I am in the process of purging and selling most everything I own.  Why?  I am moving permanently to my boyfriend’s house and will be renting my house out.  Since he and I both have homes full of everything a home needs, many of my wordly possessions need to find a new home. 

Determining what is truly important to me is a challenging task.  Hmmmm….the cherrywood bookshelf with top lighting and glass shelves – how I worked so hard to afford such a majestic piece of furniture.  The pencil sketch prints my daughter’s friend brought me from Europe that have hung so beautifully on my wall.  Oh and the puffed heart Avon necklace that I never wear, but belonged to my Grandmother.  As I make choices of what to keep and what to sell, I learn over and over that so many of the things I own are exactly that – “things”.   

Which brings me to the challenge for this Monday.  Choose one thing you own and give it to someone else to enjoy.  Perhaps it is a CD, a book, vase, rug, or a photo frame.  Choose a recipient who will love, embrace, enjoy, and appreciate the “thing”, but who will cherish your gesture the most. 

TODAY’S ShiFT (by Jess) … 

It has become apparent to me that I LOVE to give flowers as a ShiFT. There is something about them that is so fresh, so beautiful, and so full of life and complexity. Fresh flowers make me feel fantastic, and I imagine with each one that I give away the recipient gets to hold in their home and in their heart a brief moment of utter perfection. I found more beautiful flowers, and more beautiful people to give them to today. 

My Chosen Treasure To Give Away

This week is VBS (Vacation Bible School) at my church. Usually I volunteer as a teacher/guide for the week, but this year there were plenty of other parents and teens signed up to run the experience. I will relish the gift of time (2 hours a day) that I have been given this week. In thanks and as a surprise, each of the teachers received a rose of their choice today. More than one of them thanked me with enthusiasm and graciousness. I absolutely hope it made their day! 

Feeling gratitude for where we are in our lives can be difficult when we aren’t exactly where we want to be.  For those who are unemployed, being grateful for a roof over the head isn’t so easy.  For those who have lost a loved one, gratitude in the midst of sadness can feel impossible.  For those who are experiencing challenges in a relationship, being grateful to have that person in your life can appear to be a ridiculous idea. 

Yes, sometimes gratitude is difficult to embrace.  However, feeling gratitude can be your choice.  I found this poem that illustrates this beautifully.

Today I Can…
by Anonymous

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don’t have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn’t give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

Have a GREAT DAY! Unless you have other plans.

www.inspirationalwordsofwisdom.com

TODAY’s ShiFT (by Grace) …

Today’s FABULOUS WOMAN is a mystery.  I have left a note and something special on a random car.  On the envelope it says, “If you are a FABULOUS WOMAN this is for you!  If you aren’t, give this to a FABULOUS WOMAN in your life.”

I can’t wait to see what happens!

Summer is the perfect season to cultivate happiness. Make the most of it while it is still here!   

Lose Your Inhibitions and Just Seize The Moment

TODAY’S ShiFT (by Grace) … 

Chances are you have set many goals in your life.  Chances are some or a lot of those goals never came to fruition.  What would happen if you set a goal that took you 15 years to accomplish?  Do you think you would persevere?

Today’s FABULOUS WOMAN is Mary Shideler – The Kayak Lady.  I found her story on the Minnesota NPR.  As I researched Mary I began to find the story of her journey all over the Internet!  Fifteen years ago Mary set a goal to kayak every single lake in Itasca County Minnesota.  If you had to guess how many lakes are in Itasca County what would you guess?  100? 200?  500?  If you are still guessing I am not surprised.  There are a total of 1007 lakes and today (August 7th) May will achieve her goal by kayaking lake number 1007!  Can I just say WOW! 

I also think Mary is FABULOUS because she is much closer to accomplishing a goal I have always had my eyes on – traveling to all seven continents.  To date, Mary has traveled six of them and what a compassionate worldview she must have!  Another goal Mary and I have in common is to author a book.  Mary is WAY ahead of me on this one.  She releases her book, The Kayak Lady, on Saturday, August 7th which includes photographs and stories of her fifteen year journey.  (I am thinking her book is a great gift for any kayakers any of us may know.) 

I am recognizing Mary as a FABULOUS WOMAN because of her perseverance, enthusiasm, and plain ole’ determination!

“There’s no use trying,” Alice said, “One can’t believe impossible things.” “I dare say you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen, “When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why somethimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.“  – Lewis Carroll

Here’s to believing impossible things!

TODAY’S ShiFT (by Grace) …

A few days ago the Minneapolis Star Tribune had an article talking about how Minnesota groups are providing ways for girls to thrive.  After reading the article, I did some digging.  My digging lead me to today’s FABULOUS WOMEN - Elizabeth Trumble and Darcy Knight.

Elizabeth and Darcy own a business located in Minneapolis called “Old Arizona“.  It is a combination of theatre, cafe and wine bar, chocolate lounge, and dance studio.  Cool, huh!?!  Well, that isn’t the coolest part.  They also use their business to provide opportunities for inner city youth.  Their youth programs include the “Arizona Bridge Project” and “29th Street Petal Pushers“.  The Arizona Bridge Project is for teenage girls who have ”an interest in the performing, media, and visual arts, and is a successful means by which young women learn to make positive life choices”.  A requirement for participation is that the girls must be enrolled in school.  They are also encouraged to attend the program regularly.  29th Street Petal Pushers is a small log cabin floral business that is in progress.  When it is complete it will serve as employment for inner city girls.  However, they need more money to refurbish the log cabin before it can be used.

Kudo’s to Elizabeth and Darcy for the FABULOUS things they do and for giving these girls a future they may have thought was impossible!  I can’t wait until they get their note, a little donation from ShiFT the World, and a little something special for themselves too!

Intuition is defined as an “instinctive knowing without the use of rational processes“. Philosophers, psychologists and theologians throughout time have acknowledged its existence. Intuition has been credited with providing inspiration, being instrumental in innovation and scientific discoveries, and with keeping people safe from harm.

Albert Einstein has said, “The intellect has little to do on the road to discovery. There comes a leap in consciousness, call it intuition or what you will, and the solution comes to you and you don’t know how or why.”

New Age philosophers would refer to intuition as direct communication from a Universal power.

Mahatma Gandhi explains it in these words, “God speaks to us every day only we don’t know how to listen.”

Finally, in the words of Max Lucado, ” … we can trust our desires. Our assignment is found at the intersection of God’s plan and our pleasures… The longings of your heart are not incidental: they are critical messages … not to be ignored.”

Know simply this: inspiration comes not only from the things we see, hear or experience on the outside. Inspiration can also be found by looking within.

TODAY’S ShiFT (by Grace) …

Today’s FABULOUS WOMAN is CJ.  I don’t know her, but my daughter does.  When I told my daughter that I was trying to ShiFT the World this week by recognizing FABULOUS WOMEN I don’t know she said, “I know the perfect person”.

CJ was once a very athletic person.  She was a talented gymnast and swimmer.  In the past few years athletics have become next to impossible for her.  Many people in her situation would be resentful and distance themselves from the sports they loved.  Not CJ.  She spends all day coaching for a local gymnastics class.  The kids she coaches are anywhere between 5 years old and 17 years old.  Every day, CJ shows her dedication through the way she encourages and inspires these kids.  She doesn’t let them off the hook either; she challenges them to be their best.  My daughter has witnessed the admiration the kids feel for CJ.

Not only is CJ a FABULOUS gymnastics coach, she is also a wonderful mother.  Her son is responsible, respectful, considerate, and has a great sense of humor.

In my daughter’s opinion, CJ is someone we can learn from.  We can learn to be patient with others and ourselves.  We can learn to be dedicated to the things we love and believe in.  We can learn to challenge others to continually be their best, but also making it fun in the process.  Finally, we can learn how to embrace what life throws at us and choose to be positive and powerful despite our challenges.

(My daughter is delivering a special note and laminated inspirational quote to CJ. As the days before, a blank note card is also enclosed for CJ to write a message to a FABULOUS WOMAN in her life.)

This week I have been seeking some inspiration. I have without doubt found some in this video.

(A note from Grace on this video.  “When I added TODAY’s ShiFT for today into our blog, Jess had already posted this video.  I watched and I cried.  His message of hope has settled deep inside me – it is a message I will carry in my heart forever and I hope you do too.”)

TODAY’S ShiFT (by Grace) …

A couple months ago my daughter, boyfriend’s daughter, and I spent the day at the northeast Minneapolis Art-a-Whirl.  It is basically an art crawl.  In one of the warehouses we toured we found “Global Mamas / Women in Progess”, a wonderful non-profit and fair trade organization.  I have continued to think about the story of this organization and how moved and impressed I felt.  Because of what two women started, over 500 women have been given hope.

Their goal is to help women in Ghana become economically independent.  How do they do this?  They pay women up front for their work, offer revolving loan funds for purchase of raw materials, and use all revenue to help the women and the organizations that help them develop their businesses.

I have to be honest, they have super cool products!  Clothing, jewelry, handbags, skincare, wallets, purses, baby slings and the list goes on and on.  Click on this link to see one of my favorites …

http://www.globalmamas.org/Products/4810-girls-reversible-dress-dragonfly-bluegreen.aspx

Now how cute is that dress?  You have got to check out their websites!

www.globalmamas.org   www.womeninprogress.org

Global Mama’s is the brain child of two FABULOUS WOMEN who met while volunteering in the US Peace Corps; Renae Adam and Kristin Johnson.  I want to recognize them for all they do to bring a little happiness and self-reliance to people who would otherwise be living in poverty.  Therefore, along with a note and blank note card to pass on, they will find this in their mailbox because I think they share a common heart …

Inspiration is found in different places for different folks. Restoring historic homes is something that stirs my passion … so I did something about it. Last year I co-founded a company that specializes in just that. A room in dire need of loving kindness is something that totally inspires me.

BEFORE

AFTER

What is it that inspires YOU?

TODAY’s ShiFT (by Grace) …

I found a FABULOUS WOMAN to recognize today in my training class – Beth Anne!  From the moment she walked in she was wearing a radiant smile.  I instantly felt she was a person who lived her life with kindness.  As the day progressed I began to understand why I felt this way.  Her line of work includes working with 6,000 members of a church congregation.

Beth Anne was also excited about learning, and when I am training that makes her a FABULOUS person!    She was eager to apply the business writing tips shared in class to her own written communication.  I believe she represents this quote well … “You learn something every day if you pay attention.”  ~Ray LeBlond

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo of  Beth Anne because the moment didn’t seem right.  When I gave her the card with a little cash (a little something special) wrapped around  a ShiFt the World business card and hidden inside, it felt as if the moment for her to read the note should be a private one for her.  So I said nothing. I trust it made her happy, and inspired her to ShiFT someone else’s world.

When the day ended she and I chatted for a while about faith, family, and friends.  Thanks to her, people I love will be included in her prayers tonight.  Thank you Beth Anne!  You are truly a FABULOUS WOMAN!

Inspiration can be sought, fought, found, shared, and accidentally happened upon. Inspiration is an energizing force that just plain feels good.

Your challenge this week is to share some inspiration with someone you know. Perhaps there is someone in your life who is struggling and could use words of encouragement in the form of a deep conversation or a thoughtful message hand written on a card. Maybe you have enjoyed a book and know the perfect person with whom it would resonate … pass it on to him or her. Maybe you have found a website that provides you with inspiration on a daily basis, and you know someone else who would dig the messages as well …

In whatever form it takes, reach out to someone this week and share some inspiration. Both of you will be glad that you did.

TODAY’S ShiFT (by Grace) …

It is FABULOUS WOMEN Week! 

During my Megabus ride to Chicago I couldn’t seem to come up with ideas for ShiFTs this week.  After arriving after an 8 ½ hour bus ride, I checked into my hotel and headed over to Barnes & Noble.  While walking around and looking at books I began to feel inspiration.  I found myself thinking of how fortunate I am to have so many fantastic women in my life, thus, I decided to designate the week of August 1-7 as “FABULOUS WOMEN” week.  A week to recognize women I meet that are truly fabulous and giving them a little help in recognizing other FABULOUS WOMEN.

This special card will be given to a stranger who deserves to be told how fabulous she is! 

Inside, will be this note and also be a little something special just for them. 

I will make it a point to tell each FABULOUS WOMEN what specifically I noticed about them.

Inside the card will be another note card for them to write a special note to another FABULOUS WOMAN!

So who received the FABULOUS WOMAN recognition today?  Sadly, I have to share no one has received it.  I had shopped for the perfect cards to use, gone back to my hotel room, wrote the note, wrapped a dollar bill around a ShiFT business card for a “little something special”, put the blank note card inside and headed out to get dinner.  I thought for sure I would find an employee at Giordano’s Pizza who showed fabulousness through how she treated customers – nope.  I watched the customers for a glimmer of fabulousness – nothing struck me as remarkable.  So I took my pizza back to my hotel room and resolved myself to finding two women tomorrow.  I can’t wait!

I have, through either genetic predisposition or through parental example, become a bit of a worrier. There are so many things that need to get done in a day that it is easy to succumb to stress over whether or not the to-do list will be completed. Stress can freak me out. I much prefer calm, order and serenity or at least a sense of accomplishment compared to stress and tension in my life. Who wouldn’t? When I am calm I feel happy and fun and playful … and in that there is real joy. (Or should I call it real life?)

“Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes and grass grows by itself.” This Japanese Zen poem reminds me that there is so much in life that really takes care of itself. There is much on the to-do list I create for myself that, when all is said and done, is truly of no importance. The poem reminds me to think about and feel grateful for the many blessings in my life that I take for granted because they take care of themselves.

When I stop to acknowledge through my thoughts (create a mental ShiFT) all of those things in my family life that run smoothly: Our bodies, our health, our home, our transportation, it helps me to fight the stress and find a bit of the serenity that I crave … and that makes life, and me far more fun and joyful, as I should be.

TODAY’S ShiFT (by Jess) …

Curves for Women is the place where I work out. It provides a positive atmosphere filled with women interested in sharing conversation as they work to make their bodies healthier. I had a gift book on my shelf called “The Wisdom of Meerkats”. It is a book of inspirational quotes paired with weird photos of meerkats in funny poses. I decided to tuck this light-hearted inspiration onto the magazine table at Curves today in order to bring a smile to more than one face.

A Curves Employee Accepts the Donation

One of the said pieces of wisdom is: “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop

I totally agree with that meerkat!

PS… After joyfully pulling into a parking space right next to the Curves front door, I decided to pull out again and let someone else feel the joy of getting the best parking spot in the lot! :0)