YOUR LIFE A-Z:VIRGIN

The Black Madonna is a Powerful Story

VIRGIN

Whether you believe in the literal VIRGIN birth or perceive this great story of VIRGIN birth of Jesus to be a valuable myth it does not change the reality that the story of the VIRGIN birth has echoed hope over these past centuries.  In the accounts of Matthew and Luke, it is reported that an angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her she would conceive a child by the Holy Spirit and that child will be called the son of the Most High.   Joseph, the husband of Mary, had a dream confirming what Mary was told.  So every Christmas churches re-enact the long journey that Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem to pay their taxes.  And there in Bethlehem Jesus was born.  From this time forward many stories have been reported about the VIRGIN and her role in our lives.  If you are intrigued by this VIRGIN and find her compelling enough to know more, I believe you will be enriched by Clarissa Pinkola Estes book, Untie the Strong Woman. I found it fascinating and discovered many meaningful stories about her.  In the meantime, the VIRGIN responded to the angel by saying, “Behold I am a servant of the Lord.  Let it be to me according to your word.”  This is the time of the year to give back for your many blessings, so use the opportunity to serve those around you and make their lives enriched.  Give thanks that you are alive and purpose your life to give to others as acts of gratitude for your life.  

YOUR LIFE A-Z:RESPOND

WHAT IS CALLING YOU?

RESPOND

RESPOND to life.  Do not live life by default.  Live life by RESPONDING to your individual situation that you find yourself in right now.  Do not become passive. Do not ignore that which needs your attention regardless of how small or big that need.  Your pet deserves you to RESPOND to him or her with a pat, a smile, or a toss of a toy.  RESPOND to your co-workers and maybe take a special fruit or vegetable tray to share with them.  RESPOND to your family.  Take an electronic free day and RESPOND to your life and those in it.  Send a real card in the mail, pick up the phone and call a friend, or invite someone to lunch or coffee.  RESPOND to your life today by taking advantage of the many opportunities around you.  Be like a first RESPONDER.  Be prepared to take advantage of unexpected opportunities that come your way.  Explore your neighborhood and maybe you will find a drumming class or a hiking expedition to take advantage of because you are alert and ready to RESPOND to all possibilities that come your way.  Do not be lazy or asleep on your job of life. RESPOND to those who need your attention, care, compassion or just a gentle smile.  Do not walk into the super market as if you are sleep-walking.  RESPOND to strangers around you as if they make a difference because they do.  RESPOND to this opportunity to get your life off of the default button.

YOUR LIFE A-Z: INTERACTIVE

ALONE, IN A DIVERSE GROUP, DIFFERENT, BE INTERACTIVE

INTERACTIVE

INTERACTIVE is at least a two-person interchange of activity, communication, and being interdependent with each other. Shy people who are generally introverts by nature have a more difficult time being INTERACTIVE with others.  Sometimes being INTERACTIVE can be almost physically painful for introverts.  However, the joy that comes through being interactive is a true benefit to a lifestyle of joy and contentment.  Today, take an inventory of your INTERACTIVE style.  Who do you gravitate to at work?  Where do you seek out for lunch?  When do you choose to be with people and when do you prefer to be alone?  How do you take care of yourself when you have to be INTERACTIVE with bosses, negative people, and people that distress you?  Life sometimes forces us into INTERACTIVE situations in order to help us develop a sense of positive self-esteem by challenging us with difficult circumstances and situations.  Each time we have to Handle something like that is hard for us, we won’t to evaluate it from the perspective, “how well did I Handle that INTERACTION?”  By focusing on what we did right we are able to add positive emotional muscle to our self-esteem.  Being INTERACTIVE will bring us more joy than disappointments.  Being INTERACTIVE will give us opportunities that we miss by staying in the shadows of life.  Let yourself practice INTERACTIVE connections today with new people at work, the grocery store, a different parent at a soccer game.  Broaden you life with INTERACTIVE communication.