I'm Sorry

To free us from the expectations of others, to give us back to ourselves - 

there lies the great, singular power of self-respect.  

~Joan Didion

I'm Sorry
How many times do you say I'm sorry or hear that phrase in a single day? Too many! We tend to say I'm sorry or apologize for things that are so unnecessary like when we ask for help or need assistance and then end it by saying I'm sorry. When we have a great idea and share it with someone and then say oh but it's nothing. When we add in these type of phrases, we demoralize ourselves. We have a voice and deserve for it to be heard. We take up space and deserve to walk around with pride and confidence. We are here to share our gifts, not to shrink them.  We need to stop apologizing for being alive, having thoughts and living our truths. That's what makes us live a purposeful life. So catch yourself before you say these phrases when they aren't necessary. Remember that we all matter. The more you share your voice and stay truthful to who your are in the world, the more your life will be balanced.

Teach

When you learn, teach.

When you get give.

~Maya Angelou

Teach
Usually the traditional classroom setting comes rushing to the forefront of your mind when you think of the word teach. Yet teaching occurs all around you, on many levels, all day long. Sometimes your greatest lessons are outside of the traditional setting. That's where you learn who you are, what you are capable of and if you are vulnerable enough, you get to unleash your potential. Just as you have many "teachers" in your life, you are also one . There are people you are connected to that look up to you, that model your behavior. What are you teaching them? Are you teaching how to congruent with what you say and what you do?  Are you teaching to dream big and look at failures as lessons along the way? Are you teaching how to stop and reflect so that you grow from your experiences? Are you teaching how to love? Recognize that teaching is reciprocal. We learn just as much as we teach but you have to be aware of both so know what you teach and teach what you know!

Angels

Photo by Mary Lally - one of my Earth Angels

The wings of angels are often found on the backs of the least likely people. 

~Eric Honeycutt

Angels
You are surrounded by angels. Every day, in every single step you take, you are surrounded by love, support and joy. You may not be able to see them but if you allow yourself to sit still for a moment, you can feel their presence. You are also surrounded by other types of angels and those you are fortunate enough to be able to see. Sometimes these angels come in the form of your friends, family members, loved ones, teachers, children, pets or even strangers that you meet for only a brief moment in time. These "earth angels" are also supporting and guiding you. You can usually tell who they are right away. There is an instant deep connection to something which you can't explain. They see right into your soul and understand in a moment what you need. Your Earth Angels can be your greatest teachers if you open yourself up to the possibility that there is still a lot to learn! It is usually in your most challenging times that they are right beside you or sometimes they themselves come carrying the lesson. Take some time today to look at those people in your life that are your guides, that keep you balanced, that help put things into perspective and that provide you unconditional love. Recognize the angels you can see...and then stop for a moment and realize that you just may be somebody's earth angel too.