All Things Anne Wondra

Life Wisdom from Jan Phillips:

THE REAL WOMAN CREED

I believe that within me lies and extraordinary radiance, and
I commit to letting my light loose in the world.

I believe that the source of my power and wisdom is in the center of my
being, and I commit to the expression of these gifts.

I believe that the time has come to let go of old notions and unhealthy
attitudes, and I commit to re-examine what I have been told
about beauty and dismiss what insults my soul.

I believe that negative thoughts and words compromise my
well-being, and I commit to thinking and speaking
positively about myself and others.

I believe that young women are in need of positive role models, and
I commit to being an example of authenticity and self-love.

I believe in the relationship between my well-being and
the well-being of the planet, and I commit to a life of mindfulness
that regards all living things as holy and worthy of my love.

I believe it is my spiritual responsibility to care for my body
with respect, kindness and compassion. I commit to balancing
my life in such a way that my physical being is
fully expressed and nurtured.

I believe that joy is an essential part of wellness, and I commit to
removing the obstacles to joy and creating a life that is full of exuberance.

I believe that a woman who loves herself is a powerful, passionate,
attractive force, and I commit, from this day forward, to loving myself
deeply and extravagantly.

Jan Phillips

It's OK to Change

Life wisdom from Maria Shriver:

I’ve learned it’s OK to change. Sometimes it’s not just OK, but mandatory. You can let go of some beliefs that maybe have served you well along the way, but just don’t work for you anymore. We’re supposed to grow and evolve. We have to give ourselves the permission and freedom to stay open to change.

I’m not talking about running away or having plastic surgery or a dye job. I’m not talking about throwing away our core principles and values and morals. I’m talking about exactly the opposite. I’m talking about letting life’s experiences affect you and mature you. I’m talking about going down deep and find out where you’re at and where you need to go next.

And it’s not just losing a job that can ignite the process of change…. Life intervenes in many ways. People close to us pass away. New friends come into our lives. We go off to college or graduate school or move to another city. Children grow up and leave. Or our interests change, and we want to learn something new. We might remember old dreams and goals we had and decide it’s time to work toward them. Or we’re just plain suck and need something different to jump-start our lives.

That’s the time to unwrap the person you are and ask the question: “Just who will I be?” …

Not too long ago I came up with a list of Ten Things I Pledge to Myself, in order to keep myself focused and centered on just who I want to be. … I’m sharing it with you with the hope that you may enjoy coming up with your own pledge to yourself. But please write it in pencil—because just like you, it’s bound to change. And remember: Enjoy the ride!

My Pledge

1. I pledge to “show up” in my life as myself, not as an imitation of anyone else.
2. I pledge to avoid using the word “just” to describe myself. For example, I won’t say, “I’m just a mother,” “I’m just a student,” or “I’m just an ordinary person.”
3. I pledge to give myself ten minutes of silence and stillness every day to get in touch with my heart and hear my own voice.
4. I pledge to use my voice to connect my dreams to my actions.
5. I pledge to use my voice to empower myself and others.
6. I pledge to serve my community at least once a year in a way that will benefit other people.
7. I pledge to ask myself, “Who am I? What do I believe in? What am I grateful for? What do I want my life to stand for?”
8. I pledge to sit down and write my own mission statement.
9. I pledge to live my own legacy.
10. And I pledge to pass it on.

Your Pledge

1. …

Maria Shriver
Just Who Will You Be?

Today is a new day. What are your pledges to yourself? Your changes? What time and space and support would be on it?

Good News Reports requested

What's RIGHT with the world?

The politicing has started again. Why is it fashionable, newsworthy, or popular to criticize, bash, and put down the President, the First Lady, or any in leadership--especially when we celebrated their winning so heartily?

The pattern repeats, over and over again. It doesn't matter who is 'at the top.' The 'news' is always about 'pulling them down.'

There is a lot of GOOD in the world--in our country, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces, anywhere we look for it. What we look for, we will find.

Our media seems to define 'news' and 'newsworthy' as those happenings that are less than uplifting, honorable, commendable, desireable. What if 'news' and 'newsworthy' were redefined?

What if reporters, radio dejays, newscasters, bloggers, photagraphers, newspaper and magazine editors started reporting, talking about, showing, highlighting in any way they could, all the kinds of inspiring, commendable, honorable, desireable happenings, they could find? And what if we as consumers also raise our standards in that direction?

What we see, talk about, what we hear, what we read--there are copy cats! We are influenced through words and pictures; our imagination and what we fill our environments with, always encourages and attracts more of the SAME.

What do we want MORE of in 2012? If we really want a better world, each one of us has the power of influence, especially those in any media positions--and the rest of us as supporting consumers. Thoughts and words become things. And MUCH FASTER than in previous years. Have you noticed?

There are great changes predicted in 2012. There is great energy to create flowing. I encourage all to use their thoughts and words, reporting, and consumer awareness, to speak and share, talk about, write about, only those elements, experiences, commendable, honorable, desireable happenings, and good news worthy of copy cats.

You and I do have the ability to influence the world around us. Use your voice, your talent, your words, and make them good. Shine a good news spotlight in 2012. Your efforts will be powerful and magnified. Happy New Year!

The Spirit of ordinary life

Simple spirituality by Anne Wondra

Before all religions, there was a recognition and acknowledgement of the sacred, Grace, in everyday life, work, survival, and seasons--a spirituality of ordinary life. This elemental spiritual sensitivity applied equally to all--regardless of skin tone, gender, nationality, social classs.

For those who liked or felt a need to measure, quantify, categorize, and analyze though, this wasn't enough. It also bothered some that this 'Grace' and spiritualness applied to all...even those who they deemed "less than" themselves--because of (perhaps) skin color, gender, race, nationality, social status, intelligence, or because they had fur or feathers, wings, hoofs, scales, or crawled on their belly and did not speak in words they heard as 'civilized.'

We gain clarity from contrast. When we react to something that offends our sense of fairness, justice, what is "right" and "good"; when we hear words that counter our understanding and beliefs; when we experience a sense of belonging or kinship in an unexpected place, we become more clear about who we are and what we know.

Religion has helped many live happier, overcome challenges, and feel more connected to something greater than themselves. Whatever brought about such goodness is to be appreciated. On the contrast side, religion has also been the source of more anger, hatred, and bloodshed than anything else I know of. Institutions that teach peace, love, and social justice, also sanctioned and condone horrendous cruelty and murderous acts...and justify them as the will of some divine being. Unsettling.

Clarity from contrast:

I cannot stay in any place that continues to insist and dwell on guilt and sinfulness and become good, great, loving, and inspired. It does not feed my soul or free my spirit. The sacred in nature and in ordinary life does... There is kinship, resonance, belonging. A farmer's daughter, a child of the earth, a grown daughter and grandmother of time, this time, a wisdom keeper.

Mentors, authors, wise women, whose words resonated with the seeking of my soul, inspired me, helped me become, and helped me answer deep questions. I look back in gratitude, and forward to passing it on. And for the experiences and ah-ha moments, water shed statements and discoveries. Clarity! Defining moments! A bright light shining and lighting the way.

My work is this writing, these love-your-life lessons, and conversations; to keep it simple, make it easy, equip the seeker with power tools for the soul journey they're on; to love and bless them.

Simple spirituality.

It starts with basics, farm and life lessons.

My religious roots are catholic; my spiritual roots came from the farm.

I was drawn to universal truths. The stuff that included my friends across religion, skin color, nationality, gender, and time. I created a Seeker's Toolkit^(c) and included it. It's one your power tools...and in my opinion, the most powerful one.

I won't tell you what to think or believe; those are your decisions. And your path, answers, and decisions have to fit, resonate with, inspire, and excite YOU at the deepest level.

I can offer:

. the difference between religion and spirituality;

. 7 keys to feeling spiritually free and inspired;

. the difference between the spirituality of women, and that of men (big difference and important, and most women and men don't know);

. how to be sensitive and respectful in diverse groups (like your family, neighborhood, and workplaces); and

. a take-home, personalized Seeker's Toolkit^(c) to find and evaluate your own path when you're ready.

I can also tell you from past experience that for some, flood gates will open. I share water shed, defining moments...and encourage guests to share also. There's no going 'back in the box' after this one. Your eyes may see differently; your spirit may grow wings; your heart may feel connected to the wise women, elders, and wisdom seekers of an earlier time long before now....and perhaps some you already know now.

We live in religious diversity: our families, friends, and work places. We follow paths that have helped us become who we are. There are many good roads to being good people. Our sensitivity and respect are required; and in professional settings, it's good business. There is common ground, bridges, words, and experiences, that connect us.

My wish and desire is that you LOVE your life and ENJOY being who you are... because the world needs each of us! Watch for the next Simple Spirituality class at www.wonderspirit.com. Find and "Like" WonderSpirit Coaching on Facebook. Enjoy your day. Love your life...because it matters and makes a difference.

"In the Beginning" by Michael Robichaud

Rules make Relationships and Life easier

A set of personal rules makes life easier, especially when they are created out of life lessons.  Rules allow us to handle common situations simply and easily, hassle-free, by remembering and following the rule.  If you watch NCIS, you know Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon) has a set of forty-five rules he teaches all of his agents to use and work by. 

Me, I have a few rules of my own.  One has to do with art fairs and my love of wearing and being surrounded by art.  The rule:  I can't get it if I don't know where I'm going to put it.  So I collect artist business cards when I find something I like.  Often I eventually figure out where that something special goes and get the piece later.  And in the meantime, the artist website link gets added to my personal Artist Collection.

Relationships are another area where rules have made life easier.  They started out as single survival skills, because I was single for a lot of years.  They were a combination of lessons I learned and wisdom of women I respected.  And they worked.  It is now twenty to thirty years later--as the rules developed over time--and I've discovered they are also happy, healthy marriage rules.  Here's where you'll find the secrets and rules:

You can simply purchase a handout packet here.  Get to the point, save time, set yourself up for success. 

For a more interactive, girlfriend time, the next Relationship Rules of Happy Women class is Wednesday, July 27.   Or you can invite me to your next Women and Wellness event, girlfriend get-away, young women mentor group, spa retreat, or country club. 

And personal sessions for those more private conversations are welcome too. 

Love your life.  It matters.  And rules, especially happy relationship rules, make it so much easier!

The art of the Proposal

When something is not the way you'd like it, and you have a potentially better idea, propose an alternative.  And make the proposal from the perspective of benefits.  Start with what you want to accomplish and show how it fits with what the company also wants to accomplish (productivity, profits, safety, healthy and happy employees, low maintenance, cost savings).  Common objectives, alternative methods.   Company programs, rules, policies and practices are good ... until a situation arises that could make them better.  Employee proposals help companies innovate to meet changing workforces, customers across time zones, and how, where, and when work gets done.  Wellness impacts all of it.  If you've hired and built a skilled workforce, keeping them in excellent operating condition is as important as keeping your equipment working. 

The Proposal worksheet:

What is the current situation?

What is the company position, policy, protocol?

What is your request, your alternative?

Why?  

How will it benefit the company to allow your proposal?

Logistics, precedent-setting considerations? 

A proposed easy form, tool, process, procedure, or system you can offer?

What are you willing to contribute in exchange?

I have created successful proposals and have helped strategize many others.  And in my years as a corporate human resource professional and wellness program coordinator, I did my best to find a way to say 'yes'  when employee requests came my way...because I knew it was good business for everyone.  If you've got an idea, use the proposal worksheet.  And when you're ready, go to the person who can make it happen.  Call me if you need me.  It's good for business, and you.

 

Class Reunion

Reunion last night, unofficial more or less.  An off-year one.  Last time was fifteen-plus years ago.  Life happens; high school reunions fade to the back.  I appreciate those who decided to just schedule one and do it. They set a date, picked a local, casual place, and started using Facebook, newspaper ads, and word of mouth to get the word out.  The turnout was small.  Summers are short and high school class reunions aren't everyone's thing.  I like them, so I was there.   There's something about roots, and wings too.

Some have been classmates since first grade, a long time.  Others I hardly knew, then or now. Really know?  Not really.  Small talk.  Snip-its.  Trying to catch up, connect.   Some easier than others.  Loved those. 

The drive home, I think of what I wished I'd asked.  Or given me, I wish it would have been a question cue card and each of us would have asked each other.  "Who have you become since our last reunion, or in your life?" --a little different variation of "How are you doing?" "What are you doing these days?" I like the questions that start the conversations about stuff that matters.  Life is short.  Time is more valued now.  So are relationships. 

Desiree and Deb, thank you for opening the opportunity.  And for bringing the yearbook. 

To all who gathered last night, love and light and happiness.  I'm glad you were there, and that every once in a sometimes great while, we connect for class reunions.  Take care.

 

I live from my Integrity: root chakra affirmations

I was gifted with a most wonderful book on Chakras, and opened it this morning to these Affirmations for the Root Chakra: 

I LIVE FROM MY INTEGRITY

I LOVE FROM MY HEART.  I AM CONNECTED TO LIFE IN ALL ITS GLORY.

I know who I am and make choices based on what I know to be right for me.

I affirm my right to the life I choose.

I confirm my right to belong and be part of something greater than myself.

I know I am truly good.

I live from the depths of my soul longing to express itself in the world.

I stand for justice, truth, and love.

I am supported in life through all my choices to do good and share the light of love.

My body supports me in living a creative and happy life.

I am open to the spirit of life, which carries me beyond my original limits to a higher, more creative space.

I am thankful for all the opportunities for growth and development that have come my way.

I am grateful for the challenges that have taught me who I truly am.

I love life.

The direction is to repeat these daily, morning and evening, when you wish to connect with the Root (support, stability, security) Chakra.  This is an amazing, beautifully written, wonderful resource.  Take a look for yourself.   The Book of Chakras: Discovering the Hidden Forces within You, by Ambika Wauters.  Live well, enjoy your day, and Love your life. - Anne

    
 

PS  The root, base, chakra is about security, support, safety, and often about money.  Come to my next love-your-life lesson, Money Lessons...and learn not just the bank and checkbook kind; the heart and soul ones that precede the bank and checkbook also.  Live well and rich.

 

, . 

Cell phones androids and Outlook

Technology should make life easier, not add to frustration and stress levels.  It does, though.  Because it stops the flow of systems and getting things done.  I got a new cell phone, an Android Mesmerize.  The sales reps are really nice, I have a plan I like, and have met good people.  It's the cell phone and technology compatibility issues that are so frustrating...and time-consuming. 

It should be easy to sync an Outlook Calendar with an Android cell phone.  Except it's not.  Google does not play nice with Outlook.  Sure, Google has a sync feature, except that in the 'known issues' it states that it does not work with the newer 64-bit processor on PCs.  And these are 'smartphones'? 

Okay, I'm venting.  Not my usual style.  It's just that my business brain is boggled that supposedly smart business executives at major companies like Google, Samsung, and Microsoft are blocking the productivity (and loyalty) of business customers because they're not working together to make compatibility a priority. 

It's not about competition, folks.  It's about collaboration and cooperation to get things done, to support the flow of business, productivity, creativity, and customer praise.  And that requires compatibilty of technology. 

There's no shortage of customers who use and want to use your technology.   We're excited about the capabilities and possibilities....if you can just make it simple and easy for us to do that and be compatible with our basic productivity tools--like the Outlook calendar. 

In this 21st century, businesses that want to build loyalty and grow, need compatitiblity of technology.  Because 'incompatibility issues' are major deal breakers--just like they are in relationships.  And if you want to be happy, compatibility in relationships is perhaps the key factor.

So, I still need a simple way for my (Samsung Android) phone calendar to sync with my laptop (Windows 7, 64-bit) Outlook calender.  That' should be easy. ... except it hasn't been.  Help, please.  Recommendations?   And yes, I am open to new cell phone suggestions too. 

Alone only if you want to be-positive wellness

This midwest 'I-can-do-it-myself' attitude is a good thing...except when it interferes with a healthy and happy life.  Isolation, being alone, or trying to do everything by yourself; fear of talking about feelings or a stressful situation, that's not so healthy--for the body, mind, or spirit.  Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation to lighten the load.

We feel stressed by situations that feel difficult, or overwhelming to us, especially things that require abilities or knowledge we don't have.  And that's the beauty of talking to somebody else.  Where we see roadblocks, another sees EASY.  And in the conversation, the load is lifted; roadblocks are cleared. 

Next time, find a go-to person to talk to and ask.  Can't hurt, might help a lot.

And maybe find a positive circle of support too. 

Love your life and live happy and healthy.