Being aware of things I should be changing about myself and the way I act, creates space for me to do just that.
Awareness is the first step.
Awareness is created by my being totally honest about myself within my small circle of friends.
I say small circle because I certainly do not want to go around broadcasting my lifes challenges to all and everyone. I have a small circle of trusted friends who know everything about me and who help keep me accountable to myself and to my values and ideals.
Once I become aware about something that needs to be changed in my life, I have taken the first step.
Without awareness there is only ignorance and darkness.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Monday, October 18, 2004
Hope
On Sunday Oct./17th our national media organization, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, (CBC) aired a program called,'The Greatest Canadian".
People had been writing, calling and contacting the C.B.C. over the past few months to nominate the Canadian of their choice for this honour.
On the broadcast on Sunday night 25 Canadians who got the most number of votes/nominations were profiled.
One who stood out for me wasn't even the person of my choice.
He is Jean Vanier, a son of a former Governor-General of Canada. This man who though born into privileged circumstances, chose to devote his life to the caring for people who are marginalized in our societies, the ones who suffer from mental challenges.
It was touching watching people hug him and snuggle up close to him as he went about his duties.
He said something that really spoke to me. He stated that his wish was that he brought some sense of hope of a better life for the people whose lives he touched.
HOPE! It is my firm and unswerving belief that "hope" is the most beautiful gift that one human being can give another.
Hope is what is offered by the countless numbers of volunteers who staff the helplines, the distress call centres, to the people who call in during the darkest moments of their lives.
Hope could very well be that "light at the end of a very dark tunnel" to someone.
Who can "you" give the gift of hope to.......today?
Whose candle would you like to light today?
People had been writing, calling and contacting the C.B.C. over the past few months to nominate the Canadian of their choice for this honour.
On the broadcast on Sunday night 25 Canadians who got the most number of votes/nominations were profiled.
One who stood out for me wasn't even the person of my choice.
He is Jean Vanier, a son of a former Governor-General of Canada. This man who though born into privileged circumstances, chose to devote his life to the caring for people who are marginalized in our societies, the ones who suffer from mental challenges.
It was touching watching people hug him and snuggle up close to him as he went about his duties.
He said something that really spoke to me. He stated that his wish was that he brought some sense of hope of a better life for the people whose lives he touched.
HOPE! It is my firm and unswerving belief that "hope" is the most beautiful gift that one human being can give another.
Hope is what is offered by the countless numbers of volunteers who staff the helplines, the distress call centres, to the people who call in during the darkest moments of their lives.
Hope could very well be that "light at the end of a very dark tunnel" to someone.
Who can "you" give the gift of hope to.......today?
Whose candle would you like to light today?
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Gratitude List
As human beings we are constantly judging ourselves and looking at what we do not have. Living in a consumer society it is easy to focus on what we do not possess.
Once when whining about something really inconsequential, my great friend and spiritual mentor, the late and much missed Fred McKnight, advised me to create a "gratitude list".
This list was to include everything I had in my life. Everything, such as a roof over my head, to a full belly, good friends, bills paid, a job, physical health, mental health, material possesions etc. etc.
I created this list and read it everytime I feel down, just plain ungrateful or sorry for myself.
It has an amazing power to lift my spirits and to bring instant joy to my life.
Once when whining about something really inconsequential, my great friend and spiritual mentor, the late and much missed Fred McKnight, advised me to create a "gratitude list".
This list was to include everything I had in my life. Everything, such as a roof over my head, to a full belly, good friends, bills paid, a job, physical health, mental health, material possesions etc. etc.
I created this list and read it everytime I feel down, just plain ungrateful or sorry for myself.
It has an amazing power to lift my spirits and to bring instant joy to my life.
Volunteers
On Thursday Oct./14th I went to a central office to answer the telephones with 3 friends,
Mike the Glassman, Michael/Stretch and John the Painter.
Mike has been doing this for the last 16 years, Michael for 8 and John for the last couple of years. They have been devoting 4 hours a night, on the 14th of every month, to help people find the assistance they need to face challenges of life. Truly a perfect way to "light one candle" instead of cursing the darkness, that affects the lives of so many people these days.
It was fun evening, with the added bonus of having made a difference in the lives of the people we touched.
Volunteering is good. There are a myriad number of ways in which we can volunteer our time.
I felt privileged that these men thought to ask me to join them in serving our fellow human beings.
I remember reading somewhere, that the purpose of our lives is not merely to work and accumulate wealth, money, property and prestige, but to be of service to our fellows.
When we take care of the needs of others, our own needs get taken care of.
A point worth remembering.
Mike the Glassman, Michael/Stretch and John the Painter.
Mike has been doing this for the last 16 years, Michael for 8 and John for the last couple of years. They have been devoting 4 hours a night, on the 14th of every month, to help people find the assistance they need to face challenges of life. Truly a perfect way to "light one candle" instead of cursing the darkness, that affects the lives of so many people these days.
It was fun evening, with the added bonus of having made a difference in the lives of the people we touched.
Volunteering is good. There are a myriad number of ways in which we can volunteer our time.
I felt privileged that these men thought to ask me to join them in serving our fellow human beings.
I remember reading somewhere, that the purpose of our lives is not merely to work and accumulate wealth, money, property and prestige, but to be of service to our fellows.
When we take care of the needs of others, our own needs get taken care of.
A point worth remembering.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Thanksgiving
What a Thanksgiving week-end it was. I awoke early on Monday morning and as I sat meditating on the porch at my Brother-in-law Davids place, I took the time to reflect on the many things I have to be thankful for.
I was thankful for the love that David expressed to me in his own special way. Knowing of my love of nature, he took me to Point Pelee on Saturday and I had the signal honour of setting foot at the southern most tip of the Canadian mainland. It was just the two of us, spending the day together, whilst our wives toiled away at the dinner preparations. This was with their consent, since they both agreed that David and I needed to spend time together.
We had our dinner on Sunday and it was a beautiful evening. My sister-in-law, Bonnie and her husband Larry were there, as were my brother-in-laws daughter, Kim, her husband Mauro and their children, Tony, Elizabeth and Joey.
The glue that held us all together, the person most responsible for the evening was my soul-sister June.
June is an extra special person in my life, one of those rare people whom I took to immediately upon meeting her. She has a gift, this woman has, of welcoming people into her life and of expressing her love for them. She and I share a bond that is deeper than either of us realize.
Of course, I would not be at this very special family gathering, were it not for the love of my life, Deb.
It was an evening of love, gratitude and laughter ......much laughter.
Really, things of the spirit, that which stays with one, long after the event itself fades in time and distance.
We lit many candles that evening, candles which expressed our love of one another. That is all that really matters.
I was thankful for the love that David expressed to me in his own special way. Knowing of my love of nature, he took me to Point Pelee on Saturday and I had the signal honour of setting foot at the southern most tip of the Canadian mainland. It was just the two of us, spending the day together, whilst our wives toiled away at the dinner preparations. This was with their consent, since they both agreed that David and I needed to spend time together.
We had our dinner on Sunday and it was a beautiful evening. My sister-in-law, Bonnie and her husband Larry were there, as were my brother-in-laws daughter, Kim, her husband Mauro and their children, Tony, Elizabeth and Joey.
The glue that held us all together, the person most responsible for the evening was my soul-sister June.
June is an extra special person in my life, one of those rare people whom I took to immediately upon meeting her. She has a gift, this woman has, of welcoming people into her life and of expressing her love for them. She and I share a bond that is deeper than either of us realize.
Of course, I would not be at this very special family gathering, were it not for the love of my life, Deb.
It was an evening of love, gratitude and laughter ......much laughter.
Really, things of the spirit, that which stays with one, long after the event itself fades in time and distance.
We lit many candles that evening, candles which expressed our love of one another. That is all that really matters.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Humility
We were discussing humility last night. My take on it is based on my experiences.
When family members used to say, "A little humility might work for you", my reply almost consistently was ..........WHY? What do I have to be humble for or about?
With the benefit of hindsight and based on more recent experiences I can see how that attitude cost me dearly.
Practically nobody was attracted by a cocky, arrogant me, who, displaying the opposite of the Midas Touch, essentially drove people away from myself. Not only did I repel people, but also by extension I deprived myself of opportunities that would otherwise have come my way via people. You see I did not know the difference between humility and humiliation.
Today it is different. My practice of humility has allowed me to see the hand of my Higher Power at work in my daily life.
A humble attitude is easy to practice when I am down and in need of help.
The real challenge is to be humble when I am at the top of my game. When I am on top of the world. When kudos and compliments are flowing.
What are the results of this attitude of humility?
In my personal life people don't seem to mind being around me. In fact they seek me out. Family members who previously avoided me, now enjoy the time they spend with me and believe it or not, actually value my advice. I'm always the first to admit it when I am wrong, the first to apologize if an apology is merited. I never take myself so seriously anymore.
It has certainly worked in the business world, because I seem to attract people and opportunities to myself. I give credit where credit is due, promote people who deserve it, encourage those who do not merit promotion, all by practicing humility.
I always give credit to my team when praised or complimented.
I always use this line, internally, to myself, when the kudos and praise are flowing;
"Of myself I am nothing. The Father doeth the works".
When family members used to say, "A little humility might work for you", my reply almost consistently was ..........WHY? What do I have to be humble for or about?
With the benefit of hindsight and based on more recent experiences I can see how that attitude cost me dearly.
Practically nobody was attracted by a cocky, arrogant me, who, displaying the opposite of the Midas Touch, essentially drove people away from myself. Not only did I repel people, but also by extension I deprived myself of opportunities that would otherwise have come my way via people. You see I did not know the difference between humility and humiliation.
Today it is different. My practice of humility has allowed me to see the hand of my Higher Power at work in my daily life.
A humble attitude is easy to practice when I am down and in need of help.
The real challenge is to be humble when I am at the top of my game. When I am on top of the world. When kudos and compliments are flowing.
What are the results of this attitude of humility?
In my personal life people don't seem to mind being around me. In fact they seek me out. Family members who previously avoided me, now enjoy the time they spend with me and believe it or not, actually value my advice. I'm always the first to admit it when I am wrong, the first to apologize if an apology is merited. I never take myself so seriously anymore.
It has certainly worked in the business world, because I seem to attract people and opportunities to myself. I give credit where credit is due, promote people who deserve it, encourage those who do not merit promotion, all by practicing humility.
I always give credit to my team when praised or complimented.
I always use this line, internally, to myself, when the kudos and praise are flowing;
"Of myself I am nothing. The Father doeth the works".
Friday, October 01, 2004
Social Justice Fund
In keeping with the original purpose of this blog, I am now going to say something positive about an institution.
I am a member of the Canadian Autoworkers Union, the CAW. We have a Social Justice Fund that is run by a very hard working woman who I am privileged to call a friend.
The Social Justice Fund is currently raising money to send to the troubled Darfur region of the Sudan.
If anyone is interested in finding out about this very worthwhile project and more, please check out;
http://caw.cawhatwedo/socialjusticefund/index.asp
I am a member of the Canadian Autoworkers Union, the CAW. We have a Social Justice Fund that is run by a very hard working woman who I am privileged to call a friend.
The Social Justice Fund is currently raising money to send to the troubled Darfur region of the Sudan.
If anyone is interested in finding out about this very worthwhile project and more, please check out;
http://caw.cawhatwedo/socialjusticefund/index.asp
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