Archive for April 2009
Puppy Joy
Marriage: check. Build our first home: check. Get a dog: CHECK! But as you can see, we came home with two puppies instead of one!
We fell head over heels in love with these two little fur-balls of joy and were beyond ecstatic for our new role as “parents.” We named “Bailey” for his coloring that resembled the yummy Irish liqueur, and “Scooter” got his name because it matched his personality. Our two little boys had no idea of the outpouring of love they were in for…
Our new family
And so we lived and breathed life with our new dogs. “The Fellas” we called them. We watched movies with them—on opposite ends of the couch—one on each of our laps. We took Sunday afternoon naps with them, snuggled up in bed together; their warm tummies breathing in and out with ours. And we taught them tricks and games and held them close in our arms as we danced in our living room during the weekly “Saturday Night at the 70’s” radio show that we blasted through the speakers. The Fellas loved disco.
Neither of us grew up with dogs, but a love of dogs has always been in our hearts. Any dog we meet knows that we are their friend; they sense it instantly.
Bill loved to clown around with the dogs and create their bodies into Read more »
My Role Models In Following My Joy
Last night our small family got together and celebrated my sweet grandpa’s 88th birthday at a hotel restaurant. Bill and I were the first guests to arrive, and I jumped at the chance to pick the seat right next to the guest of honor. It felt special to share the space with this elder gentleman who I love so much.
My grandma and grandpa, Doris and Rollie, have been lifelong role models for me, as well as my best friends. During a somewhat difficult childhood, those two were my “rocks.” My safe haven. My solid foundation. I grew up watching them and learning.
And after 40 years, I’m still watching this couple who has quietly been following their joy all of their lives. Through the years, they taught me how to play tennis and golf; how to be a champion at Scrabble; to love others with compassion, listen with all your heart, and be grateful for everything…and I mean, everything.
I’m so proud to be their granddaughter! They’ve traveled the globe, leading marriage workshops around the world and helping couples communicate effectively and live joyfully. The world is certainly a more loving and peaceful place because of them! In the 70’s they wrote a very successful marriage workbook together, and they recently got the idea to have it Read more »
Neil Diamond, CEO’s, and Magic
Last fall I had an idea. I wanted to bring my coaching work into organizations to help leaders be their best, and I knew exactly the Fortune 100 company I was interested in approaching. I was in the middle of my work and very focused on business when my Aunt Jane called to say she’d love to take a trip to L.A. together to see our favorite guy, Neil Diamond, perform at the Hollywood Bowl.
Too busy for joy?
Now if you know anything about me, you know that I love Neil Diamond. And I love my Aunt Jane! But in this moment I was so intent on ‘producing’ and ‘achieving’ that I politely thanked her for the fabulous idea, but I had “too much work to do.”
However, as the week went on, Jane even offered to treat me to this wonderful little getaway in celebration of my upcoming 40th birthday. Basically, everything was all set-up for me. I couldn’t turn it down! What a way to be following my joy…spending a week in the sunshine with one of my best friends and celebrating life by cheering on Neil Diamond. Okay, it was perfect. So I said yes.
As I grocery shopped later that day, I heard Neil’s music play in the store. That made me smile. Okay, Universe, I appreciate your support and vote of confidence in me following my joy.
Setting my intention
Before I left home, one item of business I felt must be taken care of was to Read more »
It’s All In The Messages
As I’ve been learning, when you’re following your joy, the universe sends back messages telling you that you’re on the right track. I love messages! Within 24 hours of making my blog official, three things happened.
First I got an email from a dear friend (who didn’t know about my blog) telling me about an exciting event she had coming up, as a respite from some tough times she had been experiencing. Her final comment to me was “I deserve this joy in my life.”
Then the next morning, the first email in my Inbox was from an inspirational quote service. The title in the subject line read: “JOY.” (If you’re curious about the quote, it was by Emily Dickinson and said: “Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough”). Good stuff!
Finally, and most powerful of all, Read more »
Inaugural Post: Following Your Joy, Fleetwood Mac Style
And to add to the mid-summer drama, the cicadas (you know, those insects that sound like a major power line buzzing) were engaged in a full-out blast.
If you don’t already know this about me, I’m a huge concert enthusiast. I LOVE classic rock and paying tribute to the legends that helped shape the world of music in the late 60’s and on through the 70’s. I’ve been going to shows since I was a kid and thoroughly enjoying it all along. When I met Bill, I was so happy that he was a rocker just like me (my mom always did say that he was the “male version” of me and vice versa). :)
On that hot summer day, we were so excited to see the band live once again. But this time it was different. This time we had front row seats. Read more »
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So glad you're here! This blog is especially for cool people who want to experience joy and live a life of purpose. Welcome!
Hi! I'd like to introduce myself, too, since I “show up” in so many of Michelle’s stories and posts here! I also serve as Michelle’s editor, helping her clarify intentions and make her posts shine.
