RemarkAble Women Speak

A Measure of Happiness

 Are you aware of what makes you happy throughout your day?  Do you sometimes wonder how truly happy you are?  Would you like to track your happiness and learn more about yourself in the process?

If so, you might be interested in happier.com,a website full of assessments and exercise on happiness, based in scientific research and practical application.  This website has been mentioned on two other blogs I follow, and I'm compelled to share it with you as well. After you register on the site, you are invited to complete a profile, and can begin working on any of the exercises or assessments. 

I began an exercise to track what makes a good day for me; in two weeks, I will look at the patterns to see which activities account for my best days.  Now, you might think that is obvious, but sometimes we get so caught up in our days, we don't recognize the emotion surrounding an activity.  It's either a habit we quickly go through, or if it's a new activity, another one is right behind it before we take the time to savor what just happened.

Yesterday, my best activity, the one that made me the happiest out of the six I identified, was withholding a snappy comeback to a comment my husband made.  We were in conversation as we did the dishes, and I felt my reaction coming on.  Right then and there, I told myself that it was not a big deal (it really wasn't!), and I pulled myself out of the mood I was slipping into.  We continued the conversation, and what could have been a stressful scene, instead became one in which I inwardly smiled at how much I love this guy, even with his quirky behaviors.  Don't we all have them?

Give happier.com a try, and see what you learn about yourself.

Change is Like an Ice Cube

With no advance notice, the morning paper announced that the editor of the daily crossword puzzle had retired.  Today's puzzle reflected the work of the new editor. I love doing crossword puzzles! You don’t mess with my crossword puzzles if you know what’s good for you!

 

OK, I’m just kidding; not about the love of puzzles, but about the emotional reaction.  However, I did feel a pang stir within as I wondered what the change would be like. Change?  Eek!  As it turned out, the puzzle was a disappointment.  It was the easiest I have come across in  a long while, without the tinge of challenge I've learned to appreciate. I enjoyed completing it anyway, and look forward to more difficult versions in the days ahead.

 

When we react to change as if it is the end of the world, it can seem like the end of the world, or some semblance thereof.  But when we take it in stride, and flow along with it as each step falls into place, the impact is less severe than from dreading the worst.  

 

Change is like an ice cube that melts.  As the cube liquefies, its original foundation remains.  It's still water.

 

So it is with you and me.  Regardless of whatever changes take place around us, we remain intact with the values and the beliefs that define who we are.  If those values are solid and stable, they will support us through the ups and downs.  But if they waver with uncertainty, and to meet the whims of the moment, they leave us on shaky ground once the change is in place.

 

An ice cube melts into water,  then regains its shape when the water is frozen once again.  It's not the exact shape and dimension as before, but it is an ice cube nonetheless. It's purpose has not differed. When we adapt to change without fear or undue concern about the outcome, we emerge with  our personal values in place, and enriched with life lessons and experiences that serve us well in the present, and into the future. 

 

What changes are you willing to melt into?

In Your Honor

Happy International Women's Day!

Six continents.  Fourteen countries.  Each with a woman currently elected as President or Prime Minister.  Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Finland, Germany, Haiti, Iceland, India, Ireland, Liberia, Moldova, Mozambique, Philippines, and Ukraine.  Dozens more, from these and other countries, have held the highest post possible in service to their populace, as far back as 1969, when it was quite the rarity.

We've come a long way, baby!  And there are more roads to travel, more challenges to assume, and equally as many victories to celebrate.  Women in the U.S. have not gained a political stronghold in the way their sisters have in other parts of the world, but the strides have been hard-fought, long on effort, and large on impact. 

But today is not as much about the numbers as it is about the tenacity and the perseverance and the will to make a difference. Whether amidst controversy or with the support of the majority, women have demonstrated their capability as leaders and movers and shakers in pursuit of social justice and economic parity.

And so it is with all of us.  One need not be in the political arena to effect changes and solutions that make this a better planet to call home. Opportunities for advancements and improvements abound in our homes, schools, churches, communities, forests, military units, hospitals, police forces, corporations, athletic organizations; literally in almost every corner of our environment.

International Woman's Day is about you and your contributions.  It's in celebration of all that you have done, and are doing, to become your authentic Self, true to the Spirit of your divine being.  When you bring that woman to the kitchen, the office, the synagogue, the pilot's seat, the garden, the basketball court, or the operating room, you inspire us all with your grace, your wisdom, and your nobility.

A Day of Celebration Draws Near

March 8 is International Women's Day.  It's a day dedicated to women like yourself, and others in the world, who speak up on the behalf of change in their neighborhoods, their countries, and around the globe.  It's also a day to speak up for those who might not be heard, because of poverty, abuse, and social customs that denigrate their status to levels of shame and inhumanity.

Last night over dinner, a friend asked what I would be doing to celebrate the day.  I knew I would be writing this post in advance.  And I donate regularly to Women for Women International.  But I hadn't given much thought to taking more specific action.

What's Your Dim Sum?

Pardon my absence.  I've been with friends visiting from San Diego, preparing for an upcoming speech contest in my Toastmasters club, networking with other small business owners, editing the draft of my book, helping to promote an upcoming networking event for professional women, and involved with a sundry of other "stuff" that has kept me busy.

When my friends were here in Seattle, we agreed to meet for dim sum on Saturday.  In case you haven't experienced the food, dim sum is the Chinese equivalent of appetizers and hors d'oeurves.  Trays of food items are carted around the restaurant as waitresses stop by each table to tempt your tongues and ease your hunger.

My husband Jon has never experienced a dim sum meal.  He's heard me talk about it, but he has never experienced the whirr of carts, the clatter of plates, and the endless cups of tea.  But I know Jon. Dim sum was a treat for him because he tried every dish that spun by on the lazy Susan.  When he has a passion for something, variety is the spice of life.  He doesn't shy away from what he doesn't know; he jumps in with both feet.  And not just with food.  It shows up in his love for technology and in his yearning to improve his golf game.

Dim sum literally means "to touch the heart."  What's the "dim sum" that has you ready to experience it full out?  What are you wanting that tugs at your heart?  What are you willing to work towards because it matters to you? 

The secret is for it to be about something that is irresistible to you.  You're a RemarkAble Woman, so I know you have passion around something that is important to you. You can taste the excitement of it.  You're not content to let it slip by.  You can feel it as if it is happening or has happened.

So what's your dim sum?