"LIFE IN A WORD"

The Word is TIME

Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues."

Posted 6/16/22

The gift of time comes every year on the twenty-first of June with the arrival of the summer solstice. On that day, the sun travels the longest path through the sky and provides us with more daylight than on any other day. Many cultures celebrate this day with feasts, picnics, dances, and music.

My Story on Time

There is much uncertainty in our world today, save for the existence of time, a "non-spatial continuum". When given more time one might question if time changes anything or if it changes everything.

At times like these, I often turn to music for inspiration, specifically the music of my youth. A beautiful melody accompanied by extraordinary lyrics have a way of uniting and comforting us during troubling times. There are many examples of this throughout history.

Pete Seeger, one of America's most famous folk singers, an influencer of many artists, and an activist for peace and social justice, wrote the song “Turn! Turn! Turn! in the late 50's. The words come almost verbatim from the book of Ecclesiastes as written in the King James Version of the Bible. The word Ecclesiastes in Greek means teacher.

Seeger added just a few lines, the title “Turn! Turn! Turn! and the last lines “a time for peace. I swear it’s not too late”, These words and the melody put to them resonate on so many levels to so many of us. That there is a time and place for all things under Heaven and above all else a time for peace. This message is no less important now than it was when first recorded. For those who are not familiar with the lyrics, here they are.

TURN! TURN! TURN!

“To everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)

There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)

And a time to every purpose, under Heaven A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reap

A time to kill, a time to heal

A time to laugh, a time to weep

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)

There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)

And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down

A time to dance, a time to mourn

A time to cast away stones, a time to gather stones together

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)

There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)

And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time of love, a time of hate

A time of war, a time of peace

A time you may embrace, a time to refrain from embracing

To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)

There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)

And a time to every purpose, under Heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose

A time to rend, a time to sew

A time for love, a time for hate

A time for peace, I swear it's not too late”

Lyrics: Pete Seeger

Recorded by The Birds in 1965

If you or someone you know are questioning this time in your life, you might want to talk to a Life Coach. I hope you’ll reach out to me. To get on my mailing list please email me at innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com

Thank you for reading my “Life In A Word” blog and for checking back next week.

"LIFE IN A WORD"

The word is OPPORTUNITY

Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary: a favorable juncture of circumstances

Posted 6/9/22

Have you ever noticed how often your basic instincts reject opportunities that come your way? Instinctively, you respond by saying no, no thank you, or I can't. My story will illustrate how going against your initial instincts might add more joy to your life.

My Story on Opportunity

Picture a panoramic view of a mountain range. Now imagine the sensations you feel as your body and mind breathe in their beauty. Take that moment a step further to experience the temptation of their allure.

With full disclosure, I admit to binge-watching the series “Yellowstone” the past few weeks. The vastness of the Rocky Mountains strikes me as a metaphor for the world beyond our front door. That temptation that calls out to us to venture into new territory is real. When opportunity knocks, we should allow ourselves to experience the joy it can bring us.

Note, I am not promoting irresponsible behavior, quite the contrary. I'm merely proposing the probability that change from our daily routine allows us to explore, learn and grow. Instead of rejecting an opportunity, by instinctively saying no, we should let curiosity address the doubts our instincts prevent us from acting upon. Let the answers to the questions absolve those doubts and free us to embrace the opportunities and experience more joy in our lives.

I did just that when presented with the opportunity of going to Europe for what would be my first vacation abroad. A friend's daughter was taking a college semester in Italy. He was going to visit her and asked me to join him. Was I excited at the prospect of going to Italy? Definitely. Could I go? Instinctively, no, because I had started a new job just two months prior. My instincts told me I had not earned the right to ask for ten days off, and it would be bold of me to do so. But my desire to take advantage of this opportunity inspired me to question my instincts. Instead of assuming my bosses would say no, I met with them to satisfy my curiosity and put to rest any doubts in my mind. The results were gratifying. I went on the trip, I kept my job, and when I returned, my bosses enthusiastically viewed the many photographs I had taken there.

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the enormous respect and loyalty I hold for those bosses and the company I was working for at the time. They saw the person I was (not someone looking to take advantage of them), and they acknowledged I was new to the company and my absence for ten days would not jeopardize the company or my standing in it. They went so far as to tell me I could take the full two weeks off if I so desired.

If you don’t ask for what you want or take steps to make changes in your life, you may be robbing yourself of the joys that come from them. Embrace opportunities, relieve yourself of doubt, act responsively and glow in the joy it brings into your life and possibly the lives of others.

If you or someone you know are closing the door on opportunities, and regretting it later, it might be time to talk to a Life Coach. I hope you’ll reach out to me. Thank you for reading my “Life In A Word” blog and for checking back next week.

"LIFE IN A WORD"

The word is CHUTZPAH

Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “supreme self-confidence: Nerve, gall.”

Posted 6/2/22

When translated, there are certain unfamiliar words that miss the mark, or their meaning isn’t conveyed strongly enough but not this word. Chutzpah (hu̇t-spa) sounds like what it means. To have supreme self-confidence.

My Story on Chutzpah

Think about how often you tiptoe or dance around a situation with your boss, your friends, or even your family. You’re careful not to say the wrong thing so as not to "rock the boat". You figure it’s safer to avoid conflict than to speak up for what you may want or more importantly, what you may need.

Maybe it's time to shake it up by speaking up. If you’ve never told the people in your life what you really want then chances are they don’t know. Unfortunately, people are not mind-readers. And everyone has their own agenda, so they’re not necessarily in tune with yours. Don't shy away from the microphone, grab it and say, hear me. The people in your life may not be able to change, but they may come to understand you better and be more mindful of your feelings even when they can’t deliver on them. The same is true in reverse. We have to open our minds up to the needs of others if we truly want to find happiness with them.

We’re on this earth for a very short while. Gather up the nerve to kindly express your needs when they are not being met. If the people in your life truly care about you, it should matter to them. And if it doesn’t, it may be time to pause the relationship, take a step back, and reassess. Doing nothing doesn’t feel good and life is too short to live it feeling bad.

If you or someone you know is feeling sad and alone because they are not being understood, it may be time to talk to a Life Coach. I hope you’ll reach out to me. Life is hard, let’s start you on the path of making it a bit easier one step at a time.

Email me at innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading my blog and coming back next week for the next posting of “Life In A Word”.