Trapped By A Problem? How Active Receptivity Can Set You Free
When you want to solve an intractable problem, you probably do what I do: dwell, ruminate and obsess. Yet I've noticed that when I'm frantically seeking a solution to a difficulty, I rarely receive one. Yet this does not translate to: "Since I don't know what to do about my [job search/medical condition/insane schedule], I'm going to do nothing." Giving up gets you nowhere. But if madly scrambling for a solution isn't helpful....and giving up won't do...what's left? There's a middle way between striving and passivity. It's called active receptivity. It means that you work toward a solution while opening...
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The One Where I Smashed The Guitar: Owning Your Anger, Part 1
Today marks the first post in a 3-part series on 'Owning Your Anger.' Why am I writing about anger? Because I don't want to...and because I must. Allow me to explain. My husband, Jonathan, became temporarily disabled this week. He has tendonitis in his right foot, and he's been couch-bound for two days. Yesterday, after I'd searched through (several!) L'Arche closets for crutches (and gone to CVS for an air-cast and to Safeway for groceries and...), the truth of what I was feeling came rushing over me. I had a knot in my stomach...a knot of fear and worry. And I...
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Looking Past Limits (With Caroline Casey)
Today's post features a remarkable speech by an even more remarkable woman, Caroline Casey. Her accent is lovely and her speech is powerful. Moreover, her message is intimately connected with the mission of A Wish Come Clear, and so I'll simply say, you must watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyBk55G7Keo I don't know about you, but I can't watch this without crying. My tears started when the specialist asked Caroline, "Why are you fighting so hard not to be yourself?" "Do you love what you do, Caroline?" "What did you want to be when you were little?" By asking her these questions, the specialist...
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Kick-Start Your Creativity: 4 Steps To My Brother’s Beat
I have a confession to make: I'm so excited to travel to New Jersey for a vacation next week. Before you start with the Jersey jokes, let me tell you why. I'm going to see my family and friends. I'm going to sit in my pajamas and have coffee with my dad. My mom and I will, inevitably, watch Pride and Prejudice (the BBC version, of course.) I'll see my friends Tammy and Niall (also known as Houseplay Designs and Houseplay Renovations) and hear about their growing, sustainability-focused business. My brother Willie and I will do puzzles and go for...
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“The Opportunity Of Adversity” And How Language Shapes Thought
I'd like to share something that moved me this week, as it connects perfectly with what this site is all about. It's Aimee Mullins' TED talk on, "The opportunity of adversity." I've watched it twice, and her strength just shines through. She knows who she is, and she is beautiful. Aimee Mullins was born without shinbones. Rather than seeing this as something to be 'overcome', the adult Aimee sees her disability as something that shaped her character and gave her strength. She also talks about how one person's affirmation of her strength made a significant impact on her self-perception as...
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