You are the company you keep

Today my business, the Louisville School of Massage played host to a retreat focusing on creating a Vision Board for 2018. While I believe the act of creating vision boards is powerful, more powerful than that (today) was the group of people in the room.

It was a small and intimate group of about 10 people ranging in age from 15-50ish. Three sets of parent/child were present, including me and my son. While my son's journey and story are his to share, I will summarize that it's been a difficult road, to say the least. The fact that he *wanted* to attend (or at least chose to attend on his own volition) truly is a testament to his desire to have a better life for himself and his children, should he choose to have them.

And for me as his parent, it reinforced that one of the most important decisions I can make as a parent is who I let in my inner-circle. Who I surround myself and my family with is ultimately who we become. I believe it is imperative for parents to be very selective in the company they keep. Do not be confused, this does not mean to be judgemental of people, but it does mean to be careful of the influences which impact my family. Ultimately, if I allow toxic people into my family/life, then my family/life become toxic; conversely if I invite positive and affirming people in my family/life, then my family/life become more positive and affirming. The group today definitely enriches my family.

So this evening I invite you to spend some time thinking about the influencers in your life--are they impacting you in a positive way? Are they influencing you to become a better person ? And ultimately, how are you impacting and influencing those in your life? Are you impacting them in a positive way? Are you influencing them to become a better person?

You know the old adage, you are what you eat? Well, I'd like to expand that...You are what you eat and the company you keep.

...or at least that's my 26.2 cents worth anyway.
~Peace
Donald

An Authentic Life

I love sitting outside. I have a lanai, or a space in my backyard that I affectionately refer to as my lanai. The patio set was on loan from a friend as they were in between home ownership--renting--home ownership. Well, now they're a homeowner again so they are enjoying their patio set again. And I am given the wonderful opportunity to create my own backyard oasis.

And I also live on a very strict budget...in which a new patio set did not fall. So I am doing my lanai on a dime! I remembered I had an old rickety metal bistro table with a broken leg, I have two plastic lawn chairs on the porch and some large flower pots. Then I remembered I also have a huge indoor/outdoor area rug I bought for a festival last year. If I put the table umbrella sand base thing in the center of the table and put the umbrella in it, the table stays upright, even on three legs! The area rugs helps to level the uneven ground for my rickety chairs and the flower pots add some splashes of color and foliage to make it my oasis!

Last night was the first night that I had it assembled and did so while my son was watching television. When he came out to join me, the first thing out of his mouth was, "you're going to meditate out here aren't you?" Not in a sarcastic and antagonizing way but in a matter of fact way. To be honest, I hadn't thought of it but once he did I was like, "YES! And you can do your yoga out here too!" He agreed that it looked super cozy. And we stayed out watching fireflies and bats for an hour chatting about life, aliens, UFOs (ugh), bonfires, camping, high school...it was perfect.

In reflection, I was impressed he pegged it as a safe place of meditation and respite. I guess I live my life authentically if he can just look at something and figure it all out. I will post a pic shortly, for now I need to get back to enjoying the birds chirping, rabbits frolicking, and my son still sleeping!