WHO DO YOU WANT TO BE?

My mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The extent of the pathology remains to be seen. In what can only be described as an emotional roller coaster, I have been provided with this very real opportunity to choose (yet again) who I wish to be on this planet and in this challenging circumstance. I am the strategist...the philosopher...the counselor...the facilitator and (in this case) the son. As a man in western society, my inclination is to move to trying to "fix things." We know, of course, that in truth...there is no fixing. No matter how things may feel or appear, nothing is really broken. This is irrespective of the pain, heartache and very real suffering that all of us experience at one time or another. Therefore, I will feel the fear (and my own peace with mortality), and I will manage it--realizing that I must be present for my mom, my family and for myself.

It would be much simpler for me to hide behind the veil of spiritual guidance and what I know to be true (advising my mom as to healthy perspectives). This, however, is an action of fear and one that comes from trying to control the uncontrollable and to play God in an episode that I did not write. Therefore, I choose to be present...fully present...to actively love her in my thoughts, words and actions (in and apart from her presence). I will listen with open ears and an open heart, offering all that I can to provide comfort and support. I will avoid the temptation to add yet another unsolicited opinion to the mix. I choose to be a refuge from the entourage of unsolicited advice. Somehow, in this experience, I feel that I am learning what it is to become a man. In the midst of uncertainty, faith and fear, I will show up as I am--imperfect, but true to my soul...my mother's son.

success or sabotage? The integrity of success is always in your heart. Are you living in alignment with your true nature or are you living in the pretense of who you believe you SHOULD be?

is this going to be an incredible day? it is a question that we answer with our thoughts, words and actions. i have received incredible prayer support for my mom and am so appreciative of both of my parents presence in my life (and my opportunity to be here, in their lives and on this planet!).

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”--Marianne Williamson