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| Greetings, | March/April 2008 |
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Since my last newsletter, my Dad has been very ill and our family rallied by his bedside. We felt shocked and heartbroken when we heard that he will not recover and that there are no further treatments for his congestive heart failure that can help him. The good news is that he was able to be transported home to receive palliative/hospice care there, so we are so grateful that he can spend the remainder of his time in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by family, friends, and his faithful little "Westie" dog. He seems to be doing better now, and it's so heartwarming to see when his eyes have their old sparkle back and when he smiles it lights up the room. My father has been the most positive man I know and truly has been my greatest teacher when it comes to the power of positive thinking. This is ever so evident in these times, as he continues to say affirmations and show great strength and courage, outlasting even his own expectations, and his doctor's predictions from years earlier. So with that, I strive to find the positive, even in this. My father has left a legacy through his actions and integrity and I can only hope that some of his wisdom will be reflected through my own words in my book. Throughout this time, as I've talked with family members, I've observed the issues that seem to surface with the grieving process. Not only are they grieving his impending passing, but grieving some of their own life issues which seem to have risen to the surface for some of them. Reliving their "old stories" as one of my sisters said. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons I have learned through this, so far, is that the dying process is one that teaches those around of selflessly and lovingly letting go to the process of life and to issues that no longer serve--while finding peace in that process. As opposed to the holding back or holding on to negative thoughts or emotions associated with grief, which are driven by fear and more selfish (ego) desires. When we are able to release those negatives, we leave only positive energy in their place, which is not only more healing to us, but to all those around us. By letting go, we are cleansing ourselves, and our world. A lesson we can take into all areas of life.
FEATURE ARTICLE As spring is upon us, it symbolizes a time to shed the old as it breathes of rebirth. It is the beginning of a new cycle; a new story; a new page of our lives. Is there anything that you are holding on to that you need to let go of? Perhaps, it's unrealistic expectations, fear, procrastination, guilt, anger, or any other negative thinking or emotional pattern. Or, maybe it's external challenges; a relationship, job, or addictions that aren't healthy for you, actions that aren't productive; or material possessions or an environment that no longer bring you the joy they once did. (As I write this, I remind myself that it's time for a little spring cleaning in my garden. A little letting go of leaves is in order!) Letting go is about finding out what you're holding on to, and why you're holding on to it. It is about getting in tune with yourself and developing a deeper, more evolved self-awareness. It's about finding out why you might choose to continue a particular story that no longer works for you, and instead is about writing a fresh one that better represents the current and new you. We are changing all the time. Who you are now is different than who you were five years ago. Your essence, or what we might call soul, may be the same, but your human story is not. You are unfolding and ever-evolving to be all that you are--all that you can be. But to do that, you have to get out of your own way! Unfortunately, we can be our own biggest obstacle! If you're like me (human!), you might find that you hold on to feelings, patterns, things, or even people because of a plethora of reasons. But, as I mention in my book, these reasons, if we call them what they really are, are just excuses which we mask with an aura of legitimacy. And excuses are merely crutches that we hang on to for fear of letting go; fear of failure and even of success. Or, we might not actually "choose" to hold on to those things. We simply may not even be aware we are doing it. This lack of self-awareness, accompanies a lack of self-responsibility and self-empowerment… a loss of personal power which we need to regain. As always, we have to take sole responsibility for whatever baggage we carry. No one else forced us to pack it up and carry it around! It can simply get too heavy and certainly weighs us down. Time to lighten our load! If you've subscribed to this newsletter for awhile and listened to the member podcasts (or choose to go through the archives), remember the intention(s) you set and the values you choose to honor in your life. This helps us to remember what we choose as our priority--what we choose to hold on to--and why we must let go of whatever negatives that may be holding us back. So as we let go, we live with truth. And we live in the present… in the moment…in the now. Instead of living in a past reality, or in a future expectation, we are grounded in the here and now. And with that, it's amazing how freeing and weightless that can feel! So I'm letting go of my leaves and my procrastination (you'll hear about that in my podcast)! It is time for a new spring page in a new chapter of my life—part of my new story! Thank you for being part of it and allowing me to be a part of yours in this moment.
This month's card is from the transitions cards from an artistic deck I received from my friend Jude. These "Guidance Cards" are by Karin Bauer. Card Name: "Transition" (how fitting as we transition from winter into spring!)
Back of Card:
This month's audio message: Exclusive access to subscribers only - please subscribe here!
Imagine –(Video.) Sung by David Archuleta, an incredible 17 year old with an amazing voice and an even more amazing attitude, who (at the time of this writing) is in the Top 9 of the American Idol TV show. The Prayer. (Video.) Sung by Celine Dion and Josh Grobin. It touches my heart every time I hear it. Do You Walk The Talk? (Video). By the folks at www.simpletruths.com.
Please visit my website to see my current schedule. Please note that my workshops have been temporarily reduced as I finish my book.
If you have a question that relates to personal or professional development (internal, external, or spiritual), life coaching, employment counseling, my book (see About the Book web page), the website, or topics you'd like to see covered in upcoming editions, please send me an email.
The new newsletter subscriber and contest winner from February was: Keith Keller from Australia! And the new newsletter subscriber and contest winner from March was Cathy Edgett from California, author of Breast Stroke! (You can see her blog at www.cathysblog.org) Congratulations and thank you Keith and Cathy! An email has gone out to you both, and you will be receiving a personalized, signed edition of my new book as soon as it's released! Thank you so much for signing up and welcome as subscribers! Each month, all new subscribers that month will automatically be entered to WIN a personalized, signed copy of Brenda's new book when it's released. Winners will be announced in the following month's newsletter.
READER COMMENTS from a couple of my loyal readers! Bree, Sechelt, BC, Owner of Sounds Devine A couple of years ago, I saw the most beautiful video on the internet. Lately I have been looking for it because I wanted to share it with others. However, I didn't have any idea what it was called, or who it was by. So, I let it go ... asking my guides to send it to me, if they wished me to receive it. Timothy Kendrick, Tampa, Florida, author of PTSD: Pathways Through the Secret Door As always the newsletter did not disappoint. Filled with wisdom, guidance and all things to expand my personal references in my life. Always empowering. Thank you.
Thank you for reading and listening everyone! Feel free to drop me a line at: brenda@brendablackburn.com. I look forward to your comments! You're my inspiration! 'Till next month...
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In This Issue • Podcast Brenda's Blog Brenda's Book Brenda's book is due to be released this year! Stay tuned to her website and this newsletter for new information and events! Contest Every month a new subscriber will be chosen to win a signed edition of Brenda's new book when released! |
| www.brendablackburn.com Copyright Note: © Brenda Blackburn 2008. All material is copyright protected by Brenda Blackburn and may not be reproduced. |
My apologies for this newsletter covering two months this time!
This month's chosen submission comes from Susan, of Mexico Beach, Florida. Thank you Susan!
THANK YOU!
