My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Passionate about ...

A couple years ago a colleague and I attended an amazing conference in San Diego. I was surprised at the many experiential activities we did with such a large crowd of 800 attendees. One was to sit across from another person and simply ask, What do you love? The other one would simply listen and acknowledge what we had shared. We did this with one another for 10 minutes. After this point, our partner reflected back on what they heard and together we shared what our intention for life. My partner reflected that I was very passionate about what I loved and that I seemed to have much compassion. So, I formed the intention: I live my life with passion and compassion. It was an activity that I invited Steve to do with me too when we returned.  Oh, the joys of being married to a marital therapist!

I rewind quickly to the day of the summer I had quit driving - about 18 years ago.  I really thought my life was over. I had two young children and didn't know how I was going to do it. I felt sorry for them and my husband. I felt no passion for anything in that moment. Steve shared his love and left for work.  The kids were still in bed and I made a decision in that moment that I could be a happy mom for them. We could have a happy positive life. I could be a loving, supportive wife inspite of not being able to see. By the time they arose that morning, I had narrowed it down to I could be the best mom I could except for not being the carpool mom. 
Steve called asking if I was okay, and I said yes, life is going to be just fine! I got my passion for life back that day. 

What am I passionate about?  Is what I am passionate about priorities that fit with our yoga mantra yesterday? Is my life aligned with if this were my last year? 

I am passionate about: My family, My Faith , My Relationships, My Health - I desire to do all I can to remain healthy and active, My Profession - I am very blessed to have a career that allows me to practice my intention of living life with passion and compassion.  In reflecting upon these areas and something in each area that I can improve upon a little bit, I find it is exciting to strive in an area that the passion is there.

I will start with My Faith.  We are studying the New Testament this year.  I will read each day so that I am prepared for the Sunday Lesson.  Steve and I will attend one of the beautiful   temples  atleast once month. 

My Family.  They mean everything to me.  However, I recognize from how excited Steve was that I cooked dinner last night, that incorporating cooking at least twice a week (can't think too big!) is on the list.    UPDATE:  As I was writing this, in the background our dinner BURNED!   Apparently, still working on being passionate about cooking.  As everyone else in our family is not nearby, I will get creative on connecting and making plans.  (Flower fields in April to connect with Natalie is on the list.)   I love, love when we talk by g-chat/video as a family.  Those simple phone calls or an email are awesome to let someone know we are thinking of them.  Meeting for basketball tournament games are in the plans for March for the boys.           

My Health.  Keep working on introducing new vegetables to my body :). Continue Yoga - my lifeline.  Running.  I am such a fan.  I want to continue and incorporate this further into my routine.  I dream to do a marathon.  Are you up for it, Shannon?  We are preparing for a 1/2 marathon, now.  Cycling.  Can we do 1600 this year, Steve?  Yesterday as we were sweating in Yoga, I had tears of joy.  When I first lost much of my vision, I wondered if I would be able to be active again.  (I didn't know much at that time! Of course I can, but still feel such gratitude when I am.)  

My Relationships.   This beautiful dog is who I spend the most time with each day.   I love and appreciate this relationship so very much.  She brings so much joy  and freedom into my  life.  We will celebrate our four-year anniversary this February.  In January, we are inside much more - neither one of us love the cold.  However,  we will make sure we get in a good walk 3x per week.   Also, I am going to do obedience with her more regularly.  She responds well and is doing great when the doorbell rings she runs to her 'place' and waits for permission to greet.   We'll try it out when you come to visit next, mom.  That will be the true test, right. 

I am fairly good at staying in touch with friends but again am going to make a further effort.  Dinners at the house with friends is fun.  This is when there is a little bit of passion for cooking when it becomes entertaining.  That is fun!  We will invite someone over once a month for dinner and I'll cook something new.       

My Profession.  Keeping it in balance.  I can easily get consumed and spend 24/7 on a profession that I love.  (Yes, I dream about ideas.) I am in a season of  life where I need to work and also gratefully easily can do without children at home.  My calendar is marked with time outs for the month of January already so that I have a healthy balance of work and also time to spend with my family and friends and blogging friends, right.  I have many goals in this area and recognize as I put my priority in place to keep a balance the other goals will come to be.   My mind is often brainstorming on new projects for my office.   I am having some additional opportunities this year to make presentations about our office. 

Amongst all this my top goal for January is to learn my new phone.  It will actually help me in all of my passions.   I generally call Steve when I am finished with my appointments for him to pick me up.  The day I got my new phone, I said now, can you come at 6:30 even if I don't call you!  I haven't figured out  how to call out yet!   I seem to get a mental block with a program that has speech with it!  What's up with that?   I was so touched to return home from church today and have eight new encouraging emails from people who are blind that are mentors for me.  One said:  Be kind to yourself and in time you will have it mastered.  I am here for you.

Just sent my first voice text.  There's hope! 

What are you passionate about?  It will be fun to see what new passions come along for me this year, too.

9 comments:

s day @ sdayrunning.blogspot.com said...

I love it! I love it all. Your choice to be a happy mom and your choice to be active! I'm so lucky to have you as a friend! Hmmmm.... You might just talk me into that marathon idea siince you're the best running partner out there! How could I say no to 26 miles of chatting :)

wendy said...

All those passions you listed for yourself were wonderful.
It is good to have passion for life.
What am I passionate about....some the same as yours.
but I want to think beyond Family, Friends, Faith, Health...those basic very very IMPORTANT passions.
I want to find something else.....another "something, something" out there that has still eluded me.

BECKY said...

Becky, I saw your name and comment on Myrna's "Daily Spirit" blog and wanted to know more about you...since I too, am a Becky! All I can say is WOW! You are the most positive, compassionate and happy person I've ever "met". And your guide doggy, Cricket, is just adorable. I love dogs and just recently had to say goodbye to our beloved Tiger Girl. She would've been 14 years old on Jan 1st. I wish you much joy and bliss in 2011 and thank you for being someone new to admire!

Maxmom said...

Hey there Becky...
I really appreciated the "Keeping things in Balance" part of your post. All too often I feel that women push themselves much too hard. (I know I'm generalising) Sometimes we also need to 'just be', tune all the noise out of our lives so that God can really speak into our hearts. It's in the quiet moments that my biggest growth happens.
What am I passionate about? The people in cyberspace who have a sincere need to reach out - particularly those who are struggling or lonely. My goal? To create time for them - as and when needed. Sometimes one's 'availability' is the biggest gift you can give.
Sending lotsaluv
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA

Myrna R. said...

I love this post Becky. You're a remarkable woman. I know you'll accomplish all your goals, you'll follow your passion and your bliss.

Becky Andrews said...

Shannon, I think we could chat for 26 miles! Fun and thanks for your friendship, too.
Wendy, I hope you find that something else - a passion that fills your heart this year.
Becky, how fun - another Becky! Thank you for your comment and joining. Love to you at the passing of your dear companion. So hard.
Maxmom; Such important words of wisdom you share. Yes, those moments of quiet are as I call ... allowing the soul to catch up to us. So important.
Myrna; thank you so much for your support and believing in me! It means a lot.

Renee said...

You are just so inspiring!! Some days when I think about tough it is to go through all of this, I think about how you do it with grace and style. Thanks for the pep talk!

Grandma & Grandpa said...

Thank you so much, Becky. As I struggle with the devastating health problems in our family, your thoughts are such a help to me. Love you, Loye

Anonymous said...

Hi Becky, I'm passionate about living my own life how I choose regardless of what other people may think or feel about this. But remember this does not include breaking the law or being hurtful to others if I can help it of course! Being totally blind, I do get very fed up with trying things everyone elses' way after a while. Sometimes I want to do things my way, so I've developed my passion to learn what other people are teaching me, but do things my own way afterwards. do what I want to when I want to. Do things how I want to. Live my life without interferance, and I don't want to let myself feel put down by others who don't like me. Ok you've already done your job as a therapist lol! Hahahahahahahaha. Well done and take care!

Michelle, and kisses from troy!