Charmed, I'm Sure: July 2006 Archives

Are women more apt to become embarrassed when they become the center of attention, or the queen of the day, or just recognized and appreciated for doing what they do best? Some, probably not. But there are lot of women out there who have been taught - at least in some secret way - that to enjoy "their moment" is selfish.

This entry in "Creating a Charmed Life" suggests that to be our best, we need to accept praise. In fact, to fully enjoy other's shining moments we need to have had our own, lest we resent others.

Two suggestions the author offers are to spend time with people who "think you are splendid and tell you so" and when this isn't possible, don't forget to appreciate yourself! Treat yourself!

Too often, some of us dismiss the appreciation of others carelessly. My mother admonished me to accept gratitude or compliments graciously.

Rather than pass your accomplishments or talents off with excuse, remember to say "Thanks!". It really is enough.

I'm sure I'm not the only one with lists. To do lists, grocery lists, things I need to do for work, lists of chores for the kids (that I need to managed, follow-up, and supervise) . . .

Are you list-driven? I mean, do you start your day doing things that are on your list, checking them off as you go? Is the success of your day dependent upon how many things get crossed off that list? Worse, do you ADD an item to your list, then cross it off if you did it?

Hmmm . . . we're in good company. Trust me.

If you are a list junkie, then chances are likely that you don't follow your heart as often as you should. Creating a charmed life requires it. Demands that you take time for those little things that interrupt your plan. They are not the urgent, unimportant things like the phone ringing, but rather a little more subtle.

Like my husband, who just asked me if I'd read Opus from last week's Sunday paper. . . I just blew him off because I was bent on getting this written. I mean who cares about a comic strip from last week anyway?? Hmmm . . . I think this counts as one of those moments.

Think I'll go find out what prompted his question. *S*

My beautiful and charming sister, the one many of you know at Arrrgh, gave me a book a few years ago with instructions to summarize what I learned from each of the 75 lessons. I like this book so much that I want to share it with you and, of course, its lessons, too. The book is about creating a charmed life. It occurs to me that she believes that my life is charmed. I have to agree with her.

I'm not saying that I have never experienced hardship or loss. I'm not saying that I haven't haven't had times when I've been low or frustrated. But my life is charmed. The book was a gift in a number of ways. Naturally, in the traditionally way, but also because it allowed me to see what a GIFT my life is.

Perhaps, the two are synonymous is this sense - both charmed and a gift. Let me explain.