? Really? Yes really. I'll never forget Kelly.
Some think Twitter is a waste of time. I met Patti Digh (@pattidigh) via Danielle LaPorte (daniellelaporte) on Twitter. Their rants, wisdom and love shared through this Twitter thing is part of my customized daily newspaper. There are some pretty cool dudes that find space on these pages as well. Patti says, "Sit the hell down and write." 10-4, Patti. That's what I am doing right now. Danielle says, "I no sooner want to be balanced than I want to be a “good” girl. “Balance” is not something I want to live down to." Now this is a good read for us busy, busy, busy, control freaks.
I did a vision board a year ago. Turning my intuition into visual art has resulted in me being awe struck. Click on the vision board link and get going on yours today. Inspire me. Please, please do. When I see you, I see me.
If I told you that I loved you, would you believe me? Believe me or not, I do. Why? Because I can and it makes me feel good. Hating, just sucks.
I know this seems like an odd ending, but you should never fake an orgasm or pretend to be someone you're not. The real you is awe inspiring. The beautiful. The ugly. The hurting. The loving. Don't' fake you. I won't fake me.
It literallystinks (: () when you have to throw away your most comfortable, holey, beloved pair of underwear. And when you finally build up of the courage to bid a farewell, odds are all your other comfortable pair of underwear need to be laundered.
Universal Truth: Growth and excellence both have a healthy dose of discontent.
This a reminder to embrace what life gives us, keeping in mind our life's purpose. Our work is never done. "Its a good thing".
**Newsflash ** Newsflash**
Attention all family members inhabiting the Lampe domain we call a home.
In an attempt to eliminate all housework we will adopt the following rules of engagement.....
Air will be our only source of nourishment as not to dirty a dish or create any waste required to be hauled out as trash.
We can no longer wear clothing that could be soiled, so therefore we must remain in our own domain as not to be arrested for indecent exposure.
We will sleep standing up so not to soil bedding.
A huge bubble will be constructed around our home sealing off all dirt and dust.
We can not exit this bubble hence being contaminated with outside dirt, which could be carried into our bubble.
Personal hygiene, now that my be a tricky one. I guess no showers, shaving or brushing our teeth. Can't be dirtying any vessels with soap scum, toothpaste or whiskers. Hmm, consuming air probably eliminates, elimination.
Hey as much I dislike housework and dislike more that it is the never ending story, let's just face it, "The dirt, trash, soap scum and sweat is worth the living of our lives". The day the housework ends is the day our life has ended.
As I climb the stairs, littered with stuff, I will take one thing at a time and put it back in its place. As I wash each dish I will feel blessed that we have been nourished with the food placed upon it. As I wash each piece of clothing I will be reminded of the the worthy work we did that day. As I suck up dirt with my very lovely Kirby I am happy to be getting much needed exercise.
Now go live your life, get dirty, do the housework and enjoy it damn it! Oh ya, ask for help!
The world deserves your gifts. Don't hold back. Spread your joy. shred your fear and have a little fun.
I've been here before. Sitting in bed with my electronic journal. Desperate to write a stunning, inspirational, funny, insightful post. I had wanted to write about the wonderful mini vision board workshop I conducted Monday, but my patience has been on my mind quite a bit lately. The light, fun vision board post will need to wait a day or two.
Just a little baffled over how it (my patience) can be like those indestructible Sears Tuffskin jeans, as I brave the morning and as thin as my grandmothers apron by about 7:00 pm. At this hour I find myself in a kind of prayer that is more like a plea. Lord, place some wisdom upon my head and peace upon my heart. "What was so abrasive that it could have gnawed away, at what I believe to be steel infused denim."
I'm convinced it is more likely an inner venom, eating away from the inside out, rather than the outside in. It weakens my fibers, causing minor abrasions to erode away the strands. As quickly as the fangs show, love kicks in and causes a retraction. I wonder, "Is there any mother who has never been at this place I find myself as the day turns to night?" Surely not!? I am also convinced that being a parent is the toughest job, equally weighted with fringe benefits.
Gavin comes home with holes in the knees of his pants more times than I would like. It reveals his action packed day. It seems we have all had "our" day away, ready to drop into the safety net of our home. We do retract the fangs quickly. In an odd way I find comfort in it all, just like Grandma's apron.
I know, a bit dramatic. Thank you for stopping by and listening. Restored peace of mind, yet again.
I am catching a break between my daughter's volleyball games at a hometown tournament, so I ran home to write. That was my choice. I can't say I didn't feel a bit selfish leaving. I mean parents are suppose to sign up to help with the event, by taking admissions, helping in the concession stand. If I felt others judgement it was of my own doing. I had a choice and I made it.
I have a choice as I sit here writing; fold 4 loads of clean laundry or write. I made my choice. I do find pleasure and a sense of accomplishment in doing dishing, washing clothes and cleaning toilets. This morning I vacuumed the upstairs hallway and stairs. I couldn't stand it any longer. Admit it ladies, we get a rush when we hear those little particles of unwanted pieces getting sucked into the vacuum. INSTANT GRATIFICATION.
If you have time to follow your passions and keep a spotless house without killing yourself, I am envious. If keeping a spotless house is keeping you so busy, giving you an excuse to avoid your true self, well it is what it is. If you are killing yourself following your passions, you have some choices to make and some decluttering to do.
Most of the time I can accept loads of laundry and a sink full of dishes. I have a full life, but lately I am feeling as if I need to make some difficult choices. They are mine to make, taking into consideration my families well being. We love each other dearly. I know what I need to do and some days I feel I may not be strong enough. We've all been there from time to time.
When I have a choice between, love and fear. I choose love.
When I have a choice between me or you. I choose me, when I am low on fuel and have nothing to give to you. I choose being myself.
When I have a choice between writing or doing dishes. I choose dishes sometimes.
When I have a choice between my intuition (born beliefs) and borrowed beliefs. I choose to do my best to shred my fear, look past borrowed beliefs and go with my intuition.
Making choices means being OK with making some mistakes. Time to let go of some things and make more room for what is important, my passions, my family and helping others. I'm off, back to the high school to watch my daughter play volleyball. Life is a joy. This is what I love about volleyball.
This is what I hear from children who have a sick sense about things, "Mom, you're a dork." We should listen to our children more and embrace their wisdom.
Yes, when I embrace my dorkiness I am being led by my purpose. I am the happiest when I'm the Dorky Dancing B*a*g Lady. I do find myself thinking to myself from time to time, "I wish I could be more like this lady or that lady." I do know several amazing ladies. I know they are amazing because they let is show and aren't trying to be some other amazing lady. Let's be inspired and motivated by them to be ourselves, rather than wishing we were them.
Just as we make poor imitations of men, we make poor imitations of other women. Honestly, when I preview my Talking with my Traveling Sanctuary Videos, before posting them, I say to myself, you should have been more yourself, which means I should have been more dorky.
Here's proof that I can unleash the dork and a reminder to fuel the dork.
My daughter doesn't like to admit it, but she's a dork just like her mother. Sometimes we do the most fun kind of Dork Dances together. Not literally a dance, but more of an improvisational dork show. We have our dork voices. I wish she would let me video tape these moments, but I respect her privacy. I will nurture her dork in a non-obvious kind of way.
Be aware of those "Oh Yes" moments and note what you are doing when they happen. Its the YES from inside not the yes from outside forces. Those are YOUR dorky moments. Embrace them and repeat them.
Old luggage has a certain charm don't you think. Clunky, heavy, bright to bland colors. Gosh no wheels, what's up with that. You want me to carry my luggage? You know maybe they were on to something back then.
If you had to carry your heavy, clunky baggage, well you just might think about what you were carrying around with you. There would be no denying that you had baggage. You couldn't deny the hurt it was causing you by lugging it around.
Too many times we give our baggage wheels and a nice sleek handle. Oh look at me frolicking through the airport of my life. I don't have any problems. My life is so nice. And while you are off denying your baggage it is happily multiplying like rabbits (see the first picture).
YOUR BAGGAGE: TAG IT! CLAIM IT! RECYCLE IT!
Just acknowledge it for what it is and find ways to recycle it into your B*a*g (believe act go).
I think a few vintage bags are way more stylish than a new sleek bag with wheels and a stylish handle anyway.
