Touch Points, For you KW

I just received an email from a trusted friend and mentor that has inspired to me post. Indeed it’s been too long. I think a lot, but lately just keeping the thoughts in the head, too many to sort out I suppose. And sometimes, I just like to wait for a jolt that makes me want to say or share something. Today the jolt came from Kim White’s email. In her simple, but beautiful note I could feel her genuine interest in my welfare and she reminded me of the gratitude we should each have for the gifts in our lives.

Kim and I worked together only briefly and in my last year at Staples. Not sure it was the long days we spent together that forced us to like each other, or if she was just another gift that the universe gave to me when I needed her. Either way she came at the right time and guided me professionally while I worked in a new area with new people and she guided me personally as I toiled with the impending choices and changes I was going to make.

To boot, and this is no lie, I have had several thoughts of Kim recently. She is on my ‘To email’ list. (She’ll be proud that I do still keep some lists. I just don’t rewrite them as often anymore:) And, to the other boot, I was actually listening to ‘The Secret’ when I opened her email. Again, as a fellow account person she will be proud to know that I was multitasking. ‘The Secret’ explains the law of attraction. Ask for the things you want, wish for the things you want and the universe will bring them to you. If you haven’t read the secret, but have read the Alchemist then you will understand this concept.

Well, by golly, it worked! I thought of Kim and bam…there she is looking at me from my Inbox! The last line of her email read “So...nothing to see here...go back to what you were doing (but please tell us about whatever that is).”

So, for Kim and others that are interested - whether you’re interested because you doubt me and my lifestyle, you think I’m crazy or just plain miss me and can’t figure out what I’m doing here, you admire me, just plain love me or any combination of the above – here’s my synopsis of what I’m doing here.

My Success List 2008/2009

I quit the job I didn’t love anymore.

I updated my resume.

I moved to, made friends in and worked in a foreign country.

I stepped out of my 'routine'. Tough for a gal like me. But, in October of 2003 I learned that life is anything but routine.

I swam, boogie boarded and tried surfing even though I’m afraid of the water.

I took a risk to open my heart to love and be loved again.

I wear a bikini. Yes, in public.

I traveled to Fortuna, Costa Rica and two new countries Panama and San Andres, Colombia.

I saved enough money to surprise my mom and family for Mother’s Day. The looks on their faces were the best gifts I have ever given myself!

I haven’t gone broke even though I’m only making a few hundred dollars a month.

I learned how to say no - to job promotions, party invites, dinner invites.

I have tried a new line of work, managing a restaurant.

I have learned to let go - of material things, anger and people…

I am ok with less – less money, less food, less status, less power. (But, still ambitious. Don’t get crazy on me now. I’ll never be lazy. It just ain’t in me.)

I have worked for a man for the first time since 1997. Now that’s a change!

I’ve accepted that I can’t be in more than one place at a time. I can now send e-cards, without a guilty conscience, in lieu of gifts for birthdays, babies and holidays.

I’ve maintained my apartment in the States that I love to go back to. How lucky to have two homes in two countries.

I let grief in and out of me as needed and let myself feel it.

I have stopped killing ants just because they’re ants.

I know more Spanish than I did before.

I enjoy the rain.

I’ve exercised my ability to forgive even when my heart is broken in pieces.

I have gained the objectivity to recognize and accept that people can grow, change and live differently, even when they are cut from your very own cloth.

I’ve accepted that we as humans are probably always going to be afraid of love, but I will more be afraid of it anymore.

Paying it forward…I’ve sold and/or given away many things that I do not need anymore. Someone else should have the chance to enjoy them.

I’ve learned to appreciate friends, family and MYSELF even more than I did before.