November 18, 2008 
 Soul Food Newsletter
 Women Nurturing Women
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Photo by Kevin Krayna

What an amazing day! I never thought that in the middle of November I would be sitting on the deck writing this newsletter. I also never expected I would be watering small trees and shrubs this time of year either.

The trees have lost their leaves and the grass is brown, but now I can see the bird nests in the trees. It's like life, we see different things at different times, whether it is in a day or a year. Some of our days are outstanding and some are just so-so. Sometimes we enjoy our kids, our partner, our friends. Then the next day they drive us crazy. But on a day like today, it's all good.

Now for Advice from a Hummingbird

  • Sip the Sweet Memories
  • Let Your True Colors Glow
  • Be a Nectar Collector
  • Don't Get Your Feathers Ruffled Over the Little Things
  • Some Days are Just a Humdinger
  • Just Wing It!
  • Keep Your Visits Short and Sweet

Have a great week.

 Lessons From a Hummingbird.
 Let your dreams float.

Outside of our sunroom windows, we have some plants that have small orange flowers shaped like bells. I have no idea what they are called, but I do know the hummingbirds love them. I sit quietly and watch them, amazed at their beauty and grace. Then they disappear.

Did you know that hummingbirds are found only in the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego? Their wings beat 15-80 beats per second. And their heartbeat is 1260 beats per minute. A Ruby-throated hummingbird can fly over 500 miles during migration.

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweet creation.

Our hopes and dreams are just as beautiful and amazing as the hummingbird. Nurture your dreams, grow them, and let them float free of time. Follow them wherever they lead you. You may lose track of your dreams, but don't worry. Like the hummingbird, they will come back to you. And with them, the sweet laughter of life.


 


 Be Passionate.
 Don't just watch the telephone poles go by.

I remember as a kid taking road trips to the Door Peninsula in Wisconsin. I loved it when we got there, playing all day, fishing with my grandfather, watching the ferry go by. But the trip was long and I would get bored and just watch the telephone poles go by.

Have you ever met people that just seem to watch the telephone poles go by in their life? They just go about their day doing the same thing, just waiting for life to go by and never really seem to be enjoying life.

What a waste! Life is too precious to lack passion. I am passionate about what I do, about writing this newsletter, about my family, my friends. I want as much as I can get from life. I want to savor each moment. I don't always do it, but I try. I try to savor moments like a glass of fine wine or a wonderful dark chocolate.

Friday night I was bringing Malaika home from youth group at church. The moon was full and huge over the horizon. Malaika was delighted as we were driving on South Boulder Road and she could watch the moon, commenting on how much she could see of the moon's features. Then we turned into our subdivision and the moon "disappeared" only to reappear over the neighbor's house.

That drive home was a moment to savor, a moment of wonder for a 12 year old. Malaika was absolutely passionate about the moon. I started to think about that passion she had for the moon. True it was just for a few minutes, but she has many of those experiences in her life everyday. She lives in the moment, savoring each one with passion. She is teaching me that life is more than watching the telephone poles go by.

I wish you passion in your life. Don't just watch the telephone poles go by.


 


 Success Begins Every Morning.
 It takes action.

This week I had lunch with a very successful business woman. She had come in for a PSYCH-K session and wanted me to know how the session had affected her. She was very excited at some things that had happened. She told me she had always visualized herself in the position she wanted but never visualized herself doing the work! What an amazing statement. Our dreams only come true if we work for them.

Success begins in the morning. We plan our day and get things done or we will never accomplish what we want and feel good about our day. My day starts are 5:00 am with prayer and meditation. Then it's time to get going, get out of the house and over to the Rec Center. Then I start the work of the day. That's where my priorities are and what works for me. I do take an occasional day to sleep in, but for the most part I stick to the schedule. This may not work for you, but you can find your own way to start your day that's best for you.

If you want to achieve you must seize the day, organize your schedule and then decide what you will accomplish each day. Yes, house-cleaning and ironing counts. So does taking care of your family. Your time is important and some things must get done. As if I don't have enough to do, I agreed to be the chair of the Search Committee at my church. Last night I had (I don't like to use that word unless there is no choice) to go over some documents and make some corrections. Malaika was into Three Dog Night and making pumpkin bread. I turned her over to Dad, closed the door and got done what needed to be done.

Here are four suggestions to help you achieve:

1. Plan your day. Some people plan the night before, others do it first thing in the morning, but plan your day! Consult your calendar, review your goals, and decide in advance what you will accomplish each day.

2. Use a system. Whether you use a "to do list" or some other tool, have a system to keep you on track all day long. There will be distractions--count on it-- and you'll need a system that automatically pulls you back on track.

3. Start strong. A routine is a HUGE part of starting the day with momentum and passion. You may be a night owl and not get up as early as I do. Develop your own rituals, but have a pattern that empowers and gets you started!

4. Celebrate victories! It's vital to acknowledge each accomplishment through the day. When you accomplish something you have been working on celebrate, pause to smile, maybe do a fist-pump, or even a little happy dance! Celebrations give us energy and confidence. Celebrate what you have accomplished.

There will always be days when no matter what you will not accomplish what you wanted to do. That's okay because in the long run, over time, if you are responsible for your personal productivity and planning you can and will achieve your goals.


 


 Giving Thanks.
 So much to be grateful for.

Next week is Thanksgiving. Hard to believe when it is sunny and 80 outside. But nevertheless, we have so many things to be thankful for. Here are some of mine:

  • That I live in a country where I am free to follow my dreams.
  • That I live in a country where people speak with votes, not with guns.
  • That my husband is alive and well and is still able to ride his bike.
  • That my daughter is healthy, intelligent and thriving and that she feels secure enough to dump all her bad behavior on me.
  • That I am healthy and strong.
  • That I have a husband who loves me and cares for me.
  • That I have a wonderful circle of family and friends.
  • And that no matter what difficulties I face I have the faith and strength to make it though.

I hope that as you gather with family and friends, you take a moment to be thankful in the way that seems best for you. I wish you many blessings and a very Happy Thanksgiving.


 


 Sue McCullough Counseling
 Go The Distance...Because Passion Takes Time

I will use authenticity and integrity to illuminate your path of self-discovery as you find and act on your passion. I will reframe situations and see alternatives to help you overcome obstacles and enjoy the journey.

My specialties include

Mental Health Issues:
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Depression
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Secondary Traumatic Stress
Personal and Career Coaching:
  • Spiritual Growth
  • Quality of life improvement
  • Creative Coaching in art, writing and music
Women's Issues:
  • Midlife personal and professional changes
  • Transition back into the workplace
  • Mother-daughter relationships
  • Infertility and adoption
Adolescents

Psych-K - a dynamic paradigm for change.

700 Front Street, Suite 204
Louisville
303-665-2676
Hours by appointment.


 


Grace and Peace,

 
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Offer Expires: 12/31/2008
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