I am sitting here with rosy cheeks and a big smile on my face, despite the late hour.
I just came in from shovelling the snow out of my driveway. I bundled all up in my Arctic Gear- not that it was terribly cold, but the wind is blowing. I stepped into my porch and took a deep breath. In fact, I stood there breathing for a few minutes because the air smelled so sweet and cool.
Shovelling was a breeze- it was like shovelling icing sugar. There was a good foot of it, ahhh, but a truly beautiful evening. The shovel scrapped noisily along as I ran with it- a whole lot of fun! The snow had that chipped diamond look so it sparkled as it flew off my shovel. I know I have created a big vacuum and by the morning as much snow as I shovelled away will surely be there is equal measure.
You just have to love days like this...there are advantages- the grocery store is empty! I generally take one day a month to plan my meals. Today was the best day to do it. I completed the shopping, came home and did as much prep work for the week as I could. (A few of my friends have asked me to share my easy meal planning. I will put something together over the next few weeks and post it.)
As I cooked and baked I listened to a couple of books- yes, you read correctly.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE FOR CHRISTMAS
A short post because it is so early in the morning....
Have you? Like Me? been so busy that the months have slipped and slided and whizzed by? I have dear friends who I have been wanting to call, meaning to call and have not, at least physically, found the time to. Mentally I send wishes out into the universe, hoping they will catch them!
I had to go into the office tonight. Once there I started making the calls. There is something so powerful about calling an old friend. I slipped right into a pattern of feeling so familiar and so heart warming. That feeling is gratitude and love. Absolute gratitude that I have friendships that have sustained decades of LIFE. Even new friends, though not as deeply ingrained, stir the deep sense of gratitude for having them in my life. Friends allow you to pick up where you left off without any recriminations- where have you been? why have you not called? hahaha (It works both ways, baby!)
The television is full of commercials for Christmas. ( I watch so little tv, but when I do, I cannot escape them- even if I mute them.) I am astounded that places such as Walmart show great giving for the cheap price of $349! Wow. No wonder people get so stressed- how do you compete with THAT?
Gifts are wonderful to give- they make us feel good- if you are buying them because it makes you feel good. They are wonderful to receive.
No matter what the gift- receive it with a smile and great gratitude- even if it is not something you had on your list (or would wear in a million years.) It is bad karma to not accept a gift. You will block the flow of receiving! You get what you give...give what you want to get!
Yet, the biggest and best gift we can give is ourselves. Our friendships. Real friendships are life time bonds that mean more than any material possession you could ever have- ever! Nurture them, feel the gratitude- No matter what- feel the love and the gratitude for having the privilege of having these people in your life!
To all my friends, pass, present and future- love to you all- and THANK YOU!
Love and All Good Things,
The Peaceful Matriarch
Have you? Like Me? been so busy that the months have slipped and slided and whizzed by? I have dear friends who I have been wanting to call, meaning to call and have not, at least physically, found the time to. Mentally I send wishes out into the universe, hoping they will catch them!
I had to go into the office tonight. Once there I started making the calls. There is something so powerful about calling an old friend. I slipped right into a pattern of feeling so familiar and so heart warming. That feeling is gratitude and love. Absolute gratitude that I have friendships that have sustained decades of LIFE. Even new friends, though not as deeply ingrained, stir the deep sense of gratitude for having them in my life. Friends allow you to pick up where you left off without any recriminations- where have you been? why have you not called? hahaha (It works both ways, baby!)
The television is full of commercials for Christmas. ( I watch so little tv, but when I do, I cannot escape them- even if I mute them.) I am astounded that places such as Walmart show great giving for the cheap price of $349! Wow. No wonder people get so stressed- how do you compete with THAT?
Gifts are wonderful to give- they make us feel good- if you are buying them because it makes you feel good. They are wonderful to receive.
No matter what the gift- receive it with a smile and great gratitude- even if it is not something you had on your list (or would wear in a million years.) It is bad karma to not accept a gift. You will block the flow of receiving! You get what you give...give what you want to get!
Yet, the biggest and best gift we can give is ourselves. Our friendships. Real friendships are life time bonds that mean more than any material possession you could ever have- ever! Nurture them, feel the gratitude- No matter what- feel the love and the gratitude for having the privilege of having these people in your life!
To all my friends, pass, present and future- love to you all- and THANK YOU!
Love and All Good Things,
The Peaceful Matriarch
Saturday, December 4, 2010
NOTES, LISTS AND JOB JARS
I am a compulsive list maker. It started when I was quite young. I am sure I was heavily influenced by my mother and her sister. Long before sticky notes became fashionable both these women had endless notes and typewritten lists. My aunt even makes notes to remind herself of her notes!
Notes were used in our family for other purposes too! I remember once when I was very young- I must have been around 8 or 9. I was very angry with my dad- I must have put a note on my door or something. In the morning I woke up to notes all over the mirror in the bathroom- smile you are on candid camera! Stuff like that. My dear old dad...secretly I smiled to myself. Notes can be more than just lists...I used to stick notes in my partner and children's lunch bags...hmmm I should do that again! Just be careful what you put in your man's/partner's lunch! I found out the hard way when his work colleagues rooted through his lunch looking for food- and discovered the note!
When I was in my 20's and a single mom, I honed my organizational skills. Once my closest friend stayed at my apartment while I was away. She left me notes on all the cupboards with funny comments about how insanely organized my cupboards were! Another time, during one of my many moves, my mother in law came to town and was helping me settle in. She wanted to do something useful so I asked her to take all the spice bottles and put them on the turnaround in alphabetical order. She gave me a funny look and later asked me if I was kidding. Absolutely not! :)
I realized in my early 20's, as a single mom, I had to come up with a system that would not leave me so overwhelmed by all the tasks and activities. I also wanted to find a way to trick my brain into doing the tasks/activities which I continued to procrastinate doing.
I came up with the idea of a Job Jar. Every time I found something that had to be done around the house, and, would take at least 1-2 hours or more, I would write it on a piece of paper, fold it up and put it in the Job Jar. I also started one for the kids. I would list the chores, stuff them in their jar and let them pick.
I set up a Job Jar for outside work (summer/winter), inside work, jobs the kids could do and my many craft projects. I also kept a notebook with a numbered list of all the tasks/activities. Once a month I would sit down and plan out what I had to do in terms of my career, my kids, the house etc. I would then pull a slip from the appropriate Job Jar and would do the following:
Notes were used in our family for other purposes too! I remember once when I was very young- I must have been around 8 or 9. I was very angry with my dad- I must have put a note on my door or something. In the morning I woke up to notes all over the mirror in the bathroom- smile you are on candid camera! Stuff like that. My dear old dad...secretly I smiled to myself. Notes can be more than just lists...I used to stick notes in my partner and children's lunch bags...hmmm I should do that again! Just be careful what you put in your man's/partner's lunch! I found out the hard way when his work colleagues rooted through his lunch looking for food- and discovered the note!
When I was in my 20's and a single mom, I honed my organizational skills. Once my closest friend stayed at my apartment while I was away. She left me notes on all the cupboards with funny comments about how insanely organized my cupboards were! Another time, during one of my many moves, my mother in law came to town and was helping me settle in. She wanted to do something useful so I asked her to take all the spice bottles and put them on the turnaround in alphabetical order. She gave me a funny look and later asked me if I was kidding. Absolutely not! :)
I realized in my early 20's, as a single mom, I had to come up with a system that would not leave me so overwhelmed by all the tasks and activities. I also wanted to find a way to trick my brain into doing the tasks/activities which I continued to procrastinate doing.
I came up with the idea of a Job Jar. Every time I found something that had to be done around the house, and, would take at least 1-2 hours or more, I would write it on a piece of paper, fold it up and put it in the Job Jar. I also started one for the kids. I would list the chores, stuff them in their jar and let them pick.
I set up a Job Jar for outside work (summer/winter), inside work, jobs the kids could do and my many craft projects. I also kept a notebook with a numbered list of all the tasks/activities. Once a month I would sit down and plan out what I had to do in terms of my career, my kids, the house etc. I would then pull a slip from the appropriate Job Jar and would do the following:
Friday, December 3, 2010
SEQUEL TO THE SECRET- THE POWER
On one of my trips to the library I came across the book cd by Rhonda Bynre called "The Power". I have been listening to the cd over the past 3 weeks in my car. Although much of what she covers I have read in other books- starting with Abraham (Ester Hicks and Jerry Hicks)- she does come up with a method to get the message across which further emphasizes how important the fundamental laws of the Universe are- whether we believe it, accept it or consciously practice them or not.
Over the past few years I have gobbled up (almost) every book I could find on this topic- out of sheer curiosity and sheer desire for knowledge. Some I was not able to finish. Some made me very disappointed. Some, when I actually took the time to keep up my practice, really really worked. In fact, it got to a point where I became very addicted to the manifestations I was able to create daily. They are a lot of fun! Except of course the dark days- yeah, my butt was kicked hard when my mind wandered over to the dark side! Rhonda provides some tools that can help you focus and change your point of being.
As I continued my reading frenzy, I would throw up my arms to the universe and say- why is everyone making this so hard! They are all saying the same thing! My mind would rage indignantly. Then to further exasperate me I saw all these authors grabbing this info, claiming it and some attaching huge financial price tags to access their "method". It troubled me. I am often troubled by these huge global ideas. Why should I be? I am after all only a tiny fraction of the people on this planet. But it matters to me. It really does. If this information is our birthright, why should we be charged so much to be enlightened! Especially since so many of these ideas are ancient!
One night I was reading a book and decided to go online to find out more info about the author. In doing so, the wonderful YouTube had a video featuring Louise Hay. She was on stage talking at one of her seminars. I don't remember her exact words but she said something to the effect...some of you will hear my words and not accept what I say. Then, some of those who don't accept it will listen to someone else speak- different words, same theme- you will have your aha moment. I realized that this was the answer. There are so many authors of this not-new-at-all age of enlightenment because they are needed to resonate with a certain audience. The point is to distribute the message- to reach out to everyone. There must be many messengers to make it work.
When I took a step back it all broke down to one simple thing- Love. Love is all there is. What I like about "The Power" is Rhonda talks about Love in a way that will help people understand. She provides Keys to the Power. Which again have very familiar rings. But this is ok too.
All the different delivery styles of the messengers are reinforcing the ideas. I liken it to peeling away the layers...with each new reading another layer is taken from the veil- a deeper understanding emerges. See, I could not figure out why if it was all so simple why it was so hard to incorporate or continually live it! Why could some people just read one book and turn their lives around? Why was it so very hard for other people? I believe part of the difficulty comes from the layers we have cocooned ourselves in.
Another thing. Why, if we were meant to reach a point of enlightenment, why did we have to do all these various exercises to "trick" our mind, our subconsciousness. Why not just cut to the chase???? Then I understood the reason. Our egos are so very powerful and well trained. Our habits are powerful too. The ego is good because it protects us. But it is time for the ego to be softened, to fade. If we don't, then our journey will take longer. We need these exercises; meditations; affirmations etc so we can change our brain wave patterns and open ourselves up to the higher energy fields. (I truly love the science- if you are reading this going, yeah right, well, you better check out the new advances in science- they are just catching up to what so many have known for so long.)
In my opinion, it boils down to these simple things:
Over the past few years I have gobbled up (almost) every book I could find on this topic- out of sheer curiosity and sheer desire for knowledge. Some I was not able to finish. Some made me very disappointed. Some, when I actually took the time to keep up my practice, really really worked. In fact, it got to a point where I became very addicted to the manifestations I was able to create daily. They are a lot of fun! Except of course the dark days- yeah, my butt was kicked hard when my mind wandered over to the dark side! Rhonda provides some tools that can help you focus and change your point of being.
As I continued my reading frenzy, I would throw up my arms to the universe and say- why is everyone making this so hard! They are all saying the same thing! My mind would rage indignantly. Then to further exasperate me I saw all these authors grabbing this info, claiming it and some attaching huge financial price tags to access their "method". It troubled me. I am often troubled by these huge global ideas. Why should I be? I am after all only a tiny fraction of the people on this planet. But it matters to me. It really does. If this information is our birthright, why should we be charged so much to be enlightened! Especially since so many of these ideas are ancient!
One night I was reading a book and decided to go online to find out more info about the author. In doing so, the wonderful YouTube had a video featuring Louise Hay. She was on stage talking at one of her seminars. I don't remember her exact words but she said something to the effect...some of you will hear my words and not accept what I say. Then, some of those who don't accept it will listen to someone else speak- different words, same theme- you will have your aha moment. I realized that this was the answer. There are so many authors of this not-new-at-all age of enlightenment because they are needed to resonate with a certain audience. The point is to distribute the message- to reach out to everyone. There must be many messengers to make it work.
When I took a step back it all broke down to one simple thing- Love. Love is all there is. What I like about "The Power" is Rhonda talks about Love in a way that will help people understand. She provides Keys to the Power. Which again have very familiar rings. But this is ok too.
All the different delivery styles of the messengers are reinforcing the ideas. I liken it to peeling away the layers...with each new reading another layer is taken from the veil- a deeper understanding emerges. See, I could not figure out why if it was all so simple why it was so hard to incorporate or continually live it! Why could some people just read one book and turn their lives around? Why was it so very hard for other people? I believe part of the difficulty comes from the layers we have cocooned ourselves in.
Another thing. Why, if we were meant to reach a point of enlightenment, why did we have to do all these various exercises to "trick" our mind, our subconsciousness. Why not just cut to the chase???? Then I understood the reason. Our egos are so very powerful and well trained. Our habits are powerful too. The ego is good because it protects us. But it is time for the ego to be softened, to fade. If we don't, then our journey will take longer. We need these exercises; meditations; affirmations etc so we can change our brain wave patterns and open ourselves up to the higher energy fields. (I truly love the science- if you are reading this going, yeah right, well, you better check out the new advances in science- they are just catching up to what so many have known for so long.)
In my opinion, it boils down to these simple things:
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
WOMEN AND THEIR MEN AND THEIR FINANCES
I actually had something else planned for today's post but after a gruelling, banging-my-head-against-the-wall kind of a day I decided to vent...I mean, WRITE, about something else.
There are times I am eternally grateful as a woman that I am in control of making my own financial decisions. Days like today just make me want to be single forever!
I am going to talk about a client but no privacy will be breached. I am not in fear of them reading this as they are older and not very computer literate.
Admittedly, as I dealt with first the wife, who was in tears, and then her arrogant husband, stories from my various friends situations rose to my mind. By the time I got home tonight I was so angry but I am not sure if it is with myself or the man or our education system- the worldwide (this couple came to Canada, educated elsewhere.)
One of the reasons I wanted to get out of accounting and into financial planning was due to what I saw happening with women, men and finances. Too many women had their lives destroyed due to money and financial issues. Too many women had relinquished control to their mates. Some want control, and want their husbands to be involved, but can't get the guy to budge! So much of all of this could be prevented with proper planning.
Don't get me wrong, I do have quite a few clients who have worked out their financial plans comfortably together, but too often the wife says, oh let him worry about it!
I base so much of what I do on education. I spend a lot of time with my clients making sure they understand risk; management of risk; product options; pros and cons of the decisions they make. Many companies have many product solutions, but what it boils down to is your advisor. Your advisor needs to be involved, caring and after your best interests. It is a life time relationship.
For the most part I generally have the men who have pretty good knowledge of insurance and wealth management; then there are those who tell you they know more than you:)
If I am setting a good environment then there should be no intimidation or fear for the client to admit they are not so knowledgeable. Women are generally pretty quick to tell me they may not understand everything. I am not afraid to tell them if there is something I am not sure about. No matter what my qualifications are- each situation is different. I have access to a lot of resources and specialist- that way I can offer much more to my clients- I don't have to know it all! Lastly, I spend a lot of time looking at all the angles to ensure my clients are well looked after.
My frustration comes in when the woman looks to the man and says, "Dear, how much do I make?" Or "I don't know, he looks after all the finances." What angers me is the man who, like today, does not allow his wife to be independent and make choices about her own finances.
I have worked with this couple together and separately. He believes he knows a significant amount about financial planning. I give him the info I am compelled to for compliance reason. If he chooses his own path, this is his right. It is what it is.
However....
There are times I am eternally grateful as a woman that I am in control of making my own financial decisions. Days like today just make me want to be single forever!
I am going to talk about a client but no privacy will be breached. I am not in fear of them reading this as they are older and not very computer literate.
Admittedly, as I dealt with first the wife, who was in tears, and then her arrogant husband, stories from my various friends situations rose to my mind. By the time I got home tonight I was so angry but I am not sure if it is with myself or the man or our education system- the worldwide (this couple came to Canada, educated elsewhere.)
One of the reasons I wanted to get out of accounting and into financial planning was due to what I saw happening with women, men and finances. Too many women had their lives destroyed due to money and financial issues. Too many women had relinquished control to their mates. Some want control, and want their husbands to be involved, but can't get the guy to budge! So much of all of this could be prevented with proper planning.
Don't get me wrong, I do have quite a few clients who have worked out their financial plans comfortably together, but too often the wife says, oh let him worry about it!
I base so much of what I do on education. I spend a lot of time with my clients making sure they understand risk; management of risk; product options; pros and cons of the decisions they make. Many companies have many product solutions, but what it boils down to is your advisor. Your advisor needs to be involved, caring and after your best interests. It is a life time relationship.
For the most part I generally have the men who have pretty good knowledge of insurance and wealth management; then there are those who tell you they know more than you:)
If I am setting a good environment then there should be no intimidation or fear for the client to admit they are not so knowledgeable. Women are generally pretty quick to tell me they may not understand everything. I am not afraid to tell them if there is something I am not sure about. No matter what my qualifications are- each situation is different. I have access to a lot of resources and specialist- that way I can offer much more to my clients- I don't have to know it all! Lastly, I spend a lot of time looking at all the angles to ensure my clients are well looked after.
My frustration comes in when the woman looks to the man and says, "Dear, how much do I make?" Or "I don't know, he looks after all the finances." What angers me is the man who, like today, does not allow his wife to be independent and make choices about her own finances.
I have worked with this couple together and separately. He believes he knows a significant amount about financial planning. I give him the info I am compelled to for compliance reason. If he chooses his own path, this is his right. It is what it is.
However....
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