Sunday, November 29, 2009

Julie & Julia


Life has a way of imitating art or is it the other way around? Is truth stranger than fiction? It seems that way. Recently, I had the opportunity to watch the movie, “Julie and Julia” as I was traveling home by plane. First of all, just as the movie got started the TV monitors went blank and I learned that they had to be rebooted. Thirty minutes into the flight I resumed watching the movie. I enjoyed the comparison between the two J’s because both focused in on what they loved best – food. However, my fascination was their beginning efforts to write about their experiences. Both faced challenges, emotional upheavals, successes and failures. Both had husbands who supported them when everything seemed to go wrong and they got discouraged.


In my own life, I identified with them because I too started a venture that ran along similar lines. I wanted to do something that was beneficial and fun in my life. I began to write a book – a self help book to help people work through difficulties in their lives, especially in relationships. Just as the two J’s had their many ups and downs in writing their books, I did too. However, mine took about six years to complete. I didn’t work at it constantly over five years. This past year, though, I spent endless hours reworking, revising, and reviewing all that I had written. My husband stood beside me, very supportive and patient in the long haul. I was also fortunate in having a counselor friend who became my editor and my sister who was my computer guru journey with me throughout the entire process. Many a time I called both to commiserate my frustrations and discouragements. Needless to say, they carried me through and my book is now published and on the market.


I proudly present the book, Quest for Happiness Handling Difficult Relationships Using the FTA Approach with its accompanying CD: Quest for Happiness – Relaxation Techniques.


What I am really amused at is that the plane landed and the TV monitors shut down just at the climax of the story. How did the story end? I know Julie got calls about her blog and was given the opportunity to choose the publisher for her book. But did she ever meet Julia? I assume so. The irony of it for me is that my reality is exactly where the movie ended. How will my story end? I would not be able to predict what will happen to me. I just have to take it a day at a time and live each moment to the fullest, happy and at peace knowing I am loved and supported by my many caring family members and friends.


Anyone care to let me know how the movie ends? Or shall I take the time to discover that for myself!


Until the next time,

Bride

Friday, November 6, 2009

Life Can Be Beautiful...Looking After Yourself


The Christmas Robin...:O)
Originally uploaded by law_keven
"Life can be Beautiful…Looking After Yourself" - this is the title of the workshop that I will be giving at a counselors’ conference this coming week. As I review what I will be discussing with my participants, I realize how appropriate this topic is for me personally! Getting my book, "Quest for Happiness Handling Difficult Relationships Using the FTA Approach" published and my CD, "Quest for Happiness – Relaxation Techniques" produced have been a major project for me over the past three months.

Looking after myself, in some ways, has not been a major focus lately. Late nights, early risings and rushing to meet deadlines created stress both mentally and physically. At times, it has been overwhelming, frustrating and oftentimes, panic provoking.

However, when I come up for air and realize what is happening, I stop everything and take stock of my situation. I remember the Traffic Safety Rules: Stop! Look! Listen!

So I do that! I focus on nature! I look out my window and watch the robins landing on the Dog-Berry (also known as a Rowan or Mountain Ash) tree on our front lawn. They fly in, land gently on the branch and pick a berry. Some fly off, while others land on the ground and enjoy the feast. Still others skim along the grass, stop, peer at the ground and find that invisible worm! I am reminded of the quote that we should watch the birds and notice that “they neither spin nor sow” yet they are being cared for!

Immediately, I think: “What’s the rush? Why am I stressed out? If I can be like the robins, I can see how beautiful life can be!”

Consequently, I take a deep breath and feel my body relax, my mind slows down and my whole being becomes grounded.

How much nature can teach us, if we but stop, look and listen! Life is beautiful and I want to keep it that way!

Until next time,

Bride