Janet Pearlman

Living in the Stream of Yes

September 27, 2023
by Janet Pearlman
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New Responses to Criticisms

We can get upset by someone hurling criticisms at us. Who wants accusations and negative qualities attributed to us! No one!

How do we react to such experiences? And how would we prefer we respond? Let’s become of aware of our thoughts and choose what we desire.

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“You have anger problems,” she screamed at the teacher. “You are obsessed with defending yourself.”

Carmella’s Tale

New classes are beginning for Carmella, the teacher. Recently a student in one of her classes quit. This person did not merely walk out: She hurled some mean-spirited comments on the way.

Inside Carmella, those statements hurt. Then C felt annoyed with herself that she would let that kind of thing bother her.

Our star called a wise advisor for support.

The Advice

Carmella: Why do I care what that student thinks of me?

As I processed the incident, I began to worry about my career. I started feeling overwhelmed and that I never get enough done. I feel miserable!

Counselor: First of all, I recommend that we be kind to our dear selves. We all feel uncomfortable when someone points out unwanted qualities about us! Isn’t it quite human to have some reaction. Let’s accept that. Let’s make that ok.

Yes, you have been working on shifting some outdated patterns of thinking, one’s like blaming. One good thing worth noting: in this instance you did not start to call her names! You mastered yourself and did not blame her.

“Why do I care what that student thinks about me?” thought you. Isn’t it great that immediately you realized you did not take her word as being true about you! You would rather feel balanced. That is a step toward higher consciousness, a positive aspect.

In this story, someone blamed you and then you blamed yourself for getting triggered. Since we know most humans would feel some reaction, let’s make it ok that you felt your response. Let’s ACCEPT this human process.

Carmella: I can get lost in the habit of self-blame and in feeling overwhelmed.

Counselor: Yes, those are well entrenched habits of thought. And you are already on your way to shifting them. Good for you that you persist. Good for you that you already see progress in noticing you are running a pattern.

Take Away

Let’s ACCEPT that this is what the process of changing thoughts looks like. We do them, and then we notice them more. Then we acquire ability to make a change. Bit by bit.

Such an important milestone to shift from self-blaming to self-accepting. We can say “Uh oh I am doing that again. Isn’t it great that this time I am noticing!”

Simple on one hand, yes. And simple first steps are like planting an acorn. Innocuous seeming action—and wow what magnificent oak of a being we are growing!

Do you have a story to share? Please comment! We all benefit.

September 19, 2023
by Janet Pearlman
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Turning Towards Empowerment

What a bold step we can make when we awaken to what new thoughts we can think, what more we can do for ourselves!

Raya saw clients to assist them in making courageous, empowering changes. Recently a woman named Denise contacted her expressing her desire for Raya’s help.

Rosco Pasture III, 16 x 20, SOLD

Denise told of grown children frequently asking her for assistance, requests she found draining and could not easily grant. Her partner was interacting with her with curses, statements of disrespect, wanting more attention from her and more requests from him granted by her. Denise felt overwhelmed. What advice could Raya offer?

To begin Raya wanted D to understand that R could assist another in finding her own power. R was not a match to a client who wanted to complain without starting to help herself.

Immediately, Denise indicated she intended to help herself: she had come for just what R could offer.

Here are some key points that Raya laid out for Denise:

Raya said,

         “I recommend you become stronger in supporting yourself. You want to build self-love and wield the balance, calm and wisdom to handle the people in your life.

Some tools:

         “If you don’t already do this (Denise did), take quiet time each day. The goal is to connect yourself with divine intelligence—do you call it Higher Power, God, Source Energy?—no matter the terminology. Breathe and become aligned. Do you like the words ‘Align with Pure Love’ (Denise did.)”

         “In that session take time to appreciate yourself. Maybe make written lists. Then create a roster of what you appreciate in your partner. Fill your mind with his positive attributes.

         Continue with a roster of what you are appreciating in your life. For what are you grateful right now?”

Raya brought up the topic of how shamed Denise might be feeling with all the words her partner had been hurling her way.

         “I suspect that the invective triggered shame responses in you. First thing to say, those mean words are not true about you. The stronger you become, the more you will easily know those shaming thoughts are not true now and never have been!”

         “As you are growing, surely you may have times when you react to language like that, when you feel the response of shame, of feeling awful. On the path you will begin to have more awareness. ‘Wait a minute,’ you will say to yourself, ’That stuff is hokum! I am not that! And never was!’ “

         “As you proceed, I recommend you keep a record of what audio tracks lift you, what words are particularly comforting. Maybe there are some quotations that serve you, other sustenance. Become more skilled at soothing yourself.”

         “Keep lists of all the Good you see in Yourself!”

         “You are learning to become master of yourself. You are growing in strength and self-support. Here you are launching a new and exciting chapter of your life! So much more to come!”

At the end of the session Raya asked Denise if she had gotten some of the assistance she came for. “Absolutely,” cried Denise. “I feel so much better. As I go, I intend to put these suggestions to use right away. Thank you so much. I will see you next week!”

Do you have a report of your own process of growth to share? We do assist one another in telling the stories of our own empowerment!

September 12, 2023
by Janet Pearlman
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Feeling Good Multiplies

When we practice feeling good on a daily basis, we attract surprises and delights from the Universe. We multiply the things we can appreciate. Please read this true account.

Harriet immediately felt tense as she noticed mice droppings in her office cubicle. Her office had an area behind a bamboo screen where she kept office type things out of sight of her massage table for bodywork. “Oh No!” thought she.

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Yes our heroine briefly felt some distress. As she rose on the day designated for dealing with this, Harriet spent time getting herself in to a feel good place. So much to be grateful for and this small blip would not stop her.

Soon Harriet was ready to address the evidence, clean the area, and find solutions. Her car loaded with supplies, H went over to the office and spent an hour clearing, disposing, sorting, and cleaning, a first pass at what was needed.

As she returned the vacuum into her car, this star thought with a smile, “I feel like a treat; I am heading into this mission store on the ground floor of my office.”

First thing after entering, the woman stationed at the front desk offered a friendly greeting. H responded, “Hi there! I have space upstairs. I am not usually here on this day of the week. Good to meet you.”

In this chat, this dear woman explained the healing art she offered and the store manager, Kara, listened eagerly. K asked about the cost of the Jin Shin Jyutsu. At $85 a session K told her it was a lot for her budget. H stated she would work with her on the price.

In a flash, Harriet offered to put hands on for pain relief for a few minutes and this was accepted. Kara and Harriet sat quietly in a small private space as H applied her hands in a certain way to K’s ankles, about five minutes each side.

While H held the ankles, she quietly spoke with Kara about how other bodily symptoms, treatments and the activities K’s life right now. H appreciated how well K was doing, how much she offered and how important her self-care was for herself, her family and all the people she touched with her several jobs, volunteer services, and more.  Kara soaked up the attention touch, words and atmosphere.

After a bit, H felt a shift and removed her hands. “Do you feel any different,” H asked of Kara. “Yes,” shared K, “When your hands are on, it was like a flow of Radiant Goodness went up from my heel to my toes. I felt that on both sides. The pain comes when I put weight on the feet. I do feel more relaxed.”

Kara thanked Harriet. And they each went about their next steps. H felt so good from the interaction with Kara.

Harriet still had not browsed in the store. H perused a rack, found something of interest. She tried on a top and decided to go for it. Up the aisle, our star stepped to the front desk. “I would like to buy this.” Harriet smiled at Kara, “How much do I owe you?” K looked up the price.

H went into her purse to pull out the payment. Kara paused, “I want to get this for you! I can afford this!”

Then, both Harriet and Kara got an extra boost in feeling good! Gifts freely offered by two dear ones who want to multiply Goodness.

What are your comments on this post? Do you have a story to share or a  question to ask? We are building community. Thanks for your participation.

September 5, 2023
by Janet Pearlman
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Attitude on Vacation

When we tell others we are going on a vacation, many people will wish that we “have a good time.”  On what does that depend, the weather? The mood of the folk we visit? What sights we make it to see?  Please read about how one woman took charge of her attitude to ensure a good time.

Annie Lou (AL) had some beloved friends to visit as she embarked on her trip. A chunk of years had passed since last she hugged them, and she wanted to connect with them. For this excursion, this dear woman targeted beaming each of them as much love as she could.  Yes, she does have food preferences, types of places she likes to see, some stores she enjoys—these were not her primary focus. AL knew she would  keep her eye on the ball of enjoying these people; then let the rest go.

Bright Future II, 24 x 30, $595

On the first day, her friend took her to a wonderful botanical garden proudly carrying the library pass for free admission. When they arrived at the gate, the guard informed them that the place is closed today due to a private event.

Oops, plan B needed.  AL had prepared her attitude just for this kind of eventuality: Would she forfeit “having a good time” to this unexpected obstacle? No!

Annie declared to her friend, “Ok we will do something else. We are together, chattering away on a beautiful day, what is the problem?”  With Plan B AL got to view her friend’s workplace, see all the art she’d sent displayed in her cubicle, and take a few rounds on the available athletic track.

Awake and relishing the days, AL met with other folk, a canoe ride here, a swim in a lake there. One thing struck her, “Wow,” thought she, “I feel so loved by these people.” And as if for the Universe to confirm, she received many material gifts as well—canned mussels, box of the tea she needed, cast off earrings, and more.

One dear one had invited her to stay at her home for five nights. That person wanted to treat her well, made the food, bought groceries that delighted her, took her to the ocean and more. Annie flowed more and more into relaxation—nowhere to go, nothing to accomplish, nothing to prove.

AL was emotionally touched by how she felt so loved up. The liaisons in this area showered her with affection. They chimed, You will have to come back more often! “

Before long it was time for our heroine to drive 12 hours home.

Of course, there are many hours to think on this long drive.

An insight popped into AL’s mind: ”Yes I received so much love. Wait a minute! We all so easily give the credit outside ourselves. The others were very kind to me. But did I do something differently in this vacation spot?

Did I find a way to allow more openness inside myself? I bet I was somehow more receptive. I want to keep this going?”

Annie Lou arrived home, unpacked and flowing in a more relaxed feeling state. On the first morning home the sun shone and she sat for her morning contemplative time ( some meditation, yoga) . As part of her rituals, our star pulls an oracle card.  This day she shuffled and pulled a card “Allow Yourself to Receive”.

AL beamed a big smile. Wow she had pulled a message confirming this insight she had. Again, she felt loved, surrounded by a divine presence, validated.

Yes Annie Lou used her personal power to shape a very good time on her vacation.

Do you have a story to share that demonstrates your personal power? Please share with me and I will share with others on this blog. Thanks!

August 29, 2023
by Janet Pearlman
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Reduce Suffering with Awareness

At times many of us will experience some parts of our body not performing as expected, some dysfunction becoming evident. Some may find that very upsetting along with being concerned. Below is a story of how one woman went through some unexpected symptoms consciously staying in present time instead of assuming this weakened state would continue.

She asked herself what do I need to do in this moment? Well- Being surrounds me Always. She thought, “Can I remember my Wholeness right now and let more of that in?” Read on to learn more about this possible strategy.

The Tale

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Candy had had difficulties with her left leg over the years. Lately the swelling was minimal, and she had just started a new Chinese herbal formula to improve her circulation.

Two days after starting the new herbs C got home from teaching yoga class. She went to walk through her home and her left leg did not hold her weight. How disturbing! Then too with some of these tentative steps her leg was shot with pain. Yeow!

Since Candy has accumulated some tools for such inconveniences, she laid down on her back and put her legs up the wall. She stayed there awhile, breathing and relaxing.

C watched her mind too. She noticed the thought, “Gee I wonder if I can make it into the kitchen. Further, in about an hour I want to be able to get across the floor, out the door, down the deck 6 stairs, drive to the office and get up a flight of twenty or so stairs to second floor.”

That lady stayed relatively calm as she maneuvered carefully. She made it to her office. After she had a Jin Shin Jyutsu session she felt a lot better. Leg seemed more reliable and she got home too 😊.

Over the next several days, C got occasional buckling of her leg and weathered some stabs of pain. Mostly she walked ok, was able to swim and garden.

The point of this story is how she kept her thoughts mostly focused on how she could move right now.

Oh certainly, she felt a temptation to tell a story about how she could no longer do her beloved activities, how she might endure hobbling, pain for a long time! What if she could not take her planned vacation! How she might not heal from this condition! There are so many fears that she could pursue.

Candy chose not to do that.  Our star gave up thinking in those ways, letting fear run, projecting unwanted conditions into her future.

Instead, she put attention on how much normal walking she was doing. She went out to do her daily walk, reducing the duration at times when she felt fatigued.

This heroine went swimming when available and noticed what her leg would do there. Yup she could swim, again sometimes decreasing number of laps if she felt a strain.

At the end of the first day of the drama, this dear woman consulted the Chinese herbalist to ask if she should alter the use of the formula. She received the advice to stay the course for now.

To others Candy characterized her state as experiencing a bit of a leg blip. As we share this post, this protagonist is not fully healed. The buckling stopped and the times with pain have become less severe and frequent.

In her mind she repeats, “I walk easily. I am able bodied. -Well- Being Flows through me now.” This account reports on an episode where she minimized her suffering. She did not flood her mind with worry, did not tattoo a “bad leg” label on her forehead. This gal stayed in her power and cooperated with the process of life.

Do you have such a success story to share? We are powerful beings with much to appreciate!

August 22, 2023
by Janet Pearlman
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Benefits of Good Surprise Us

Part One

We flow along and look for the good. Isn’t it inspiring to look for what pops up to assist us as “We Keep on Keeping On.”  And as we look for good we keep finding more. Very cool, isn’t it!

Katie participated in a spiritual group and she also gave healing sessions of an energy medicine. One particular week, she had both activities scheduled on the same day. In fact, at first the meetings conflicted: in advance she was able to set them up sequentially.

Flowers II, 24 x 30, acrylic on canvas, $595

Off she went to attend the heart group of like-minded thinkers, complete with screening a movie and some donated brunch. Yum! As the morning rolled out, the group watched as a movie of emotional intensity played. Oh my! How long was this movie? Katie’s time for leaving to keep her appointment was approaching, and it started to seem like she would barely see the ending let alone be able to participate in the discussion.

Then the leave time was there; she gathered up her things, put her purse over her shoulder. The movie had just ended. K checked her phone. What a surprise! The client asked for an extra half hour on the planned start time. Happy Energy flowed through Katie’s veins! Rescued from the tight schedule!

That extra time allowed her to listen to reactions, deep feelings expressed, analysis and share her thoughts.

What a gift to get these moments for a richer experience! What fun!

Part Two

Charlene planted 10 or so seedlings on her gardening gig last week. If she worked in her own garden, her habit included observing them each day, watering can in hand: seedlings need watering to get established in those early days after planting.

It was not her job to attend to the seedlings each day; in fact her job would not bring her to that site again for four days. There was another worker who would check on the planting in two days time.

On the third day C learned that the other person had forgotten to tend to those seedlings.

Meanwhile the temperatures were scorching hot in the mid to high 90’s. Someone hearing this story might assume those tender new ones were doomed to shrivel up.

On the fourth day C arrived and headed over to view the plants.

To her astonishment, they were dry, yes but the vast majority had survived! Charlene watered them with gratitude and wonder.

Have you experienced episodes of wonderful occurrences just when you need them? Things unexpectedly turning out in your favor? Please share.

August 15, 2023
by Janet Pearlman
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Enjoying The Day

Yes, we have the power to turn around a stint of low mood. When we feel depressed that power seems inaccessible out of reach. At those times we can remember:

  1. We want to stay connected to Source Connection as best we can at that moment, reaching for the best feeling thought we can find.
  2. If we have been reviewing something in our lives that we do not like or want, we shift that pattern.
  3. Instead, we put our focus on what we want and on what is already flowing to us. We play there.

Turn Around Day for Naomi

Plank Road Creek, 16 x 20, $395

Naomi had been following the guidance to feel good. Somehow she forgot to take charge of her mood and feelings for a bit and was suffering.

As she awakened, she listened to a recording that reminded her that she could take charge. “Oh yes, for heaven’s sake, I am looking at what I don’t want and thinking that predicts my future. I am turning this around now.”

Fresh Start

She got the idea to buy a small bunch of flowers for a friend’s birthday. Early in the morning, off she went to the supermarket where usually the staff was willing to put the bouquet in nice paper and tie some festive ribbons around them.

When first arriving at the store, it took a bit to get some service. And then a staffer from produce appeared and she put sweet effort into creating a really pretty flower package at her request. No got to pick out the color of ribbon and one strand even got curled.

Then she drove to the farmer’s market. Since she had been delayed would she find parking? Crowded yes but she found a spot!

Our star walked into the market and to her surprise, she heard her name called. A woman N had recently met was offering a warm hello. How sweet! Naomi smiled and in a moment she admitted how frazzled she had felt entering this busy scene. The kind new friend paused to give an extra loving gaze. That generous gesture did help her feel better.

Shopping N waiting in line for green beans saw what appeared to be the last box sold. But wait! As N stepped up next in line the vendors found a box for her!

The granola lady was glad to see her. And that morning there was a discount special running on N’s favorite non gluten cereal! And she was handed a taste of a cracker too.

More to Enjoy

The day progressed and our heroine received an email where this male friend offered to see her soon. Aww!

At the library this protagonist found a new stash of books to read and also got some information she had been seeking about use of the new library catalog. Staff was so helpful!

When Naomi was awake to these simple and dear connections, her life seemed richer. She decided to be happier and the Universe sent her a string of pearls filling her day. Simple things, yes. And then she kept looking for the good and she found it. Naomi was creating a happy life now. 😊

Do you have experiences to share where you took control and created more fun for yourself? Please share!

About the Author

Janet Pearlman is a spiritual teacher, counselor, healer and artist. In these posts composed of true stories, she inspires others to know themselves and compassionately to develop skills of empowerment. In her forty-five year journey of self-discovery, she has deeply studied the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, Ernest Holmes and more. Janet offers individual sessions by phone and in person. Please contact her at jpearl555@earthink.net to arrange an appointment.

August 8, 2023
by Janet Pearlman
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Unconditional Love

Of course, we do not prefer to receive harsh criticism from a friend. This author advises keeping a focus on what feels better than that and to let it go. We turn our attention to how good it feels to love and on the great quantity of love still is available to us all around.

Simply because this other person is momentarily pinched off from the Forces of Good is not determinative of whether we give and receive love. We do love and we are loveable.

As we maintain our loving atmosphere, we fuel some very cool pay offs.

Narrative

Red Ease, 9 x 12, SOLD

Edith and Lammie had been friends for many years. They set up an in person visit about once a week—they talked, they walked, they went shopping. How lovely it was that each enjoyed the other’s company.

They did not agree in a number of areas. One was more into spiritual and growing as a person. One was drawn to being active in politics and watched current events avidly.  Still, they had great times sticking to topics they both enjoyed.

Developments

Lammie was very interested in the presidential election.

Edith did not want to discuss the election much and E knew she was not rooting for the same candidate as Lammie. In her mind E wanted to maintain a focus on the areas where L and E agreed.

The Incident

After the election, on a phone call Lammie learned that Edith was supporting another candidate. Somehow L had not guessed that.

The next day Lammie called very agitated, upset because she had not realized who Edith supported and had shared her local political activity. Edith had not commented on that.

(In her mind Edith kept her reports primarily to topics where the two felt unified and agreed.)

L blurted out that Edith’s support of the other candidate meant that Edith embodied many negative qualities of that political figure. therefore, L could not trust her. Lammie concluded, “I no longer can be friends with you.”

Next Step

Lammie did agree to continue to attend a class where E taught. E continued to be as friendly and accepting to L as she could, enjoying her along with the other students. Time passed. During the time when the populace was focused at home E held the class online. As the world eased to more robust health, the class was held live in the studio again.

Shift

Edith had forgiven Lammie years ago. She respected the distance L wanted, and they shared some friendly exchanges around the edges of the class.

One day it happened that Lammie was the only student in attendance and the two had time to chat with gusto.

Lam had brought some clothing to give away, a kind gesture. She was cultivating a friendly feeling between them. After Edith took the proffered items, placed them in her car, she turned to thank L again.

With a very serious expression on her face Lammie started to talk. She said, “Edith, I want to apologize. I know I hurt your feelings. I am so sorry and I have no excuses. Can you forgive me?“ responded, “Yes, I can and am glad to have you as a friend. I think we can make it ok that we have different views on some topics. I know we share the heart space.” They hugged and parted amicably.

Edith had maintained a focus on feeling as good as she can. Lammie did shift her position. This author thinks the atmosphere of love influenced Lammie to join. What do you think? We think it makes a good story either way. Please comment. 😊

August 1, 2023
by Janet Pearlman
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Refocus on the Good

During these times on the planet, we are going to see lots of changes; some may frighten us. Each of us can learn to be more self-supporting and to become more resilient as the fear rises up inside us. Gosh, those thoughts we create when afraid sure do sound true sometimes, eh? What are some tools for mastering these situations?

It is an Inside Job

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Lacey lived in a rental home adjacent to an empty lot. The landlord owned both.  One day her landlord informed Lacey that the adjacent lot was sold with development to proceed shortly. Our heroine continued to listen as the landlord continued though her being was filling with adrenaline. She wanted to remain controlled though she was feeling panicked.

L went into her home and phoned a dear friend, reaching for support. She said, “I need a few minutes of hand holding. Are you able to offer that now?”

“Yes,” replied her comrade.      

This star told the facts and as she felt her friend’s compassion, her own mind started to offer her soothing.

Self Comforting Arises

  1. Victor Frankl reported on his experience in the concentration camps. In one scenario, Frankl wrote that he glanced up from an outdoor work site and viewed a breath-taking sunrise. The other prisoners nearby quietly communicated to take that moment to look to the sky. Together they enjoyed that, a rare blessing for them.

Also in that piece Frankl recounted how much he dwelled on how deeply he loved his wife and how grateful for her he was. At the time in prison, this man did not know her fate, yet he persisted in filling himself that that deep affection and the gift she was for his life.

  • Recently one of Lacey’s respected leaders recommended everyone consider doing a parasite cleanse. L felt reluctant to do that, bided her time considering that option. Soon after, the leader sent out a recorded track on parasites. Lacey avoided that too, associating it with a fear laden subject matter.

When she shifted inside a bit, this dear woman decided to listen to that cut. In a more balanced state, L found the content no a big deal. As she spoke with her friend, our protagonist realized she had frightened herself with what she imagined about both the recording and the pending development. What was actually there was not frightening when faced. Oh.

“Good to Notice—I scared myself,” L blurted out.

“I want to watch what I make up about this sold land.”

  • Earlier in her life, Lacey had a painful break up of a long-time romance. What a tragedy it seemed in those months of the parting process!
    • Now looking back twenty years hence, so many blessings came after that event. So much good came from this “tragedy”.
    • What if the new neighbors from the developed land become wonderful friends?
    • What other benefits can L experience from what seems unwanted now?

Our star decided to remain calm and look for the good to unfold.

Summary

We can practice observing what we think. When we are frightened, we can pause.

Why not use a time-out to find some balance, get support, work in the garden or chill. Then what else could we think?

This phone call helped Lacey find some relief. True, the unknown future did not feel entirely comfortable. But she had found her patience, her perspective and her power.

Do you have an incident of calming yourself down that you would like to share? Please do offer it in the Comments section.

New Pattern, 24 x 30, Acrylic with Texture on Canvas, SOLD

July 25, 2023
by Janet Pearlman
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More Acceptance Than We Might Think

Sometimes, others are displeased with us. Of course, we prefer those surrounding us, e.g. our parents or our bosses, to at least LIKE what we do (if not PRAISE us!). When we hear unhappy tones addressing us, we might feel the impulse to order “Shields up!” inside ourselves, and instead go toward some balance and openness.

And what a gift! A pay off from doing personal growth is that we do have access to new attitudes in times of stress, more neutral and clear insight. We enjoy more stamina in staying in a loving heart.

The Story

New Pattern, 24 x 30, Acrylic with Texture on Canvas, SOLD
New Pattern, 24 x 30, SOLD

Sandy had a good friend, Nancy, who cooked and gardened for a local woman. This employer wanted more and more tasks done; Nancy determined she needed assistance with the gardening. The owner agreed.

Nancy told Sandy about the opportunity to work four hours a week; Sandy accepted.

On her second shift, Sandy took on the assignment to trim the irises. Our protagonist learned that irises like to have their leaves cut back after blooming. S received a few instructions and dove into the task.

Seventy-five minutes later, the owner views Sandy’s trimmed irises and was not at all satisfied. “Those irises look awful; they are messy.”

Soon Nancy finds Sandy to offer more detailed instructions and steer the job more to the owner’s specifications. N says, “Let’s change to scissors, shape the tops of the irises in a fan shape, take more time with each section. We want these trimmed irises to blend into this beautiful garden.”

Oh my. Sandy wants to stay balanced in the face of all this feedback. In her past our heroine would have taken these words personally—she had displeased the bosses.

In her inner development S had learned how to soothe herself under criticism. For heaven’s sake she had awakened this morning knowing nothing about cutting back this type of plant. Further, this dear woman’s strong suit was not producing “neat” clipping of any kind.  S resonated with actions to encourage plant recovery and next year’s blooming.

As Sandy was receiving the “course correction,” she focused to  regain open-heartedness and to keep a sense of humor. (Aside: in her head, S joked “They put on her tombstone: She could not trim irises to magazine standards.”) Finishing her shift making improvements, she left exhausted and not clear about the repercussions of her performance.

Next day Nancy and Sandy met as friends. Nancy asked, “Want to talk about yesterday?” Sandy said, “I feel bad that you are in an awkward position with doing the cooking tasks and supervising me in the garden.”

Nancy responded, “I felt bad about how tired and sad you looked as you clocked out. I told the owner that this was on me—this was not your fault. I did not get out there to supervise sooner and in more specificity. The owner accepted that.”

Sandy felt a wave of relief and then wonder. Wow her friend has viewed her predicament and did not fault her at all. There was more Love here pouring down on Sandy than S had let in. Good to recognize this now. Going forward, S can raise her head higher and believe in the kindness surrounding her. Our star can know her loving mood matters and others share that attitude too.

Does reading this inspire a story in you? We would love to read it in the comments section. We enjoy being inspired.

(Mission statement here).