My Pink Roadmap

My Dream Life
Three months ago, I decided my dream life would be to travel the United States, seeing new places, people, and things and taking in all the different lifestyles along the way. Seeing as how I work for Owning Pink (from my computer) and have relationships with men and women all over the country (or world, for that matter,) through the Online Pink Community, I had the resources and means to do just that. On February 16, 2010 I took off on The Magical Eyes Tour leaving Dallas, Texas and heading toward Northern California- mapping it out as I went; living my dream life.

It has been a little over a month since my departure from Dallas. I have visited El Paso, Texas, driven through New Mexico, made stops in Buckeye, Phoenix and ScottsdaleArizona. I drove through Palm SpringsCalifornia only to arrive in the lovely home of Kim Jenkins in CoronaCalifornia. From there I made my way up the west coast to Berkeley, then MuirBeach and now Tiburon California- such beauty and adventure I have experienced.  Now that I am here, away from my home, visiting these people and places I have found myself longing for something I once had- a home.

Reassessing My Dream Life
I looked around this past week, after reading one of Lissa’s posts, and thought, “my dream life would really look quite different then what I thought it would several months ago.” After reassessing what my values are, where my passions lie and what would really make me happy, I created a new idea of my current dream life would look like. I would have a house back in Dallas with Brawn (my BF.) I would spend time with my friends and family that are close. I would travel for 1-2 weeks out of the month, continuing The Magical Eyes Tour and my adventures of seeing new places and things, but having a home base to return to and traveling by plane versus car. I would have it all- “why not? Isn’t that why we are here?” I thought.

I Had an Epiphany
I found myself living in a state of mind that was screaming, “when I move back to Ennis, have my house, get settled in, and start traveling again, THEN and only then will I be living my dream life.” In that moment I stopped and something (most likely The Universe,) slapped me in the face. It was less than 3 months ago that my dream life consisted of me getting in my car, taking off and venturing into the unknown. Now that my concept has shifted I must WAIT until I achieve those things in order to be happy?!

 WRONG!

 The truth of the matter is that even when I do get back to Ennis, have my home, Brawn in my arms and are surrounded by friends and family I will still have something else in my life that I am working towards accomplishing, learning and achieving. So long as I continue to be committed to my personal growth and mission to serve others, I will never be at a stopping point. Being happy with what we have now, in this moment is where our fulfillment lies. Our minds and circumstances are constantly changing- that will never stop. Be present, be grateful but don’t stop creating.

 What Is My Point You Ask?
The only time we have is now. I am living my dream life right now, in this very moment. Being in Tiburon California is what I dreamed of a few months ago and I am here, soaking up the sun, taking in the beauty, meeting wonderful new Pinkies along the way. The life I am living today is indeed the life of my dreams. I am here, now and that is all I have.

 The Invitation
Look around- have you been constantly working towards that one day when you will happy? Will it be when you finally get the promotion, buy your first home, lost those 10 lbs. or meet that right person? Stop exhausting yourself. Those things will be great when they happen, but right now is what you have and chances are, several years ago, where you are right now is what you were working towards and hoping for. Give yourself a break and celebrate!

 Please join us here and celebrate all of things that make our lives wonderful RIGHT NOW.

1. Ask yourself this question. “If you knew you were going to die in a year, would you still be living the life you’re living?” If the answer is no, you might want to rethink things.
2. Identify your desire. If you don’t know which risk you’re dying to take, it’s hard to pleap. Be very specific about what you desire. If you can’t figure out what you do want, get clear on what you DON’T want. That will guide you.
3. Don’t obsess about the Hows. Figure out the Whats and leave the rest to the Universe.
4. Recognize and honor what’s holding you back. Assess your fears to determine whether they’re genuine fears meant to protect you (if I jump off this cliff, I might hit the rocks and die) or irrational fears that are merely holding you back (I might lose everything and people will think I’m crazy).  It’s okay to feel the fear. Just don’t let it rule your decision-making.
5. Think things through to their worst possible outcome. What’s the absolute worst thing that would happen if you took this Pleap? Follow it through in your mind. Most of the time, the nameless, nonspecific fear is greater than the actual worst case scenario. While it sounds pessimistic, doing this can set you free when you realize that the worst possible outcome- while icky- isn’t bad enough to keep you paralyzed.
6. Ignore what everyone else thinks. This is about you and YOUR dreams. If you poll your family, friends, colleagues, and partner, you’re likely to get talked out of your dream.
7. Pray for guidance, then watch for Signs from the Universe. You don’t have to do this alone. Surrender.
8. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to Pleap, wait. When the time is right, it will be evident. You will feel it in your gut.  You will no longer be satisfied with standing on the ledge. If someone pushes you over the edge against your will, spread your wings. FLY.
9. Practice radical self-care while you’re considering Pleaping. Nurture your body, rest your mind, feed your spirit. Pleaping is hard work.
10. Believe in YOU. You can create whatever you desire.  You are powerful beyond measure. If you live in love and act from your heart with pure intention, you will never fall flat on the rocks.

I got an email today from my friend Kim in Corona, California titled "Putting Problems Into Perspective." As I watched the video, I began to cry at the beauty of this man, his journey and the message he shares with the people in his life. I believe you too, will be truly touched. Enjoy.

Following the Signs of The Universe
It is no coincidence that things appear in our lives in multiples. Whether it is that book that keeps showing up again and
again, insisting you read it. Or that persons name who keeps coming up around you, or that particular word that relates
to the idea you pushed aside to pursue later; the suggestions of our intuition and gifts from The Universe are all around.

It is in your hands to take charge of these signs or suggestions and run with them. How long will you continue to dismiss these suggestions before you realize the endless opportunities in front of you? When you do decide to act on these suggestions, will the opportunities still be there?

It is easy to think that we know the way we will be most happy. But when we give up control and surrender to The Universe, we open our lives to all that is truly possible. things we never dreamed of.  (Mind you I am mostly talking to myself as well here.)

What You Resists, Persists
One of my most favorite quotes that more than often deems true is "what you resists, persists." This is not necessarily implying that what you resist is actually the way your heart should follow (although in some cases this is true.) It is
merely stating that the longer you choose to work against the flow of life, the longer you will struggle. Somethings are simply out of your power. Things will not always go your way and you cannot control many of the aspects of your life,
except how you react. This is in your power.

My Invitation to You
So Pinkies, what suggestions from The Universe have you been ignoring? How can you choose to learn from your situations at hand versus complaining and resisting them? How can you take on a "go with the flow" attitude?

Now that the glitter from the weekend gathering has begun to settle I am left looking into the creation of the rest of my year. What specifically do I want to accomplish, what places to I want to visit, who do I want know, meet and love? There are many aspects to consider. I am choosing to leave the “how’s” to The Universe and the end results to myself.

Here are some of the things I have brainstormed:

1. I want to have a book written by the end of the year.
2. I want to fall in love again.
3. I want to be guided to a career position that serves my life purpose; to love.
4. I want to contribute to Owning Pink’s growth.
5. I want to contribute to YOUR growth.
6. I want Think Pink to grow to at least 50 members.
7. I want to get out of debt.
8. I want to be enrolled in school by January or traveling over seas.
9. I want a new car.
10. I want to live in a constant state of abundance.

What about you?
What are some of the things you want this year? What are some of the actions you are going to take to get there? Remember that in surrendering to The Universe, you can leave the how’s out of your mind, but you still need to take action.

A cute story I like to remember in this process is: pretend there is a man drowning in the ocean. A ship comes by and sees this man, they throw him a life raft, it is then the mans choice to swim to the raft or to continue to drown. The Universe can place miracles in your life, but you must act on them.

    I open my book this morning, ‘Anatomy of the Spirit’ to find some inspiration for my writing. My head has been swirling with so many ideas and concepts lately that I didn’t even know where to begin. Low and behold The Universe worked its magic to target one of the very things that I had been pondering on: 

‘Misdirecting the power of ones spirit will generate
consequences to one’s body and life.’

            I get on these kicks that last anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months where I am totally and utterly spiritually aligned. I am able to tap into conversations with my Inner Goddess (Fiona) and really work my magic all over the place. After these phase passes I enter 1 to 2 weeks of what I like to call ‘Hibernation.’ I still have spiritual conversations, I still coach the friends and strangers I encounter that ask for it; but that magic that fills my heart, blood and mind is subdued. It is as if following my life’s path is so tiring that my body, ego and inner teenager scream ‘STOP! I want to play!’

            And so I do. I take a week or two off. I party like its 1999. I get my work done; I still spread my love and get enough rest, but not to the best of abilities. I am putting forth a 40% effort instead of 100%. Fiona (my inner Goddess) is inside me (sitting in the lotus position,) patiently waiting for me to come back and get started on my life’s work again. Knowing she is there, I ignore her, just a little bit longer and run off and play for just a few more hours.

            I sit at my desk this morning pondering whether I have set myself back at all and yet I get the feeling that things have just been on hold. I am ready to get back on my life’s path; I am done frolicking in the woods for now. I can’t help but wonder if this is how my life will continue or if one day I will come to the point where following The Universe’s plan isn’t so exhausting. Even in writing that, I feel so ‘humanly.’ Am I hiding from my own greatness, knowing that I am not yet ready for what the future holds for me? This rings true.

            How about you? Do you often find yourself fleeing from the brilliance that is you? Knowing good and well that if you stayed focused, regularly, you could conquer mountains? What are we so afraid of? This is God’s plan, we here following his word (whatever God you believe in.) The Universe doesn’t give us anything that we aren’t ready for or that we can’t handle, right?

            I want to invite you Pinkies (readers) to take on a plan of action with me; the next time we feel compelled to go frolic in the woods while our destiny awaits us on our chosen path, let’s step aside and ask why? Why is it that at this moment we have chosen to flee? What are we hiding/running from? Take deep note of all the emotions you feel, all of the things you are surrounding yourself with, etc.

            Perhaps in the moments of escape we have taken on too much in our physical lives to give 100% to everything. Maybe we should unload some of commitments and take responsibility for not being able to complete everything we said we would. There is no shame in that.

            Thank you Pinkies for being here during my journey, for listening and talking with me on where you are at. I love that we are here to support each other. Wishing you well. -Megan

I came across this while I was looking for a new Mantra to take one from my Twitter friend, @SplitRockRanch on the website for The Secret. I loved it too much not to share with you Pinkies here.

I Promise Myself:

 To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

    Hello Pinkies, it is 12:26 a.m. here in Ennis, Texas. I usually prepare the Think Pink Post several days before actually posting it online, but tonight I learned a valuable lesson that I felt compelled to share.
     My spiritual journey started not that long ago at all. In fact, I only recently surrendered my life, thoughts and dreams to God in September. But ever since that moment my life has been on the fast track to paradise. Sure, there have been moments of down time, questioning and anxiety. But overall my journey has been a profound one.
     Recently I have been feeling that God was leading me to break away from the bar I have been working at for the past several months. This decision scared for several reasons, one being loss of income. I usually brought anywhere from $100-$200 in a week. Though this may not seem like a lot, it is still money that won’t be there, should I leave the bar. Another situation that made me uncomfortable were the terms that my boss and I had been on for the last few weeks. The last thing I wanted was for him to think I was leaving the bar because of the tension between us and the conflicting conversations we have had in the past.
     I had been pondering and pondering whether or not leaving was the right thing for me to do. Then, my signs showed up; Lissa had a conversation about being patient and becoming, the last Mojo Tips Newsletter was about knowing when the timing was right: a peace would overcome you and it would be clear that this is what needed to be done.
     Tonight at the bar I was told I would not get to work a shift that I was promised. This was the last straw for me. I confronted my boss asking what the deal was and the conversation snow balled into a heart felt understanding of both sides of the story. Not only did I get the opportunity to express that I was leaving and why, but he got to tell me why the tension was there between us; thus resulting in the perfect moment. (Thanks Universe!)
     Another valuable lesson I learned from this situation is how vital communication is. In past conversations I told my boss that he couldn’t speak to me in the irritated tone he had been. Since this is one of the only ways he knew how to communicate, he stopped talking to me. This created tension, awkwardness and stress for both of us. Accepting others and loving them, means that take the good with the bad. Had I not told my boss to watch is tone, we could have gotten the problem solved a long time ago. Everyone has their own way of getting things out. It might not be our way of doing things, but it works for them.
     Where my journey will take me, who knows, but I praise the Universe daily for placing the people, occasions and lessons in the right place at the right time. I also give thanks for blessing me with an open heart and mind. My world has just started being created; I can’t wait to see what unfolds next.
    What about you Pinkies? What has the Universe brought into your life? How can you practice patience while you are becoming?

    

Today's Think Pink Post is written by inspiring Pinkie Sara Avant Stover founder of The Way of the Happy Woman. I came across Sara's post through Twitter and found her to be uplifting and encouraging. I hope you enjoy your read! You can also follow Sara on Twitter.

I am an expression of the divine, just like a peach is, just like a fish is. I have a right to be this way...I can't apologize for that, nor can I change it, nor do I want to... We will never have to be other than who we are in order to be successful...We realize that we are as ourselves unlimited and our experiences valid. It is for the rest of the world to recognize this, if they choose." - Alice Walker

Let me begin with the disclaimer that I often need to follow my own advice. Maybe that's why I write about these things. To remind myself.

No more fixing yourself, Sara!

It's frightening for me to think about how many years I have spent trying to fix myself (or being in relationships with people who told me I needed fixing). Whether it was what I ate, how and when I ate, what kind of yoga I practiced, what my body looked like, how my body felt, how I felt. The list is endless, really. Nothing was exempt from being fixable. I get exhausted just thinking about it.

Now, thank goodness, I've gotten to the point of radial acceptance -- most of the time, at least. Who knows when or how that happened, but now, whatever I'm feeling, whatever my experience, I know it's OK. It might not always feel good; but I'm not wrong, weird, or unloveable because of it.

Truly, we can get jumbled up, confused, led astray on these paths that we call life. Whether it's being swayed by swanky magazine covers or the way that one of our colleagues just does something better than us, opportunities abound for ways that we can convince ourselves that we're just not good enough.

The world's fully of beautiful, talented, and creative beings. We can't always be the best at everything we do, but we can be ourselves. This we have control over. This is more reasonable.

Just relaxing into who we is one of the bravest, wisest, and most generous things that we can ever do for the world.

Did you ever notice that the people whom you find most beautiful in your life are the ones who are unabashedly themselves?

Here are 3 key ways to start being 100% yourself right now!

1. Notice what's irking you the most right now. Are you feeling fat? Lazy? Like you have too much on your to-do list? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Judgmental? You get the idea. Notice what's up for you. Then ask yourself, "Can I allow this to be OK for just this moment?" Then notice how this may help to relax the inner struggle, for the inner voices to quiet. For this moment to be fine just as it is.

2. Ask the deepest, wisest aspect of yourself:" What do I really want to do right now?" And then be open to receive the answer. Maybe it's saying to go for a walk, to sit outside in the sun, to eat soup for lunch.

3. Take a behavioral stretch. By that I mean, choose one thing to do later today that would make you feel a little bit uncomfortable (as in out- of -the- ordinary for your personality). That could be giving your seat to someone on the subway, dancing in the living room, telling a joke to your husband, or getting on your hands and knees to play with your children.

For today, just do it. Dare to be yourself. And see how much people love you for it!