I would guess if we sat down together, we would discover that most of us have longed at one time or another for acceptance, struggling to overcome the fear of what others think of us. I think this is a pretty common experience for most women ---- and perhaps men too.
One time, a mentoring partner gave me a book and tape called The Simple Path by Mother Teresa. One of my favorite messages in the book has helped me out many times when a wave of doubt caught me by surprise. I share it with you...
Deliver me, from the desire of...
being loved.
being extolled.
being honored.
being praised.
being preferred.
being approved.
being popular.
Deliver me from the fear of ...
being despised.
suffering rebukes.
being forgotten.
being wronged
being ridiculed.
being humiliated.
being suspected.
Interestingly, when you can let go of these longings and fears --- reaching inward, reaching out, reaching HIGHER, your life and work are opened to flow from the heart as intended. Good follows good. When our intentions are clouded by self-interests, it makes it difficult to let our Light shine.
Today, in a conversation with pianist and music educator, Jessica Roemischer, I was reminded of how quickly we can reach self-acceptance. As we talked, I remembered the miracle that takes place when she works with her students --- in just a few minutes, in a welcoming environment of belief and possibility, they reach inside to discover their own brand of greatness. Notice I didn't say hours or months of grueling work ... in just minutes, when we decide, the transformation can begin to take place. I, too, have witnessed this happen in my own work with dialogue across the world. It is a miracle available for all of us. Something magical happens when we have the opportunity to dwell in Possibility.
Have you had this experience yourself?
If not, and it seems far-fetched, I encourage you to inspire yourself by visiting Jessica's moving exhibit at our Women's Gallery at the Global Dialogue Center. It pays tribute to her remarkable work, showing us the transformative power of music ...and the heart. We named the exhibit "DIFFERENCES in DUET." It features a beautiful self-learning visual exhibit, music, videos to watch, my personal interview with her, and links to her website and other resources. Be sure to put your headset on and let her amazing rendition of "When You Wish Upon A Star" guide you as you explore all the exhibit has to offer.
Warm regards to all who stop by...
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center
home of Women in the LEAD
author, Putting Our Differences to Work:
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance
hmmm . i love your website it's good.
Posted by: bba | July 22, 2010 at 11:25 PM
Thank you, bba, for stopping to leave your kind words. Debbe
Posted by: Debbe Kennedy | July 29, 2010 at 07:19 AM