 Sometimes I scream in my car. I scream LOUD! I scream the name of my Son. I call for my Dad. I shout for my Mom. I want them to hear ME. To give ME a sign. To be with ME again. I scream in my car where no one can hear me - except them. It was mid-afternoon on a beautiful fall day. We were walking a path as trees dropped yellow leaves that swirled to the ground like golden breadcrumbs marking our way. The sun eased through the space between branches, creating diamonds in the waterfalls and warmth on my face. It was the kind of day that seemed almost too flawless to be real - more like a movie set created to look like perfection. A woman in our group said, “My Dad always told me that if I was in a place he would like, to shout his name so he could be there with me.” She shouted her Dad’s name slowly. I could almost see the sound travel along the path, dance through the streams, and climb up through the trees. I realized in that moment that I had been doing this wrong. Instead of it being about me and how I wanted and needed to see, feel, and hear from those who have passed, it should be about them. By shouting their names in places of beauty and in times of joy, it is an invitation for them to share in the moment. I am excited to make this act of love a part of my life. I have great memories of the kinds of things and places my Dad, Mom, and Son loved. Now, when I’m in places of beauty or around the things that remind me of them and I find myself thinking, ‘oh they would have loved this,' I will shout their names. I will shout loud and slow and visualize their name as if it were a shooting star glowing and glittering as it circles around me, and together we will share the experience. And now, I ask all who know and love me to do the same when I am gone. Shout my name! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Pennie's Life Lesson: “Say the names of those who have passed during moments of beauty and in times of joy. Invite them to join your experience.” ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Pennie Heart to Heart |
|
|
The Sled.
Now instead of the dirty corner of the garage, it stands in a place of honor next to my antique sewing machine surround by twinkling lights.
The red and green bow a crown of appreciation for work well done.
I walk by it and see those chubby snow kissed faces.
I hear the squeals of joy.
I think of how my children are grown and their children are taller than me.
I wonder how time has slid by so quickly --
year by year,
snow by melting snow,
and one quick ride down the hill at a time.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Pay attention to the little things in life
– they slip and slide by quickly.”
Now instead of the dirty corner of the garage, it stands in a place of honor next to my antique sewing machine surround by twinkling lights.
The red and green bow a crown of appreciation for work well done.
I walk by it and see those chubby snow kissed faces.
I hear the squeals of joy.
I think of how my children are grown and their children are taller than me.
I wonder how time has slid by so quickly --
year by year,
snow by melting snow,
and one quick ride down the hill at a time.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Pay attention to the little things in life
– they slip and slide by quickly.”
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about the special memories in your life...what object spurs them?
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about the special memories in your life...what object spurs them?
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
I fell down.
I am not sure how, but my entire body fell to the ground.
My knees took a hard hit followed by the rest of my body as it stretched out on the dirty concrete sliding (less than gracefully) until I put my hands out to stop myself. My suitcase and purse fell over next to me. Lying on my belly, arms reaching forward and my legs behind in a childlike Slip-n-Slide position.
I was confused and stunned.
There were no signs of a hole or bump, nothing that I slipped on. I just fell down. One minute I was thanking the shuttle driver, handing him a tip, pushing my suitcase and the next minute I was flat on the dirty concrete. I felt like a fish that had just been taken out of the safety of its pond and thrown floundering on the shore.
I quickly got up, told the shuttle driver I was fine and moved toward the curbside check in. Every step I took was slow and precise. After dropping my suitcase off I found the first rest room in the airport to see if my knees were intact under my jeans and wash the dirt off my red sore hands. Minor scratches were all my body incurred, but my ego and confidence were silently damaged.
I sat on the plane during my flight reliving what happened. How it happened and why it happened. I didn’t have the answers, but I knew I felt vulnerable.
I am grateful that I wasn’t really hurt. I know a broken wrist is common when you put your hands out to stop a fall. The way my knees hit I could have damaged them. I could have hit my head.
My scuffed knees and sore hands will heal and my confidence and ego will recover.
We have all fallen in many different ways. Falls happen in life. Most happen when we least expect it. We don’t see it coming. We aren’t prepared. The best we can do is slide through it as gracefully as possible, pick ourselves up, wash our hands and keep going. This is how we learn. It is in the falling, failing and floundering that we move forward.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“When you fall down in life, pick yourself up, wash your hands
and keep going.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I am not sure how, but my entire body fell to the ground.
My knees took a hard hit followed by the rest of my body as it stretched out on the dirty concrete sliding (less than gracefully) until I put my hands out to stop myself. My suitcase and purse fell over next to me. Lying on my belly, arms reaching forward and my legs behind in a childlike Slip-n-Slide position.
I was confused and stunned.
There were no signs of a hole or bump, nothing that I slipped on. I just fell down. One minute I was thanking the shuttle driver, handing him a tip, pushing my suitcase and the next minute I was flat on the dirty concrete. I felt like a fish that had just been taken out of the safety of its pond and thrown floundering on the shore.
I quickly got up, told the shuttle driver I was fine and moved toward the curbside check in. Every step I took was slow and precise. After dropping my suitcase off I found the first rest room in the airport to see if my knees were intact under my jeans and wash the dirt off my red sore hands. Minor scratches were all my body incurred, but my ego and confidence were silently damaged.
I sat on the plane during my flight reliving what happened. How it happened and why it happened. I didn’t have the answers, but I knew I felt vulnerable.
I am grateful that I wasn’t really hurt. I know a broken wrist is common when you put your hands out to stop a fall. The way my knees hit I could have damaged them. I could have hit my head.
My scuffed knees and sore hands will heal and my confidence and ego will recover.
We have all fallen in many different ways. Falls happen in life. Most happen when we least expect it. We don’t see it coming. We aren’t prepared. The best we can do is slide through it as gracefully as possible, pick ourselves up, wash our hands and keep going. This is how we learn. It is in the falling, failing and floundering that we move forward.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“When you fall down in life, pick yourself up, wash your hands
and keep going.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
FREE FALLING
FREE FALLING
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to understand that we all fall in life- in may areas, work, relationships, personal expectations.... it is how we get up, shake it off and move forward that counts.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to understand that we all fall in life- in may areas, work, relationships, personal expectations.... it is how we get up, shake it off and move forward that counts.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
MIND BODY AND SOUL FOOD
If we are what we eat then today I am oatmeal, blueberries, a turkey sandwich, an apple, salmon, salad and green beans.
Oh, and a medium vanilla chai latte and one...okay, two really tasty sugar cookies.
Well, I'm not perfect!
Think about what else we feed ourselves every day that helps to create who we are.
Did you savor the taste of love and joy?
or
Did you eat a big helping of self-criticism and negative talk?
Did you swallow shame and guilt?
How much anger and resentment did you chew on today?
What about that green smoothie of jealousy you had for a midafternoon snack?
And then right before bed did you munch on doubt and insecurity?
All of these things blend into one big combo meal of emotions and feelings that feed who we are. Have you heard the expression, "junk in- junk out?"
This is exactly what happens to your body and life. In the same way eating high calorie, sugar-filled junk food will show outwardly in the form of weight gain, when you feed yourself negativity then negativity will show outwardly to create a life of anger, depression and pain.
Isn't it time to pay attention to what you feed your mind, body and soul?
Create a menu of positive self-empowering mind, body and soul food.
Begin mixing in healthy amounts of gratitude and self-care into your diet.
None of us are perfect and along with the occasional really tasty sugar cookie there will be times that negative self-talk, doubt or shame will sneak into your daily diet.
Forgive yourself when you indulge in these and then - move on!
If you knew you had the power to create happiness in your life wouldn't you do it?
Well, you do!
It all starts with being grateful. Begin and end each day in gratitude. Just like weight lifting begins strengthening your body with one work out at a time, exercising your gratitude and self- compassion muscles will reshape your life one thank-you and one act of self-love at a time.
Gratitude leads to love, joy and kindness. When you begin fueling your soul with these it will show outwardly bringing happiness to your life.
YOU do have the power to become what you eat! Eat wisely.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
"You are what you eat --
feed love to your mind, body and soul!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to pay attention to your negative self-talk and emotions that you consume and replace them with loving self-care and gratitude.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
If we are what we eat then today I am oatmeal, blueberries, a turkey sandwich, an apple, salmon, salad and green beans.
Oh, and a medium vanilla chai latte and one...okay, two really tasty sugar cookies.
Well, I'm not perfect!
Think about what else we feed ourselves every day that helps to create who we are.
Did you savor the taste of love and joy?
or
Did you eat a big helping of self-criticism and negative talk?
Did you swallow shame and guilt?
How much anger and resentment did you chew on today?
What about that green smoothie of jealousy you had for a midafternoon snack?
And then right before bed did you munch on doubt and insecurity?
All of these things blend into one big combo meal of emotions and feelings that feed who we are. Have you heard the expression, "junk in- junk out?"
This is exactly what happens to your body and life. In the same way eating high calorie, sugar-filled junk food will show outwardly in the form of weight gain, when you feed yourself negativity then negativity will show outwardly to create a life of anger, depression and pain.
Isn't it time to pay attention to what you feed your mind, body and soul?
Create a menu of positive self-empowering mind, body and soul food.
Begin mixing in healthy amounts of gratitude and self-care into your diet.
None of us are perfect and along with the occasional really tasty sugar cookie there will be times that negative self-talk, doubt or shame will sneak into your daily diet.
Forgive yourself when you indulge in these and then - move on!
If you knew you had the power to create happiness in your life wouldn't you do it?
Well, you do!
It all starts with being grateful. Begin and end each day in gratitude. Just like weight lifting begins strengthening your body with one work out at a time, exercising your gratitude and self- compassion muscles will reshape your life one thank-you and one act of self-love at a time.
Gratitude leads to love, joy and kindness. When you begin fueling your soul with these it will show outwardly bringing happiness to your life.
YOU do have the power to become what you eat! Eat wisely.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
"You are what you eat --
feed love to your mind, body and soul!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to pay attention to your negative self-talk and emotions that you consume and replace them with loving self-care and gratitude.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward and share this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
This is a "Pennies From The Past" that I wrote in 2013. On September 13, 2018 I will have been in the water 11 years... and still I wear my life vest.
LIFE VEST
I was forced in the water 5 years, 8 months and 5 days ago.
She was pushed recently.
I met her last month. Immediately, I saw the ache in her eyes as we spoke; the hurt that hides behind the everyday chit chat and smiles. I know too well how to recognize the look of buried pain that is in the eyes of every grieving parent.
We shared photographs. We all carry one. Some are wrinkled and worn and some are sealed in protective covers to keep them safe. I noticed the care she took when I handed her the picture of my son, J.T. and the loving way she brushed her fingers over it. I silently thanked her for that. I did the same with her photograph.
We parents with angel children understand that the love we send them does not stop just because they are not physically here with us.
Our stories are different, and yet the same. The love we feel for our children. The pain we feel without them. The memories, the "did-that's”, the "wish-we-could's," the missing and the wanting all roll into one similar pond of pain.
I am further in the water than she is. The hot and cold of it, the swirling and splashing is a continual dance of how we maneuver without drowning. The trick is to do it with the grace and balance required to keep our heads above water -and breathing--always breathing.
At times I have fought the water current and at times I have floundered reaching for a life vest. The life vest has become one I wear secretly like bullet proof protection under my clothes with the hope that nothing this painful will ever penetrate my heart again.
I continue forward. I see others in the distance, with well-worn life vests, who have maneuvered the water much longer than I have. I feel comfort in knowing they are leaving a trail to follow.
I turn to see the ones behind me as they wade in, stumbling and unsure if they will survive the voyage. I reach my hand back to steady them as the waves hit, listen to them as they cry and help them position their life vests.
After 5 years, 8 months and 5 days I have learned to swim a little better. But, I will always wear my life vest.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Sometimes we need a life vest
and sometimes we can be
a life vest for others.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I was forced in the water 5 years, 8 months and 5 days ago.
She was pushed recently.
I met her last month. Immediately, I saw the ache in her eyes as we spoke; the hurt that hides behind the everyday chit chat and smiles. I know too well how to recognize the look of buried pain that is in the eyes of every grieving parent.
We shared photographs. We all carry one. Some are wrinkled and worn and some are sealed in protective covers to keep them safe. I noticed the care she took when I handed her the picture of my son, J.T. and the loving way she brushed her fingers over it. I silently thanked her for that. I did the same with her photograph.
We parents with angel children understand that the love we send them does not stop just because they are not physically here with us.
Our stories are different, and yet the same. The love we feel for our children. The pain we feel without them. The memories, the "did-that's”, the "wish-we-could's," the missing and the wanting all roll into one similar pond of pain.
I am further in the water than she is. The hot and cold of it, the swirling and splashing is a continual dance of how we maneuver without drowning. The trick is to do it with the grace and balance required to keep our heads above water -and breathing--always breathing.
At times I have fought the water current and at times I have floundered reaching for a life vest. The life vest has become one I wear secretly like bullet proof protection under my clothes with the hope that nothing this painful will ever penetrate my heart again.
I continue forward. I see others in the distance, with well-worn life vests, who have maneuvered the water much longer than I have. I feel comfort in knowing they are leaving a trail to follow.
I turn to see the ones behind me as they wade in, stumbling and unsure if they will survive the voyage. I reach my hand back to steady them as the waves hit, listen to them as they cry and help them position their life vests.
After 5 years, 8 months and 5 days I have learned to swim a little better. But, I will always wear my life vest.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Sometimes we need a life vest
and sometimes we can be
a life vest for others.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to reach out to others going through a difficult experience-- one that you have lived through!
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .
And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to reach out to others going through a difficult experience-- one that you have lived through!
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .
And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE
It seemed like a giant step to the front platform of the church.
When the piano began playing it was our cue to begin singing. Each time we visited our grandmother who lived states away, my brother, sister and I sang, This Little Light of Mine, at the Hurricane Baptist Church.
When we sang my body swayed back and forth – mostly from nerves. My eyes linked to the glowing face of my grandmother. Her smile encouraged me to sing loud and strong. I loved her and would do anything to make her proud and happy – even overcome the fear I felt standing on a huge stage in front of a crowd to sing the same lyrics year after year.
Not long ago I was back in the Hurricane Baptist Church. As I stood in the pew looking at the one small step to the front platform I realized the passing of time had shrunk the size and scale of the space I stood in as a little girl.
Decades of events skipped through my mind. This was the church where my parents were married. This was the church where I cried at funerals. And this was the church where I learned the song that I could hear as it circled my memory now.
Occasionally, a life lesson is a long time in the learning. Standing in that pew I realized the lesson my grandmother was very intentionally teaching. We could have sung a different song every year, but it was always THAT song. She wanted us to sing it over and over again until we understood the meaning.
We all have our own unique spirit inside; a one of a kind light that needs to shine. We must bravely allow our individual personality, our talent and our joy to be seen and shared. We must have the courage to stand up in front of others and hold up our light. And, never allow anyone to smother it. What a bold and bright lesson in one little song.
This church was my grandmother’s space; a home where she felt love and joy. This is where HER light shinned. This is where I followed her encouragement and love to take that giant step as a little girl. This is where I held up my little light and allowed it to shine boldly, brightly and bravely. This is where I now understood the power of my spirit and the importance of bringing it out into the open space for others to see.
Yes, this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
Pennie’s Life Lesson: “Allow your light to shine boldly, brightly and bravely…only then will you know the power of your spirit.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It seemed like a giant step to the front platform of the church.
When the piano began playing it was our cue to begin singing. Each time we visited our grandmother who lived states away, my brother, sister and I sang, This Little Light of Mine, at the Hurricane Baptist Church.
When we sang my body swayed back and forth – mostly from nerves. My eyes linked to the glowing face of my grandmother. Her smile encouraged me to sing loud and strong. I loved her and would do anything to make her proud and happy – even overcome the fear I felt standing on a huge stage in front of a crowd to sing the same lyrics year after year.
Not long ago I was back in the Hurricane Baptist Church. As I stood in the pew looking at the one small step to the front platform I realized the passing of time had shrunk the size and scale of the space I stood in as a little girl.
Decades of events skipped through my mind. This was the church where my parents were married. This was the church where I cried at funerals. And this was the church where I learned the song that I could hear as it circled my memory now.
Occasionally, a life lesson is a long time in the learning. Standing in that pew I realized the lesson my grandmother was very intentionally teaching. We could have sung a different song every year, but it was always THAT song. She wanted us to sing it over and over again until we understood the meaning.
We all have our own unique spirit inside; a one of a kind light that needs to shine. We must bravely allow our individual personality, our talent and our joy to be seen and shared. We must have the courage to stand up in front of others and hold up our light. And, never allow anyone to smother it. What a bold and bright lesson in one little song.
This church was my grandmother’s space; a home where she felt love and joy. This is where HER light shinned. This is where I followed her encouragement and love to take that giant step as a little girl. This is where I held up my little light and allowed it to shine boldly, brightly and bravely. This is where I now understood the power of my spirit and the importance of bringing it out into the open space for others to see.
Yes, this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
Pennie’s Life Lesson: “Allow your light to shine boldly, brightly and bravely…only then will you know the power of your spirit.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to shine the inner spirit of who you are to the rest of the world. It is in this light you will find fulfillment and happiness. How do you let your light shine?
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .
And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to shine the inner spirit of who you are to the rest of the world. It is in this light you will find fulfillment and happiness. How do you let your light shine?
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below .
And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
IMPORTANT
ENOUGH
I didn’t feel quite right when I woke up, but I had a “To Do” list that was heavier than the increased throbbing of my head.
I hustled through my shower and scurried my two dogs to the groomer. I met a friend for a quick breakfast and then my plan included grocery shopping, blog writing, cleaning out a closet… the list went on.
My husband would be returning from a trip just in time to make our dinner reservations. It was a busy day.
But none of that happened.
My stomach immediately began swirling after breakfast and my body quickly began a downward spiral.
I am not one to get sick.
I NEVER get sick.
Well, more accurately, I NEVER allow myself the time to be sick. Typically I push through days like this ignoring the discomfort of a headache or a cold. Rarely do I ever admit that I don’t feel well.
I decided I would go back home and lay down for an hour and then I would be fine and right back into my list.
I called my husband and told him my plan. He said,
“Why put an hour limit on it…
just go back to bed until you feel better.”
It was a head game for a while with that voice telling me,
you don’t feel that bad,
you have things to do,
people depending on you..
get up ….GET UP!
The concept of actually allowing myself time to heal was foreign to me, but as the hour turned into two and my body was continuing into a dark circle of ugliness I conceded.
I was going to do it this time.
I was going to sink into the safety of my bed allowing my body to heal instead of pushing it as if it wasn’t important enough to take care of..as if "I" wasn’t important enough to take care of.
My husband called and said he was coming home early to pick up the dogs, cancel the dinner reservation and take care of everything. The urge to argue was muffled by my meek, “ok.”
I needed help.
My head sunk further into the comfort of my pillow and my body deepened into the cocoon of my bed. I allowed myself to rest.
After 7 hours I attempted hot tea, a piece of toast and juice.
Then it was back to my bed for 12 hours.
As the sun came up on day two I moved to the couch. The concept of being vertical was not yet in my body’s plan.
Although I encourage others to practice self-care, sometimes I am not very good at it myself. After 48 hours of blurred memories are behind me one concept became very clear.
It is ok to ask for help.
It is ok to be sick.
It is ok to allow your body time to rest, restore and heal.
I am important enough to be taken care of. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Pennie Life Lesson:
“Listen to your body. Allow yourself time to rest, restore and heal.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ENOUGH
I didn’t feel quite right when I woke up, but I had a “To Do” list that was heavier than the increased throbbing of my head.
I hustled through my shower and scurried my two dogs to the groomer. I met a friend for a quick breakfast and then my plan included grocery shopping, blog writing, cleaning out a closet… the list went on.
My husband would be returning from a trip just in time to make our dinner reservations. It was a busy day.
But none of that happened.
My stomach immediately began swirling after breakfast and my body quickly began a downward spiral.
I am not one to get sick.
I NEVER get sick.
Well, more accurately, I NEVER allow myself the time to be sick. Typically I push through days like this ignoring the discomfort of a headache or a cold. Rarely do I ever admit that I don’t feel well.
I decided I would go back home and lay down for an hour and then I would be fine and right back into my list.
I called my husband and told him my plan. He said,
“Why put an hour limit on it…
just go back to bed until you feel better.”
It was a head game for a while with that voice telling me,
you don’t feel that bad,
you have things to do,
people depending on you..
get up ….GET UP!
The concept of actually allowing myself time to heal was foreign to me, but as the hour turned into two and my body was continuing into a dark circle of ugliness I conceded.
I was going to do it this time.
I was going to sink into the safety of my bed allowing my body to heal instead of pushing it as if it wasn’t important enough to take care of..as if "I" wasn’t important enough to take care of.
My husband called and said he was coming home early to pick up the dogs, cancel the dinner reservation and take care of everything. The urge to argue was muffled by my meek, “ok.”
I needed help.
My head sunk further into the comfort of my pillow and my body deepened into the cocoon of my bed. I allowed myself to rest.
After 7 hours I attempted hot tea, a piece of toast and juice.
Then it was back to my bed for 12 hours.
As the sun came up on day two I moved to the couch. The concept of being vertical was not yet in my body’s plan.
Although I encourage others to practice self-care, sometimes I am not very good at it myself. After 48 hours of blurred memories are behind me one concept became very clear.
It is ok to ask for help.
It is ok to be sick.
It is ok to allow your body time to rest, restore and heal.
I am important enough to be taken care of. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Pennie Life Lesson:
“Listen to your body. Allow yourself time to rest, restore and heal.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself. Allow yourself time to heal.
YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
Dear friends and subscribers to the Pennie Hunt blog,
Today I want to let you know that this week’s writing will be a “Pennie’s from the Past”. Pennie continues to be on hiatus due to injuries she suffered in a serious car crash on June 11th.
Fortunately, prior to the accident, Pennie taught me how to access her website and social media accounts so that I could make posts on her behalf for circumstances such as this. I hope you enjoy this post from 2016 titled, “The Lost Day”. Pennie sends along her love to each and every one of you.
Ken (Pennie’s husband, and her #1 fan)
Today I want to let you know that this week’s writing will be a “Pennie’s from the Past”. Pennie continues to be on hiatus due to injuries she suffered in a serious car crash on June 11th.
Fortunately, prior to the accident, Pennie taught me how to access her website and social media accounts so that I could make posts on her behalf for circumstances such as this. I hope you enjoy this post from 2016 titled, “The Lost Day”. Pennie sends along her love to each and every one of you.
Ken (Pennie’s husband, and her #1 fan)
I lost my day.
It began in the normal way.
Alarm.
Glass of water.
Cup of coffee.
Work out.
Shower.
Then... I lost it.
My day became an endless loop of wondering what I should do. Not wanting to do anything. Feeling disappointed in myself that I wasn’t accomplishing, achieving or making an impact, I walked from window to window looking out at the world feeling lost. I didn’t have a plan for the day. I was uneasy. Restless. Uncertain.
And then, it was over.
I lost my day.
Now, holding a brand new day in my grasp and enjoying all that comes with it I look back on that day and realize I occasionally experience what I call A Lost Day.
A day lost in time that I wasted. I’m not talking about a day spent reading or relaxing, which I find necessary to rejuvenate both mind and soul and is far from wasted. ALost Day is spent spinning and twirling in indecision. Not being able to focus on a desire.
In my self-analyzation I uncovered this...
I was raised in a military family where it was ingrained in my DNA to work hard, accomplish and achieve. I often times find myself at the end of a day spewing a list of "completion". From laundry to writing I do a mental review of what I did to add value during the day. Could it be possible if I don’t“do” I must not be of value?
Our minds are funny little puzzles consisting of pieces created at birth with more picked up as we journey through life. We maneuver the unchangeable ones to create a frame. All other misshaped pieces are turned and tried until they fit together to create the picture of our lives.
Over time we may crinkle and bend a piece or two and might even lose one, but the frame remains the landing pad. The secret code of our belief system’s DNA.
Here is the thing... although I was raised with the core value of hard work and accomplishment I was never taught that without doing that I was not of value. That became one of the internal puzzle pieces that my mind created and connected to another piece as I built my life. So of course when I have a day of spinning in indecision I feel useless and wasteful. I experience the frustration of a Lost Day.
The next time I experience a Lost Day I will at least understand what is happening. I will try to lean into it with the knowing of why and the understanding of my emotions.
As I write this, I sit in self-satisfaction for solving the puzzle. Finding the piece that skews my life picture.
Today I accomplished!
I achieved!
I made an impact - if only in my own life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Pay attention to the puzzle pieces that create the picture of your life. Don’t force pieces to fit that don’t belong.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It began in the normal way.
Alarm.
Glass of water.
Cup of coffee.
Work out.
Shower.
Then... I lost it.
My day became an endless loop of wondering what I should do. Not wanting to do anything. Feeling disappointed in myself that I wasn’t accomplishing, achieving or making an impact, I walked from window to window looking out at the world feeling lost. I didn’t have a plan for the day. I was uneasy. Restless. Uncertain.
And then, it was over.
I lost my day.
Now, holding a brand new day in my grasp and enjoying all that comes with it I look back on that day and realize I occasionally experience what I call A Lost Day.
A day lost in time that I wasted. I’m not talking about a day spent reading or relaxing, which I find necessary to rejuvenate both mind and soul and is far from wasted. ALost Day is spent spinning and twirling in indecision. Not being able to focus on a desire.
In my self-analyzation I uncovered this...
I was raised in a military family where it was ingrained in my DNA to work hard, accomplish and achieve. I often times find myself at the end of a day spewing a list of "completion". From laundry to writing I do a mental review of what I did to add value during the day. Could it be possible if I don’t“do” I must not be of value?
Our minds are funny little puzzles consisting of pieces created at birth with more picked up as we journey through life. We maneuver the unchangeable ones to create a frame. All other misshaped pieces are turned and tried until they fit together to create the picture of our lives.
Over time we may crinkle and bend a piece or two and might even lose one, but the frame remains the landing pad. The secret code of our belief system’s DNA.
Here is the thing... although I was raised with the core value of hard work and accomplishment I was never taught that without doing that I was not of value. That became one of the internal puzzle pieces that my mind created and connected to another piece as I built my life. So of course when I have a day of spinning in indecision I feel useless and wasteful. I experience the frustration of a Lost Day.
The next time I experience a Lost Day I will at least understand what is happening. I will try to lean into it with the knowing of why and the understanding of my emotions.
As I write this, I sit in self-satisfaction for solving the puzzle. Finding the piece that skews my life picture.
Today I accomplished!
I achieved!
I made an impact - if only in my own life.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Pay attention to the puzzle pieces that create the picture of your life. Don’t force pieces to fit that don’t belong.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about the puzzle pieces you have allowed into the frame of your life. How have you included negative, unhealthy ones to guide your feelings and emotions?
YOUR TURN
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
We are all on a search for "Emotional Benefits."
We all freely give
"I love you's" with the expectation that we will receive an I love you in return.
Everything we do, say, act on or experience is with the expectation of making us feel good, feel happy, feel important or feel loved.
Our need to connect and belong is a driver in life. Emotional benefit is attached.
Why do you think our world is so dependent on the buzzing of our cell phones? Because with every vibrational Tweet, every chiming phone call and every new friend request on Facebook we feel loved, needed, and wanted. We act with our heart and grab the phone!
Emotional benefit is attached.
Unfortunately, we do very little in life without the expectation of reciprocity. We have learned this mutual give and take expectation throughout our life.
If I pick you for the volley ball team, Iexpect you will pick me next time.
If I invite you to lunch, I expect you to invite me to lunch.
If I FRIEND you on Facebook, I expect you to Friend me.
If I tell you I love you, I expect you to tell me you love me.
We expect this mutual exchange.
Emotional benefit is attached.
Imagine if we took the expectation out of the equation. Imagine if we friended, liked and loved just for the joy of friending, liking and loving.
Imagine joyfully giving without the expectation of an obligatory comparable response.
I believe the real law of reciprocity should be based on our intent.
If your intent is ~
I will do this in order to receive that in return -- then you are living your life in a self-centered way.
If your intent is ~
I will do this with no expectation of return -- then you are living your life in an other-centered way.
You are making more deposits in the bank of emotional benefits than you expect to withdraw.
Then the magic happens.
By changing the expectation of reciprocity, the Emotional Benefit we give to others will increase. The conditions of the game will be removed. Your own Emotional Benefit account will begin to overflow.
It will become clear that by acting with our heart in an other-centered way the search for our own Emotional Benefits will begin and end with making others feel good, happy, important and loved.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Unconditionally give and love
for the joy of giving and loving.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We are all on a search for "Emotional Benefits."
We all freely give
"I love you's" with the expectation that we will receive an I love you in return.
Everything we do, say, act on or experience is with the expectation of making us feel good, feel happy, feel important or feel loved.
Our need to connect and belong is a driver in life. Emotional benefit is attached.
Why do you think our world is so dependent on the buzzing of our cell phones? Because with every vibrational Tweet, every chiming phone call and every new friend request on Facebook we feel loved, needed, and wanted. We act with our heart and grab the phone!
Emotional benefit is attached.
Unfortunately, we do very little in life without the expectation of reciprocity. We have learned this mutual give and take expectation throughout our life.
If I pick you for the volley ball team, Iexpect you will pick me next time.
If I invite you to lunch, I expect you to invite me to lunch.
If I FRIEND you on Facebook, I expect you to Friend me.
If I tell you I love you, I expect you to tell me you love me.
We expect this mutual exchange.
Emotional benefit is attached.
Imagine if we took the expectation out of the equation. Imagine if we friended, liked and loved just for the joy of friending, liking and loving.
Imagine joyfully giving without the expectation of an obligatory comparable response.
I believe the real law of reciprocity should be based on our intent.
If your intent is ~
I will do this in order to receive that in return -- then you are living your life in a self-centered way.
If your intent is ~
I will do this with no expectation of return -- then you are living your life in an other-centered way.
You are making more deposits in the bank of emotional benefits than you expect to withdraw.
Then the magic happens.
By changing the expectation of reciprocity, the Emotional Benefit we give to others will increase. The conditions of the game will be removed. Your own Emotional Benefit account will begin to overflow.
It will become clear that by acting with our heart in an other-centered way the search for our own Emotional Benefits will begin and end with making others feel good, happy, important and loved.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Unconditionally give and love
for the joy of giving and loving.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to rush out there into your life and spread joy and love --expecting NOTHING in return and see what happens!
YOUR TURN
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ARE YOU SATISFIED?
The server began clearing the dishes from our table and said,
“Would you like to order dessert or are you satisfied?”
This comment made me push back from the table and sit up straight. It wasn’t uncommon to be asked if you would like dessert after a restaurant meal. I’m used to hearing,
“Would you like dessert?”
“Did you save room for dessert?”
“Can I tempt you with a sweet treat?”
And so many other ways I’ve been asked that question.
But…
It was the way she asked it that caused me to pause. Am I satisfied? I had to rethink my plan. Many times when I go out for a nice dinner I automatically order dessert.
Sometimes I am completely stuffed by the time I have made my way through an appetizer, salad, the main meal….and of course, dessert is part of the ritual of dining out. Being satisfied with what I had consumed so far had never played into the mindless response of ordering dessert.
I always want dessert!
The way she asked the question forced me to differentiate my want from my need; my contentment from my greed; my hunger from my desire.
The truth was I was full. My hunger had been (by definition) satisfied. The way she posed the question humbled me. I had just enjoyed a lovely meal. The quality and quantity was more than many people in our world have to eat in a day. I was embarrassed to ask for more.
This experience happened years ago, and yet, I have never forgotten that server. I have never forgotten the question. I have never forgotten the lesson.
How many times in life do we automatically want more? We want a nicer car, a bigger home, a larger paycheck. We want more attention, more friends, more love, and more happiness. When did we become so unfulfilled with where we are? Why have we learned this behavior of never being content with what we have?
Satisfaction comes from knowing when our belly is full, our thirst is quenched, and our life needs are met. The reality is, we can only drive one car at a time. We can only occupy one home at a time. And, no matter how much money we have, we can only eat one burger at a time. Satisfaction comes from knowing when enough is enough.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Be satisfied with where you are right now, with what you have right now, with the breath you are taking right now. Satisfaction comes from knowing when enough is enough.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
ARE YOU SATISFIED?
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to look at your life and realize when enough is enough.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to look at your life and realize when enough is enough.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
DON'T MAKE YOURSELF SMALL
"I'll try to make myself as small as possible,"
she said as she pulled her arms close to her body and settled into the middle seat between me and the man sleeping by the window.
When I fly, I have learned to take the aisle seat when I can. It allows me to exit quickly when the plane lands and to have one side free, giving the perception of more space. At times I enjoy the window seat, but I really hate the dreaded middle seat.
When my new seat mate made her comment, I laughed and responded with some fluffy chit chat about how the middle seat is a tuff one to sit in.
The plane took off.
Ear phones on.
Pretzels delivered.
The comment floated in my head…
I'll try to make myself as small as possible.
I thought about how many times I had done that in life...made myself small to allow room for others to have the space they need, to be comfortable, to spread their wings, to shine in the spotlight...even if it was at the expense of my own comfort.
An honorable thing to do, right?
Well, yes, it can be at the right moment, for the right reason. The problem is, it can become a habit.
If you constantly pull back in the shadow of others you are not allowing your soul to shine. The beauty of YOU is hidden. The gifts you were brought here to share will never be known.
I believe we are here to stretch our souls. To learn. To teach. To love.
We cannot do this with our arms pulled in forcing our bodies to contort into a small version of our real self.
Stand tall.
Put those arms up.
Speak your message.
Let your soul out to shine in the spotlight of life.
Only then will you gift the world with the real you.
The YOU you were sent here to be.
The YOU you were sent to share.
Only then will the real YOU be loved.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
"Don't make yourself small
in order to make someone else seem big."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I'll try to make myself as small as possible,"
she said as she pulled her arms close to her body and settled into the middle seat between me and the man sleeping by the window.
When I fly, I have learned to take the aisle seat when I can. It allows me to exit quickly when the plane lands and to have one side free, giving the perception of more space. At times I enjoy the window seat, but I really hate the dreaded middle seat.
When my new seat mate made her comment, I laughed and responded with some fluffy chit chat about how the middle seat is a tuff one to sit in.
The plane took off.
Ear phones on.
Pretzels delivered.
The comment floated in my head…
I'll try to make myself as small as possible.
I thought about how many times I had done that in life...made myself small to allow room for others to have the space they need, to be comfortable, to spread their wings, to shine in the spotlight...even if it was at the expense of my own comfort.
An honorable thing to do, right?
Well, yes, it can be at the right moment, for the right reason. The problem is, it can become a habit.
If you constantly pull back in the shadow of others you are not allowing your soul to shine. The beauty of YOU is hidden. The gifts you were brought here to share will never be known.
I believe we are here to stretch our souls. To learn. To teach. To love.
We cannot do this with our arms pulled in forcing our bodies to contort into a small version of our real self.
Stand tall.
Put those arms up.
Speak your message.
Let your soul out to shine in the spotlight of life.
Only then will you gift the world with the real you.
The YOU you were sent here to be.
The YOU you were sent to share.
Only then will the real YOU be loved.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
"Don't make yourself small
in order to make someone else seem big."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
DON'T MAKE YOURSELF SMALL
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to be brave enough to stand in your own space. Spread out! Own the gifts you are here to share!
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to be brave enough to stand in your own space. Spread out! Own the gifts you are here to share!
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
PUT DOWN YOUR
MENTAL RED PEN!
Do you remember in school when your assignments were returned to you after the teacher made corrections with a red pen?
Those red check marks, circles and comments cut right to your heart as if a neon sign was flashing “FAILURE!”
Could this be where we learned the concept of judging?
We have been conditioned to point out what is unacceptable, wrong or incomplete.
We all have a mental red pen that constantly searches and rates everything within our focus.
We judge others on their clothes, income, status and even the behavior of their children.
We judge restaurants by how good the food is, how clean the floor is and how immediate the service is.
We judge the weather by the temperature, the wind speed and the humidity.
And the mental red pen does double duty when we judge ourselves. The number on the scale is too high; there are too many gray hairs; accomplishments are not grand enough; on and on and on.
What if we stepped back from the mental red pen? Stop the check marks, circles and comments and adopt the phrase,
“Isn't that interesting?”
The next time you see a girl with blue hair, tattoos and piercings or want to thrash yourself for the two pounds you gained on vacation, step back, take a breath and say,
“Isn't that interesting?”
This is not saying you condone everything you see and every action you or others make.
It is just the calm acknowledgement of observation.
Not good. Not bad. Not negative. Not hateful.
The phrase, “Isn't that interesting?” may become a buffer between you and confrontation. It may become a kinder frame for self-talk instead of the negative chatter we are used to hearing. It may become a new perspective into non-judgment of others.
The mental red pen can become the means for feedbackand not failure.
Can you live one day without judging yourself or others? Try it.
You will notice just how often you do engage that mental red pen of acceptability or failure.
After you complete one day, try for two, then three. You may just step back from this exercise and say,
“Isn't that interesting?”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
"Put down your mental red pen.
Instead of judging yourself and
others say,
“Isn't that interesting.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
MENTAL RED PEN!
Do you remember in school when your assignments were returned to you after the teacher made corrections with a red pen?
Those red check marks, circles and comments cut right to your heart as if a neon sign was flashing “FAILURE!”
Could this be where we learned the concept of judging?
We have been conditioned to point out what is unacceptable, wrong or incomplete.
We all have a mental red pen that constantly searches and rates everything within our focus.
We judge others on their clothes, income, status and even the behavior of their children.
We judge restaurants by how good the food is, how clean the floor is and how immediate the service is.
We judge the weather by the temperature, the wind speed and the humidity.
And the mental red pen does double duty when we judge ourselves. The number on the scale is too high; there are too many gray hairs; accomplishments are not grand enough; on and on and on.
What if we stepped back from the mental red pen? Stop the check marks, circles and comments and adopt the phrase,
“Isn't that interesting?”
The next time you see a girl with blue hair, tattoos and piercings or want to thrash yourself for the two pounds you gained on vacation, step back, take a breath and say,
“Isn't that interesting?”
This is not saying you condone everything you see and every action you or others make.
It is just the calm acknowledgement of observation.
Not good. Not bad. Not negative. Not hateful.
The phrase, “Isn't that interesting?” may become a buffer between you and confrontation. It may become a kinder frame for self-talk instead of the negative chatter we are used to hearing. It may become a new perspective into non-judgment of others.
The mental red pen can become the means for feedbackand not failure.
Can you live one day without judging yourself or others? Try it.
You will notice just how often you do engage that mental red pen of acceptability or failure.
After you complete one day, try for two, then three. You may just step back from this exercise and say,
“Isn't that interesting?”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
"Put down your mental red pen.
Instead of judging yourself and
others say,
“Isn't that interesting.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
PUT DOWN YOUR MENTAL RED PEN
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to help all of us see our own mental red pen and to try an alternative to judging-- try observing.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
My intent in sharing this with you is to help all of us see our own mental red pen and to try an alternative to judging-- try observing.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
IT DOES NO GOOD
TO WORRY
He arrived Jan. 14th, 1985. The mask over his eyes protected his sight, while the bilirubin lights controlled his jaundice. It was over a week before he was able to leave the hospital.
I worried about him.
Before he turned two he fell out of the back of our pickup camper and was rushed to the emergency room with signs of a concussion.
I worried about him.
When I picked up my office phone an excited voice said,
“Hey Mom, it was so cool I hit the best jump with my skateboard before I crashed. Now my whole chin is ripped open and gushing blood.”
I dropped the phone and sped home from work to take him to the emergency room for his first stitches. His enthusiasm for his accomplishment made it hard not to laugh, but as the stitches were added to his chin tears welled in his eyes and mine. Clutching my hand he said,
“Don’t worry about me, Mom.”
It seemed with every birthday candle added to the cake worries were added to my heart. Would he make it through school, through his teenage years, through life?
And all along the journey I heard,
“Don’t worry about me, Mom.
It does no good to worry about me.”
I thought it was a mom’s duty to worry?
To check to see if his tiny chest was rising and falling with his breath as he slept in his crib.
To pace the floor when he had a fever.
To make sure he ate a few vegetables and not just ice-cream.
To monitor his school work and his grades. To lay awake at night until I heard his truck pull safely into the driveway.
Today is his 33rd birthday. He was with me for 22 cakes, candles and celebrations. This will be the 11th birthday that he hasn’t been here to celebrate. I spend the day remembering him. Telling stories, reliving experiences, laughing and crying.
TO WORRY
He arrived Jan. 14th, 1985. The mask over his eyes protected his sight, while the bilirubin lights controlled his jaundice. It was over a week before he was able to leave the hospital.
I worried about him.
Before he turned two he fell out of the back of our pickup camper and was rushed to the emergency room with signs of a concussion.
I worried about him.
When I picked up my office phone an excited voice said,
“Hey Mom, it was so cool I hit the best jump with my skateboard before I crashed. Now my whole chin is ripped open and gushing blood.”
I dropped the phone and sped home from work to take him to the emergency room for his first stitches. His enthusiasm for his accomplishment made it hard not to laugh, but as the stitches were added to his chin tears welled in his eyes and mine. Clutching my hand he said,
“Don’t worry about me, Mom.”
It seemed with every birthday candle added to the cake worries were added to my heart. Would he make it through school, through his teenage years, through life?
And all along the journey I heard,
“Don’t worry about me, Mom.
It does no good to worry about me.”
I thought it was a mom’s duty to worry?
To check to see if his tiny chest was rising and falling with his breath as he slept in his crib.
To pace the floor when he had a fever.
To make sure he ate a few vegetables and not just ice-cream.
To monitor his school work and his grades. To lay awake at night until I heard his truck pull safely into the driveway.
Today is his 33rd birthday. He was with me for 22 cakes, candles and celebrations. This will be the 11th birthday that he hasn’t been here to celebrate. I spend the day remembering him. Telling stories, reliving experiences, laughing and crying.
I reach to touch the chain that rarely leaves my neck. The simple gold necklace brings me comfort. It brings me calmness as
it lays safe and warm against my skin.
My fingers glide across the smooth back of the pendant where the words,
“Don’t worry about me mom, Love J.T.”
are engraved.
My thumb matches to his thumbprint on the front… connecting our love and reminding me he is in a place of peace and safety. Reminding me it was his path, not mine. Reminding me it was in his control, not mine.
Reminding me that worrying didn’t bring me the power to save him. Reminding me that he was wise in the knowing that it does no good to worry.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“It does no good to worry.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
it lays safe and warm against my skin.
My fingers glide across the smooth back of the pendant where the words,
“Don’t worry about me mom, Love J.T.”
are engraved.
My thumb matches to his thumbprint on the front… connecting our love and reminding me he is in a place of peace and safety. Reminding me it was his path, not mine. Reminding me it was in his control, not mine.
Reminding me that worrying didn’t bring me the power to save him. Reminding me that he was wise in the knowing that it does no good to worry.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“It does no good to worry.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
IT DOES NO GOOD TO WORRY
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to control the amount of energy and time you spend worrying.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to control the amount of energy and time you spend worrying.
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2018 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
THE
GRATITUDE JAR
In January I came across an idea of documenting a year’s worth of gratitude. I found a jar- actually it was a flower vase that I perched smack in the center of my fireplace shelf with a sign that read, “Be Grateful.” I purchased a notepad and every Sunday night I wrote down what I was grateful for that week.
My goal was to fill the jar and read them at the end of the year to remind myself of how gratitude filled my life.
Sometimes it was simple things and sometimes splashy memorable experiences. I wrote notes of gratitude about lessons I learned. I wrote notes of gratitude about things I shared and taught to others. I wrote notes of gratitude about people, places and things I love.
A year goes quickly. As the weeks and months went by my jar filled higher and higher with gratitude in the shape of folded paper. The end of December has arrived and as I dump the jar out to read each grateful memory I relive the tasty morsels of my year.
Reading through my jar of gratitude I realize all my notes revolve around the three reasons I believe we are here in this life….to learn, to teach and to love. I rarely wrote notes about material things. It was learning, teaching and loving that I was the most grateful for.
As I look to the bright and shiny new year ahead of me, I do want to exercise, eat better and improve my health. I also will hold a special ‘word’ for the year as my theme for the next 12 months, which I have done for many years.
What I won’t do is set myself up for broken resolutions that revolve around things, money, or unreasonable expectations. My plan for the year ahead is simple… to learn more, to teach more and to love more. With this plan I know my life will be full, my heart will be bursting and my gratitude jar will once again overflow.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Learn more, teach more and love more. That is why we are here.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
GRATITUDE JAR
In January I came across an idea of documenting a year’s worth of gratitude. I found a jar- actually it was a flower vase that I perched smack in the center of my fireplace shelf with a sign that read, “Be Grateful.” I purchased a notepad and every Sunday night I wrote down what I was grateful for that week.
My goal was to fill the jar and read them at the end of the year to remind myself of how gratitude filled my life.
Sometimes it was simple things and sometimes splashy memorable experiences. I wrote notes of gratitude about lessons I learned. I wrote notes of gratitude about things I shared and taught to others. I wrote notes of gratitude about people, places and things I love.
A year goes quickly. As the weeks and months went by my jar filled higher and higher with gratitude in the shape of folded paper. The end of December has arrived and as I dump the jar out to read each grateful memory I relive the tasty morsels of my year.
Reading through my jar of gratitude I realize all my notes revolve around the three reasons I believe we are here in this life….to learn, to teach and to love. I rarely wrote notes about material things. It was learning, teaching and loving that I was the most grateful for.
As I look to the bright and shiny new year ahead of me, I do want to exercise, eat better and improve my health. I also will hold a special ‘word’ for the year as my theme for the next 12 months, which I have done for many years.
What I won’t do is set myself up for broken resolutions that revolve around things, money, or unreasonable expectations. My plan for the year ahead is simple… to learn more, to teach more and to love more. With this plan I know my life will be full, my heart will be bursting and my gratitude jar will once again overflow.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Learn more, teach more and love more. That is why we are here.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
PENNIE HEART TO HEART
THE GRATITUDE JAR
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about how you can track your gratitude in the coming year. It is worth the effort!
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about how you can track your gratitude in the coming year. It is worth the effort!
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
THE SPACE
BETWEEN
Have you ever thought about the space between?
The space between the thought and
saying it.
The space between the idea and doing it.
The space between the ring of a phone and saying hello.
The space between the moment of opportunity and the miss.
The space between is that sacred second of decision? That instant when you make a decision to do something – or not.
Hawaii has a phenomenon known as the Green Flash. It is a blink-of-the-eye blaze of intense emerald green that occurs in the second that the sunsets on the horizon of the ocean. The mystical space between day and night.
The Green Flash is just that – a flash that lasts a second, or maybe two. It isn’t visible with every sunset and because of the quickness of its presence it is easy to miss.
We are given “the space between” many times in our days and our lives. When missed, we feel regret, remorse and sorrow. We fear we will never have the chance again to say the words, implement the idea, pick up the phone or grasp the opportunity.
The space between often times is not something we can predict or create again. We don’t always get a do over, but we can hone our sense of understanding of the Green Flashes in our lives.
Never allow closed eyes to stop you from seeing them and never allow fear to keep you from taking action.
Use the space between.
Use your sacred second to take a breath and…
Put your thoughts into words and say them out loud.
Take your idea from your mind to reality.
Answer the call.
Recognize the opportunity and jump when you see the opening.
Don’t blink in that split second when the sun sets. Open your eyes and be ready for yourGreen Flash.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Never allow closed eyes to stop you from seeing opportunities and never allow fear to keep you from taking action.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
BETWEEN
Have you ever thought about the space between?
The space between the thought and
saying it.
The space between the idea and doing it.
The space between the ring of a phone and saying hello.
The space between the moment of opportunity and the miss.
The space between is that sacred second of decision? That instant when you make a decision to do something – or not.
Hawaii has a phenomenon known as the Green Flash. It is a blink-of-the-eye blaze of intense emerald green that occurs in the second that the sunsets on the horizon of the ocean. The mystical space between day and night.
The Green Flash is just that – a flash that lasts a second, or maybe two. It isn’t visible with every sunset and because of the quickness of its presence it is easy to miss.
We are given “the space between” many times in our days and our lives. When missed, we feel regret, remorse and sorrow. We fear we will never have the chance again to say the words, implement the idea, pick up the phone or grasp the opportunity.
The space between often times is not something we can predict or create again. We don’t always get a do over, but we can hone our sense of understanding of the Green Flashes in our lives.
Never allow closed eyes to stop you from seeing them and never allow fear to keep you from taking action.
Use the space between.
Use your sacred second to take a breath and…
Put your thoughts into words and say them out loud.
Take your idea from your mind to reality.
Answer the call.
Recognize the opportunity and jump when you see the opening.
Don’t blink in that split second when the sun sets. Open your eyes and be ready for yourGreen Flash.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Never allow closed eyes to stop you from seeing opportunities and never allow fear to keep you from taking action.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
Why I wrote:
THE SPACE BETWEEN
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to watch for your sacred seconds of decision - don't miss a Green Flash in your life!
YOUR TURN -
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
YOUR TURN -
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
TURN ON YOUR BLIND SPOT MONITOR
My car has a feature called the Blind Spot Monitor.
When turned on, this life-saving invention warns you when a vehicle is detected in your blind spot. You know, that spot to your side and just over your shoulder that you can’t see. When a vehicle is detected a warning light flashes in the side mirror to indicate a potentially hazardous lane change. The light stays on until the vehicle in the blind spot is safely ahead or behind you leaving you free to change lanes.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had a Blind Spot Monitor? Think about all of the things we don’t see that are hidden in our personal blind spots. You know, that spot to your side and just over your shoulder that you can’t see; OR choose not to. This spot is probably overflowing with items in three categories: actions or failures to act, tolerations and grace.
Actions or failures to act.
When was the last time you did something, even unintentionally, that caused direct or indirect pain? This is the cause and effect syndrome. Examples of this include: not following through on promises, telling small untruths, or arriving late to an appointment or event. Hidden in our personal blind spot is the hurt we cause others by our broken promises, untruths, and undependability. All of these type of actions that we either take or don’t take fall into this first category.
Tolerations.
Yes, I may have just created a new word. Definition ala Pennie:
Tol-er-a-tions: the people, places,
circumstances or things that cause us
to participate in the act of tolerating.
This could very well put us on the opposite side of the scale from the first category. We permit people to take advantage of us by breaking promises or telling lies. We tolerate laziness, sloppy work products, and misbehavior by ourselves and others by pushing it into our blind spot and telling ourselves it isn’t a big deal. We ignore our own health, fitness and happiness. All of these tolerations fit nicely into our blind spot.
Grace.
This may be the saddest and most important category of all. The idea that so much love, laughter and goodness in life slips into our blind spot where we don’t appreciate them. They become wasted grace. Close your eyes and feel hugs from your partner, the laughter of a child, the smile from a stranger, the smell of morning coffee and the wag of your dog’s tail. Yes, I said feel because I want to intentionally stir the emotion these examples of love and grace create. How many times does grace go unnoticed in a day and huddle in our blind spot?
Now imagine with me what life would be like if we turned on our personal Blind Spot Monitor. It would flash a beacon in our mind to indicate a potential hazard and guide us into the lane of safety. When we came close to not following through on a promise the beacon would spark to warn us to change course. When we tolerated our slipping health or unhappiness the beacon would remind us that loving ourselves is a priority. And most importantly with every act of grace we encountered the loving light would spotlight the event so we wouldn’t miss it.
Yes, I believe we all have the capacity of this personal life-saving feature. We all have a Blind Spot Monitor. We just need to turn it on and watch for the flashing beacon.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Turn on your personal Blind Spot Monitor to enjoy all of life through open eyes.”
~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My car has a feature called the Blind Spot Monitor.
When turned on, this life-saving invention warns you when a vehicle is detected in your blind spot. You know, that spot to your side and just over your shoulder that you can’t see. When a vehicle is detected a warning light flashes in the side mirror to indicate a potentially hazardous lane change. The light stays on until the vehicle in the blind spot is safely ahead or behind you leaving you free to change lanes.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had a Blind Spot Monitor? Think about all of the things we don’t see that are hidden in our personal blind spots. You know, that spot to your side and just over your shoulder that you can’t see; OR choose not to. This spot is probably overflowing with items in three categories: actions or failures to act, tolerations and grace.
Actions or failures to act.
When was the last time you did something, even unintentionally, that caused direct or indirect pain? This is the cause and effect syndrome. Examples of this include: not following through on promises, telling small untruths, or arriving late to an appointment or event. Hidden in our personal blind spot is the hurt we cause others by our broken promises, untruths, and undependability. All of these type of actions that we either take or don’t take fall into this first category.
Tolerations.
Yes, I may have just created a new word. Definition ala Pennie:
Tol-er-a-tions: the people, places,
circumstances or things that cause us
to participate in the act of tolerating.
This could very well put us on the opposite side of the scale from the first category. We permit people to take advantage of us by breaking promises or telling lies. We tolerate laziness, sloppy work products, and misbehavior by ourselves and others by pushing it into our blind spot and telling ourselves it isn’t a big deal. We ignore our own health, fitness and happiness. All of these tolerations fit nicely into our blind spot.
Grace.
This may be the saddest and most important category of all. The idea that so much love, laughter and goodness in life slips into our blind spot where we don’t appreciate them. They become wasted grace. Close your eyes and feel hugs from your partner, the laughter of a child, the smile from a stranger, the smell of morning coffee and the wag of your dog’s tail. Yes, I said feel because I want to intentionally stir the emotion these examples of love and grace create. How many times does grace go unnoticed in a day and huddle in our blind spot?
Now imagine with me what life would be like if we turned on our personal Blind Spot Monitor. It would flash a beacon in our mind to indicate a potential hazard and guide us into the lane of safety. When we came close to not following through on a promise the beacon would spark to warn us to change course. When we tolerated our slipping health or unhappiness the beacon would remind us that loving ourselves is a priority. And most importantly with every act of grace we encountered the loving light would spotlight the event so we wouldn’t miss it.
Yes, I believe we all have the capacity of this personal life-saving feature. We all have a Blind Spot Monitor. We just need to turn it on and watch for the flashing beacon.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Turn on your personal Blind Spot Monitor to enjoy all of life through open eyes.”
~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
The reason I wrote:
TURN ON YOUR
BLIND SPOT MONITOR
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to be aware of all that goes on in your life...little and big. Do not allow your blind spot to cheat you out of the wonderful moments of grace that surround you. Turn ON your blind spot monitor!
YOUR TURN -
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
YOUR TURN -
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
PEACE FEELS LIKE…
My grandson drew a picture with a caption that read,
“Peace Feels Like Sitting in a Warm Chair.”
At six years old he understands his
Place of Peace.
It is a place where he feels safe, loved, centered and warm. His Place of Peace is in the safety of a chair with the sun warming his heart and looking into the magical wonders of the ocean.
It reminded me of my meditation chair.
It is growing old and tattered and as with the wisdom of age, has become softer, safer and stronger. It has held me for years of long hours of meditations, journaling and prayers.
The spirit of these practices layer into every aging wrinkle of the chair’s fabric. I feel a sacred sense of love and kindness every morning as I sink into its safe arms… settling into my Place of Peace.
What does Peace feel like to you?
Where do you feel safe, loved, centered and warm?
How often do you visit this sacred space to warm your heart and center your soul?
For me, I agree with the wisdom of a six year old, -
“Peace Feels Like Sitting in a Warm Chair.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Find your Place of Peace. Visit it often.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My grandson drew a picture with a caption that read,
“Peace Feels Like Sitting in a Warm Chair.”
At six years old he understands his
Place of Peace.
It is a place where he feels safe, loved, centered and warm. His Place of Peace is in the safety of a chair with the sun warming his heart and looking into the magical wonders of the ocean.
It reminded me of my meditation chair.
It is growing old and tattered and as with the wisdom of age, has become softer, safer and stronger. It has held me for years of long hours of meditations, journaling and prayers.
The spirit of these practices layer into every aging wrinkle of the chair’s fabric. I feel a sacred sense of love and kindness every morning as I sink into its safe arms… settling into my Place of Peace.
What does Peace feel like to you?
Where do you feel safe, loved, centered and warm?
How often do you visit this sacred space to warm your heart and center your soul?
For me, I agree with the wisdom of a six year old, -
“Peace Feels Like Sitting in a Warm Chair.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Find your Place of Peace. Visit it often.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
PEACE FEELS LIKE
Pennie Heart to Heart
The reason I wrote:
PEACE FEELS LIKE
I shared this with you to encourage you think about what PEACE feels like to you.
Tell me where your Place of Peace is!
YOUR TURN -
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
Tell me where your Place of Peace is!
YOUR TURN -
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
On the way to my home I turn a sharp corner.
I say sharp because if I didn’t make the turn I would drive right into a barricade. The special thing about the corner is the sign above the barricade. It says,
“Tranquility”
with an arrow pointing toward my home.
Every time I drive by the sign and make the turn I take a deep breath in agreement. My home is a place of safety, peace and, yes, tranquility.
For years I have called my home the, “House of Zen.”
From the moment I enter I am greeted with the serenity of water trickling over slate stones in my waterfall. There is no television on the main floor of my home and only the sound of serene music mixes with the water. The views from my windows are of nature in its glory. In every corner are items that bring me joy and comfort.
My home is my sanctuary.
How does your home create tranquility for you?
When you walk through the threshold do you feel safe? What do you need to do to create calmness and serenity?
You would be surprised as to how the littlest things can make a huge difference.
Think of your senses.... What you see, hear, smell, touch and taste in your home spurs feelings. Music, candles, water, fire, flowers, texture..... these are things that can change the entire feel of a home and create a place of tranquility.
Isn’t this the way we should feel as we are entering our private space?
As I turn the corner this in-my-face visual reminds me to leave all my worries, concerns and negative experiences at the corner.
When I turn onto that road to tranquility I am at peace.
I am at home.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Home is your space for safety,
peace and tranquility.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I say sharp because if I didn’t make the turn I would drive right into a barricade. The special thing about the corner is the sign above the barricade. It says,
“Tranquility”
with an arrow pointing toward my home.
Every time I drive by the sign and make the turn I take a deep breath in agreement. My home is a place of safety, peace and, yes, tranquility.
For years I have called my home the, “House of Zen.”
From the moment I enter I am greeted with the serenity of water trickling over slate stones in my waterfall. There is no television on the main floor of my home and only the sound of serene music mixes with the water. The views from my windows are of nature in its glory. In every corner are items that bring me joy and comfort.
My home is my sanctuary.
How does your home create tranquility for you?
When you walk through the threshold do you feel safe? What do you need to do to create calmness and serenity?
You would be surprised as to how the littlest things can make a huge difference.
Think of your senses.... What you see, hear, smell, touch and taste in your home spurs feelings. Music, candles, water, fire, flowers, texture..... these are things that can change the entire feel of a home and create a place of tranquility.
Isn’t this the way we should feel as we are entering our private space?
As I turn the corner this in-my-face visual reminds me to leave all my worries, concerns and negative experiences at the corner.
When I turn onto that road to tranquility I am at peace.
I am at home.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Home is your space for safety,
peace and tranquility.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
The reason I wrote:
THE ROAD TO TRANQUILITY
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to create a space of calm in your home... a place for you to feel safe and loved.
YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
TEN YEARS
Sitting in my car I look up at the apartment in front of me.
Top floor.
Center window.
Looking for answers, memories, for him.
It’s been ten years.
Ten years since my son lived there.
Ten years since he tickled me with his beard and gave me one of his giant bear hugs.
Ten years since I have heard his guitar and his voice.
Ten years since I walked past the yellow caution tape and through the door in search of a “feeling” of him.
Ten years since I packed his things into boxes.
Ten years since grief and pain invaded my body.
It’s been ten years since I wrote my son’s obituary.
My son was pure magic.
He was funny, talented, caring and kind.
He turned heads with his infatuating energy and turned hearts with his never ending love.
He died in that apartment.
He was an addict.
I felt desperately alone.
Addiction is a circle of shame – for the addict and the family.
His very inner circle of family and friends knew.
Only MY very inner circle of family and friends knew.
His addiction was kept private.
No one knew he smoked pot for the first time when he was 12.
No one knew the first rehab was when he was 16.
No one knew he became addicted to an anti-anxiety drug a doctor prescribed for him.
No one knew he went to rehab the second time.
No one knew he began using prescription drugs again after having his wisdom teeth pulled and prescribed pain medication.
No one knew he went to rehab the third time.
No one knew how hard he tried to get better.
No one knew the cycle, the rollercoaster, the nightmare.
No one knew his pain or mine.
No one knew what caused his death.
The rumors, the gossip, the questions only made waiting for the autopsy more difficult.
It didn’t make sense to me, but I wanted to believe it when I read:
CAUSE OF DEATH- Bronchopneumonia.
I locked the rest of the report in my home safe and in the safety of my heart. I didn’t want to say out loud that there was Methadone in his system within the normal toxic range, but it was also in the therapeutic range for treatment.
I didn’t want to see the small amount of Diazepam (Valium) in his system. Both prescribed to him.
I have learned that toxicology reports are only accurate if done swiftly. If there is a delay the results are skewed. In these cases the cause is almost always reported as- Bronchopneumonia. My son’s autopsy was not conducted until four days after he passed.
For most of these years I have only spoken about the details with very select people, in private settings of safety.
After ten years, it is time for me to stand in the truth.
My son was an addict.
Addiction and drugs killed him.
The image of an addict as someone found lying in an alley with a needle in their arm needs to be redefined.
Addicts are our brothers, our sisters, our parents, our best friends and our children. They are on every level of economic status and emotional strength. They collide with addiction in an infinite number of ways.
I’ve spoken to rehab groups.
I’ve met with parents of addicts.
I’ve held the hands of others who have lost children.
I have quietly watched the reports of more and more dying. More and more families struggling. More and more people criticized, shamed and shunned for suffering from addiction.
The struggle is real.
My son was not alone.
His story is the story of so many others.
We need to talk about it. We need to build a better network of ‘immediate’ treatment and support. We need to celebrate success and recovery in the same way we celebrate winning a battle with cancer… knowing that recurrence is possible, but support and hope never fades.
This epidemic needs to stop!
No one should have to hide behind shame and stigma when they desperately need help.
No sister should have to tattoo her brother’s memory on her wrist.
No brother should have to lose his best friend.
No Mom should have to write her child’s obituary.
No parent should have to close another casket.
I look up at the apartment in front of me. Top floor.
Center window.
Looking for answers, memories, for him.
I think of a conversation I had with my oldest son after the funeral.
“Mom, what will we do when it’s been
ten years and we forget him?”
My answer was the same that day as it is today,
“Oh, honey, ten years is a long, long
time, but we will never forget him!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“No matter how long it takes to stand in your truth, step past the fear and stand in the light.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~
Sitting in my car I look up at the apartment in front of me.
Top floor.
Center window.
Looking for answers, memories, for him.
It’s been ten years.
Ten years since my son lived there.
Ten years since he tickled me with his beard and gave me one of his giant bear hugs.
Ten years since I have heard his guitar and his voice.
Ten years since I walked past the yellow caution tape and through the door in search of a “feeling” of him.
Ten years since I packed his things into boxes.
Ten years since grief and pain invaded my body.
It’s been ten years since I wrote my son’s obituary.
My son was pure magic.
He was funny, talented, caring and kind.
He turned heads with his infatuating energy and turned hearts with his never ending love.
He died in that apartment.
He was an addict.
I felt desperately alone.
Addiction is a circle of shame – for the addict and the family.
His very inner circle of family and friends knew.
Only MY very inner circle of family and friends knew.
His addiction was kept private.
No one knew he smoked pot for the first time when he was 12.
No one knew the first rehab was when he was 16.
No one knew he became addicted to an anti-anxiety drug a doctor prescribed for him.
No one knew he went to rehab the second time.
No one knew he began using prescription drugs again after having his wisdom teeth pulled and prescribed pain medication.
No one knew he went to rehab the third time.
No one knew how hard he tried to get better.
No one knew the cycle, the rollercoaster, the nightmare.
No one knew his pain or mine.
No one knew what caused his death.
The rumors, the gossip, the questions only made waiting for the autopsy more difficult.
It didn’t make sense to me, but I wanted to believe it when I read:
CAUSE OF DEATH- Bronchopneumonia.
I locked the rest of the report in my home safe and in the safety of my heart. I didn’t want to say out loud that there was Methadone in his system within the normal toxic range, but it was also in the therapeutic range for treatment.
I didn’t want to see the small amount of Diazepam (Valium) in his system. Both prescribed to him.
I have learned that toxicology reports are only accurate if done swiftly. If there is a delay the results are skewed. In these cases the cause is almost always reported as- Bronchopneumonia. My son’s autopsy was not conducted until four days after he passed.
For most of these years I have only spoken about the details with very select people, in private settings of safety.
After ten years, it is time for me to stand in the truth.
My son was an addict.
Addiction and drugs killed him.
The image of an addict as someone found lying in an alley with a needle in their arm needs to be redefined.
Addicts are our brothers, our sisters, our parents, our best friends and our children. They are on every level of economic status and emotional strength. They collide with addiction in an infinite number of ways.
I’ve spoken to rehab groups.
I’ve met with parents of addicts.
I’ve held the hands of others who have lost children.
I have quietly watched the reports of more and more dying. More and more families struggling. More and more people criticized, shamed and shunned for suffering from addiction.
The struggle is real.
My son was not alone.
His story is the story of so many others.
We need to talk about it. We need to build a better network of ‘immediate’ treatment and support. We need to celebrate success and recovery in the same way we celebrate winning a battle with cancer… knowing that recurrence is possible, but support and hope never fades.
This epidemic needs to stop!
No one should have to hide behind shame and stigma when they desperately need help.
No sister should have to tattoo her brother’s memory on her wrist.
No brother should have to lose his best friend.
No Mom should have to write her child’s obituary.
No parent should have to close another casket.
I look up at the apartment in front of me. Top floor.
Center window.
Looking for answers, memories, for him.
I think of a conversation I had with my oldest son after the funeral.
“Mom, what will we do when it’s been
ten years and we forget him?”
My answer was the same that day as it is today,
“Oh, honey, ten years is a long, long
time, but we will never forget him!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“No matter how long it takes to stand in your truth, step past the fear and stand in the light.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~
LINKS TO SPREAD AWARENESS AND HELP
Please visit and share this link to Celebrating Lost Loved Ones. A map to build awareness and celebrate the magical lives lost to this epidemic:
http://arcg.is/2dduJah
http://arcg.is/2dduJah
In memory of my J.T. 1985-2007
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
The reason I wrote: TEN YEARS
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
My intent in sharing this with you is to speak your truth - especially if it can help others!
YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
My intent in sharing this with you is to speak your truth - especially if it can help others!
YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
IMPORTANT
ENOUGH
I didn’t feel quite right when I woke up, but I had a “To Do” list that was heavier than the increased throbbing of my head.
I hustled through my shower and scurried my two dogs to the groomer. I met a friend for a quick breakfast and then my plan included grocery shopping, blog writing, cleaning out a closet… the list went on.
My husband would be returning from a trip just in time to make our dinner reservations. It was a busy day.
But none of that happened.
My stomach immediately began swirling after breakfast and my body quickly began a downward spiral.
I am not one to get sick.
I NEVER get sick.
Well, more accurately, I NEVER allow myself the time to be sick. Typically I push through days like this ignoring the discomfort of a headache or a cold. Rarely do I ever admit that I don’t feel well.
I decided I would go back home and lay down for an hour and then I would be fine and right back into my list.
I called my husband and told him my plan. He said,
“Why put an hour limit on it…
just go back to bed until you feel better.”
It was a head game for a while with that voice telling me,
you don’t feel that bad,
you have things to do,
people depending on you..
get up ….GET UP!
The concept of actually allowing myself time to heal was foreign to me, but as the hour turned into two and my body was continuing into a dark circle of ugliness I conceded.
I was going to do it this time.
I was going to sink into the safety of my bed allowing my body to heal instead of pushing it as if it wasn’t important enough to take care of..as if "I" wasn’t important enough to take care of.
My husband called and said he was coming home early to pick up the dogs, cancel the dinner reservation and take care of everything. The urge to argue was muffled by my meek, “ok.”
I needed help.
My head sunk further into the comfort of my pillow and my body deepened into the cocoon of my bed. I allowed myself to rest.
After 7 hours I attempted hot tea, a piece of toast and juice.
Then it was back to my bed for 12 hours.
As the sun came up on day two I moved to the couch. The concept of being vertical was not yet in my body’s plan.
Although I encourage others to practice self-care, sometimes I am not very good at it myself. After 48 hours of blurred memories are behind me one concept became very clear.
It is ok to ask for help.
It is ok to be sick.
It is ok to allow your body time to rest, restore and heal.
I am important enough to be taken care of. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Pennie Life Lesson:
“Listen to your body. Allow yourself time to rest, restore and heal.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
ENOUGH
I didn’t feel quite right when I woke up, but I had a “To Do” list that was heavier than the increased throbbing of my head.
I hustled through my shower and scurried my two dogs to the groomer. I met a friend for a quick breakfast and then my plan included grocery shopping, blog writing, cleaning out a closet… the list went on.
My husband would be returning from a trip just in time to make our dinner reservations. It was a busy day.
But none of that happened.
My stomach immediately began swirling after breakfast and my body quickly began a downward spiral.
I am not one to get sick.
I NEVER get sick.
Well, more accurately, I NEVER allow myself the time to be sick. Typically I push through days like this ignoring the discomfort of a headache or a cold. Rarely do I ever admit that I don’t feel well.
I decided I would go back home and lay down for an hour and then I would be fine and right back into my list.
I called my husband and told him my plan. He said,
“Why put an hour limit on it…
just go back to bed until you feel better.”
It was a head game for a while with that voice telling me,
you don’t feel that bad,
you have things to do,
people depending on you..
get up ….GET UP!
The concept of actually allowing myself time to heal was foreign to me, but as the hour turned into two and my body was continuing into a dark circle of ugliness I conceded.
I was going to do it this time.
I was going to sink into the safety of my bed allowing my body to heal instead of pushing it as if it wasn’t important enough to take care of..as if "I" wasn’t important enough to take care of.
My husband called and said he was coming home early to pick up the dogs, cancel the dinner reservation and take care of everything. The urge to argue was muffled by my meek, “ok.”
I needed help.
My head sunk further into the comfort of my pillow and my body deepened into the cocoon of my bed. I allowed myself to rest.
After 7 hours I attempted hot tea, a piece of toast and juice.
Then it was back to my bed for 12 hours.
As the sun came up on day two I moved to the couch. The concept of being vertical was not yet in my body’s plan.
Although I encourage others to practice self-care, sometimes I am not very good at it myself. After 48 hours of blurred memories are behind me one concept became very clear.
It is ok to ask for help.
It is ok to be sick.
It is ok to allow your body time to rest, restore and heal.
I am important enough to be taken care of. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Pennie Life Lesson:
“Listen to your body. Allow yourself time to rest, restore and heal.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie Heart to Heart
The reason I wrote: IMPORTANT ENOUGH
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to be kind to yourself. Take care of yourself. Allow yourself time to heal.
YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN - Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission please email: [email protected]
LET THEM DANCE
She is a four year old, blonde, blue eyed student of life.
The evening sunset was long gone and dinner had settled in our bellies. Just as most of us sat down to relax, she jumped in the middle of the room to demonstrate the dance moves she was learning in ballet class. She kicked off her worn pink western boots and transformed from a chatty whirlwind of activity into a seriously composed tiny dancer.
Her voice whispered,
“Tap, point, tap, point,”
as she awkwardly rotated through her toe points and pirouettes.
After several methodical demonstrations of her talent, the group began clapping. Her irritation was obvious when she loudly stated,
“No! I am still doing it!”
The clapping hushed immediately as the understanding was clear -- she was not done yet!
How often in life do we interrupt someone else’s dance?
We are so rushed, busy and preoccupied that we don’t notice their dance or take the time to let the moment unfold.
When we see a fellow soul loving life, enjoying the moment and singing their heart song, we should hold the space of delight with them. We should let it last for them (and for ourselves) as long as it can. We should stretch it into as much absolute pleasure as possible.
She may be a four year old learning her way, but for that space in time she was a teacher of life. The lesson was clear; the meaning was firm. We need to recognize another’s dance whatever form it takes and celebrate it as much as we do our own. Allow it to last until the music of their heart stops and the dance is complete.
Don’t interrupt. Let them dance.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Every soul has a dance to dance.
Celebrate everyone’s heart dance.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to applaud everyone's dance. Let them dance for as long as they want. Be in the moment of JOY with them!
Let them dance!
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.
Please keep the entire message intact, including
contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission
please email: [email protected]
She is a four year old, blonde, blue eyed student of life.
The evening sunset was long gone and dinner had settled in our bellies. Just as most of us sat down to relax, she jumped in the middle of the room to demonstrate the dance moves she was learning in ballet class. She kicked off her worn pink western boots and transformed from a chatty whirlwind of activity into a seriously composed tiny dancer.
Her voice whispered,
“Tap, point, tap, point,”
as she awkwardly rotated through her toe points and pirouettes.
After several methodical demonstrations of her talent, the group began clapping. Her irritation was obvious when she loudly stated,
“No! I am still doing it!”
The clapping hushed immediately as the understanding was clear -- she was not done yet!
How often in life do we interrupt someone else’s dance?
We are so rushed, busy and preoccupied that we don’t notice their dance or take the time to let the moment unfold.
When we see a fellow soul loving life, enjoying the moment and singing their heart song, we should hold the space of delight with them. We should let it last for them (and for ourselves) as long as it can. We should stretch it into as much absolute pleasure as possible.
She may be a four year old learning her way, but for that space in time she was a teacher of life. The lesson was clear; the meaning was firm. We need to recognize another’s dance whatever form it takes and celebrate it as much as we do our own. Allow it to last until the music of their heart stops and the dance is complete.
Don’t interrupt. Let them dance.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Every soul has a dance to dance.
Celebrate everyone’s heart dance.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to applaud everyone's dance. Let them dance for as long as they want. Be in the moment of JOY with them!
Let them dance!
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.
Please keep the entire message intact, including
contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission
please email: [email protected]
Pennie Heart to Heart -
Why I wrote LET THEM DANCE
PERCEPTION of PERFECTION
Recently it was pointed out to me that I am not 28 anymore. This message came in two ways. One from my body as I bent over during a Yoga pose and thought to myself,
“Whose knees are those?”
Later as I was questioning out loud how my knees have changed, a friend pointed out that my age number no longer begins with a "2."
When did that happen? For that matter, how did I rush through 3 and 4? My friend’s point was, why would I expect to have 28 year old knees when I wasn’t 28 anymore and that I should stop being critical and accept myself and body for the beauty it holds, even if my number now begins with a "5."
Whoa! That set off some major pondering in my head. Accept myself? Accept myself?
The first thing I had to do was contemplate what my perception of me at this age and space in my life should be. What was I willing to accept?
I will admit to being someone who over the years has had a difficult time with the perception of perfection. I have been the over achiever who wanted to be perfect.
The perfect wife.
The perfect daughter.
The perfect mom.
The perfect friend.
All my life I have held a perception of what my perfect weight should be, what I should and shouldn't eat, how much I should work out, what I should be doing for others… the list could go on and on.
Take a minute and visualize the Perception of Perfectionyou hold for yourself.
Do you have it? If you are like me it is an over exaggerated, unattainable Perception of Perfection fueled by our own self talk and the world we live in. The media tells us minute-by-minute how we should look, dress and feel. We buy into this and continually believe we are not good enough.
(Read Good Enough -click here!)
Is this realistic?
My pondering has brought me to a place of honesty with myself. My new mantra is this:
Pennie’s Perception of Perfection= Honesty, Health and Happiness.
I may not be the same size I was and have the stamina I had at 28, but I look and feel pretty good. I am healthy and I love my life. And guess what? My age number does start with "5" and those are my knees.
Now take out your paper and pen and write your ownPerception of Perfection that fits you.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Our personal Perception of Perfection should be based in Honesty, Health and Happiness.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to love the age you are, the body you have and the joy life brings during all times of your life!
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.
Please keep the entire message intact, including
contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission
please email: [email protected]
Recently it was pointed out to me that I am not 28 anymore. This message came in two ways. One from my body as I bent over during a Yoga pose and thought to myself,
“Whose knees are those?”
Later as I was questioning out loud how my knees have changed, a friend pointed out that my age number no longer begins with a "2."
When did that happen? For that matter, how did I rush through 3 and 4? My friend’s point was, why would I expect to have 28 year old knees when I wasn’t 28 anymore and that I should stop being critical and accept myself and body for the beauty it holds, even if my number now begins with a "5."
Whoa! That set off some major pondering in my head. Accept myself? Accept myself?
The first thing I had to do was contemplate what my perception of me at this age and space in my life should be. What was I willing to accept?
I will admit to being someone who over the years has had a difficult time with the perception of perfection. I have been the over achiever who wanted to be perfect.
The perfect wife.
The perfect daughter.
The perfect mom.
The perfect friend.
All my life I have held a perception of what my perfect weight should be, what I should and shouldn't eat, how much I should work out, what I should be doing for others… the list could go on and on.
Take a minute and visualize the Perception of Perfectionyou hold for yourself.
Do you have it? If you are like me it is an over exaggerated, unattainable Perception of Perfection fueled by our own self talk and the world we live in. The media tells us minute-by-minute how we should look, dress and feel. We buy into this and continually believe we are not good enough.
(Read Good Enough -click here!)
Is this realistic?
My pondering has brought me to a place of honesty with myself. My new mantra is this:
Pennie’s Perception of Perfection= Honesty, Health and Happiness.
I may not be the same size I was and have the stamina I had at 28, but I look and feel pretty good. I am healthy and I love my life. And guess what? My age number does start with "5" and those are my knees.
Now take out your paper and pen and write your ownPerception of Perfection that fits you.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie's Life Lesson:
“Our personal Perception of Perfection should be based in Honesty, Health and Happiness.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to love the age you are, the body you have and the joy life brings during all times of your life!
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below. And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.
Please keep the entire message intact, including
contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission
please email: [email protected]
Pennie Heart to Heart -
Why I wrote Perception of Perfection
WHO IS YOUR BACKSEAT DRIVER?
Are you letting stories that you repeat over and over again define who you are? Do you allow them to drive your life? If you don’t know what I mean read:
WHO IS CHAUFFEURING YOUR LIFE?
Maybe you have your stories under control but have another problem… other PEOPLE who want to (or you allow to) chauffeur your life. You know, that back seat driver that is always telling you where your life should go at every turn. As you read that did someone immediately come to mind? Did you see their face and hear their voice? If so, you know what I am talking about.
Humans need human contact to survive. People need people. We need time. We need touch. We need connection.
What we don’t need is to feel like we are powerless or controlled. We don’t need to feel like our emotions and happiness are totally dependent on pleasing someone else. We don’t need to feel like our actions are being controlled by the demands of another person.
I do have a caveat here -- I am not talking about a mutually loving relationship where there is reciprocity of respect, kindness and love. It is healthy when we give of our self and do acts of love and kindness for others and in return receive feelings of love and self-satisfaction.
I am talking about the sponges that soak up all of our good intentions and acts of kindness without returning any level of thoughtfulness. Oh, occasionally they may throw a sweet gesture your way, but for the most part, they hold an expectation that you will always be there, always support them and always give, give, give.
We believe the control is created by the other person, but the reality is – WE create the situation by giving away our control. We allow the back seat driver to steer our life and control our actions. Let me say that again- WE create the situation by giving away our control.
By doing this we give away our happiness. We cheapen our value by letting others push our buttons. We feel tied like a puppet with no way to cut the strings. And yet, we are the only ones who can.
It is even possible that the other person is not aware of this situation, but it has been going on for so long that it has become a habit that holds no consequences or responsibility on their side. After all, they are in the cushy seat, the comfortable place, the receiving end.
We must create boundaries.
Boundaries around what we will or won’t do.
Boundaries around our self-inflicted guilt when we believe we are responsible for the other person.
Boundaries around our hearts as a protection from the invisible force of expectation we feel from the other person.
And boundaries around our minds that have been trained to create the illusion of obligation to this person.
Isn’t it time to put the brakes on?
If you are always giving family members or friends money to get them back on their feet, but never see them grow up and take control of their own life --Stop writing checks expecting this to change.
If someone is always late, wait an appropriate 10-15 minutes and then leave- they obviously feel their time is more important than yours. Don’t cheapen your value.
If you are the one who tries to make everything perfect for others in hopes of making them happy, but it is never enough-- it probably never will be enough and they will probably never be happy…and while doing this neither will you.
If you are under obligation to continually take care of or give to a person, evaluate if the obligation is real or is it just your perception that you “owe” someone your time and talent. Evaluate the situation for codependency. Are you getting something from being a martyr? Even if you feel like you are being used and taken advantage of, have you become dependent on being needed?
If you are continually trying to stop giving your resources of time, finances, energy and control of your emotions and life to someone else, but only break free for short periods of time. Then you slip back into the old pattern again of one-way giving. Chart how long you have been doing this pattern. Where has it gotten you?
If you are following a life path because someone told you it was the road you should take, but you hate the scenery, you feel lost, or you know in your heart it isn’t the way you should be going, it is never too late to stop, make a U-turn and let your soul’s GPS recalculate to guide you on YOUR path. There isn’t time to be controlled by a backseat driver. Be your own navigator on this road of life.
Take control of your own steering wheel.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Take control of your own thoughts,
time and talent.
Don’t allow a back seat driver to
steer your life.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Are you letting stories that you repeat over and over again define who you are? Do you allow them to drive your life? If you don’t know what I mean read:
WHO IS CHAUFFEURING YOUR LIFE?
Maybe you have your stories under control but have another problem… other PEOPLE who want to (or you allow to) chauffeur your life. You know, that back seat driver that is always telling you where your life should go at every turn. As you read that did someone immediately come to mind? Did you see their face and hear their voice? If so, you know what I am talking about.
Humans need human contact to survive. People need people. We need time. We need touch. We need connection.
What we don’t need is to feel like we are powerless or controlled. We don’t need to feel like our emotions and happiness are totally dependent on pleasing someone else. We don’t need to feel like our actions are being controlled by the demands of another person.
I do have a caveat here -- I am not talking about a mutually loving relationship where there is reciprocity of respect, kindness and love. It is healthy when we give of our self and do acts of love and kindness for others and in return receive feelings of love and self-satisfaction.
I am talking about the sponges that soak up all of our good intentions and acts of kindness without returning any level of thoughtfulness. Oh, occasionally they may throw a sweet gesture your way, but for the most part, they hold an expectation that you will always be there, always support them and always give, give, give.
We believe the control is created by the other person, but the reality is – WE create the situation by giving away our control. We allow the back seat driver to steer our life and control our actions. Let me say that again- WE create the situation by giving away our control.
By doing this we give away our happiness. We cheapen our value by letting others push our buttons. We feel tied like a puppet with no way to cut the strings. And yet, we are the only ones who can.
It is even possible that the other person is not aware of this situation, but it has been going on for so long that it has become a habit that holds no consequences or responsibility on their side. After all, they are in the cushy seat, the comfortable place, the receiving end.
We must create boundaries.
Boundaries around what we will or won’t do.
Boundaries around our self-inflicted guilt when we believe we are responsible for the other person.
Boundaries around our hearts as a protection from the invisible force of expectation we feel from the other person.
And boundaries around our minds that have been trained to create the illusion of obligation to this person.
Isn’t it time to put the brakes on?
If you are always giving family members or friends money to get them back on their feet, but never see them grow up and take control of their own life --Stop writing checks expecting this to change.
If someone is always late, wait an appropriate 10-15 minutes and then leave- they obviously feel their time is more important than yours. Don’t cheapen your value.
If you are the one who tries to make everything perfect for others in hopes of making them happy, but it is never enough-- it probably never will be enough and they will probably never be happy…and while doing this neither will you.
If you are under obligation to continually take care of or give to a person, evaluate if the obligation is real or is it just your perception that you “owe” someone your time and talent. Evaluate the situation for codependency. Are you getting something from being a martyr? Even if you feel like you are being used and taken advantage of, have you become dependent on being needed?
If you are continually trying to stop giving your resources of time, finances, energy and control of your emotions and life to someone else, but only break free for short periods of time. Then you slip back into the old pattern again of one-way giving. Chart how long you have been doing this pattern. Where has it gotten you?
If you are following a life path because someone told you it was the road you should take, but you hate the scenery, you feel lost, or you know in your heart it isn’t the way you should be going, it is never too late to stop, make a U-turn and let your soul’s GPS recalculate to guide you on YOUR path. There isn’t time to be controlled by a backseat driver. Be your own navigator on this road of life.
Take control of your own steering wheel.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Take control of your own thoughts,
time and talent.
Don’t allow a back seat driver to
steer your life.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about who is controlling your emotions and actions. Shouldn't YOU be in control???
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.
Please keep the entire message intact, including
contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission
please email: [email protected]
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about who is controlling your emotions and actions. Shouldn't YOU be in control???
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.
Please keep the entire message intact, including
contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission
please email: [email protected]
WHO IS CHAUFFEURING YOUR LIFE?
Our lives are driven by stories.
We travel the road yielding to them as they climb into the back seat.
We turn left, we turn right and choose the forks in the road that we hope will lead us to our happily ever after.
With every turn we pick them up.
A story here.
A story there.
Some are interesting. Some are scary. Some are fun. Some we want to lock in the trunk and forget. They all merge together to create the book of our life.
Occasionally we are jolted to completely stop at a red light and a story forces its way into the front seat with us.
Some are powerful and push us out of our driver’s seat and takes over as the chauffeur of our lives. The story becomes the theme that overshadows all the other stories and events that we experience.
The story becomes who we are.
Every turn we make is because of the story.
Every decision is because of the story.
For you, this may be a happy chauffeur taking you to just the right places – school, a career, a life partner, children and success. The chauffeur takes you on the drive you hoped for and the life story you dreamt of.
Or, the story may be one of grief, desperation, loss, or despair. The story is sad and takes over your life. You no longer have control of the wheel.
The story has control and circles you as if you are stuck in a round-a-bout reliving the tragedy over and over. You feel like you can’t put on the brakes or turn a different direction.
We all have experienced stories of good and bad; happiness and sadness. It is up to us to melt our stories into a collective balance for our life. Don’t allow an event or tragedy to lock you into park or worse-- navigate you to a dark, dead end street.
Decide who you want to chauffeur your life. Take control of your stories.
Each one can be told from many perspectives.
Concentrate on the great stories and look for ways to see lessons and grace in your challenging ones.
Keep your steering wheel balanced and driving happily through your life.
Who is chauffeuring your life?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Don’t allow one event or tragedy to drive your life.
Take control of your own steering wheel.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about the life stories you repeat over and over allowing them to define what your life is and who you are. Are they the stories you want to be in control of that? Hmmmmm...
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.
Please keep the entire message intact, including
contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission
please email: [email protected]
Our lives are driven by stories.
We travel the road yielding to them as they climb into the back seat.
We turn left, we turn right and choose the forks in the road that we hope will lead us to our happily ever after.
With every turn we pick them up.
A story here.
A story there.
Some are interesting. Some are scary. Some are fun. Some we want to lock in the trunk and forget. They all merge together to create the book of our life.
Occasionally we are jolted to completely stop at a red light and a story forces its way into the front seat with us.
Some are powerful and push us out of our driver’s seat and takes over as the chauffeur of our lives. The story becomes the theme that overshadows all the other stories and events that we experience.
The story becomes who we are.
Every turn we make is because of the story.
Every decision is because of the story.
For you, this may be a happy chauffeur taking you to just the right places – school, a career, a life partner, children and success. The chauffeur takes you on the drive you hoped for and the life story you dreamt of.
Or, the story may be one of grief, desperation, loss, or despair. The story is sad and takes over your life. You no longer have control of the wheel.
The story has control and circles you as if you are stuck in a round-a-bout reliving the tragedy over and over. You feel like you can’t put on the brakes or turn a different direction.
We all have experienced stories of good and bad; happiness and sadness. It is up to us to melt our stories into a collective balance for our life. Don’t allow an event or tragedy to lock you into park or worse-- navigate you to a dark, dead end street.
Decide who you want to chauffeur your life. Take control of your stories.
Each one can be told from many perspectives.
Concentrate on the great stories and look for ways to see lessons and grace in your challenging ones.
Keep your steering wheel balanced and driving happily through your life.
Who is chauffeuring your life?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Don’t allow one event or tragedy to drive your life.
Take control of your own steering wheel.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to think about the life stories you repeat over and over allowing them to define what your life is and who you are. Are they the stories you want to be in control of that? Hmmmmm...
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.
Please keep the entire message intact, including
contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission
please email: [email protected]
The Charlie Hunt
3 Strike Rule
My Dad had a rule of giving businesses and people three chances.
He felt that anyone can have a day when things just don’t go right and shouldn’t be judged on one interaction or experience. So he would allow three times to get it right.
He wouldn’t discount a restaurant if he had a bad meal the first time he visited, or complain if a sales clerk didn’t treat him kindly, or judge a person by on misguided choice.
He would give them a second chance.
And a third.
But, if on the third chance they were still inadequate or unkind he would feel confident that he gave them enough of his time to show their potential before he decided they would not be a part of his life.
My Dad passed away in 2005. Now when I have an unpleasant experience I try to remember the Charlie Hunt 3 Strikes Rule before I immediately form an opinion.
The second or third pitch just might be a home run!
Pennie’s Life Lesson:
"Don't judge on the first experience
or the second
- the third pitch just might be a home run."
YOUR TURN...
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to remember that everyone can have a bad day, an off moment, a slip in judgment. What if you gave them three changes, before you judged them?
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below . And please feel free to email me at:
[email protected].
Thank you!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2013-2017 Pennie Hunt
This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
Feel free to forward this post.
Please keep the entire message intact, including
contact, logo, and copyright information.
If you have any questions or comments, or for reprint permission
please email: [email protected]
Author
There is a certain magic about where I live both physically and spiritually – on the crossroads of Spirit and Brave.
It seems appropriate that my writings be found under the sign that locates my life. I wish for all of you the ability to live in your Spirit to experience a life filled with love and gratitude and be Brave in the learning of your life lessons.
Enjoy!
Pennie
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