Life List? Who knew?

Not me!

The exercise described in the last post was a new idea for me back in 1990's. I did not know about journalling. Writing had always been a struggle because I did not spell well. Yet it felt like the right direction and who was going to try to read my scribbles except myself anyway! No one. As I wrote the process became easier and easier. The ideas flowed on to the page. A direction developed. Integrate my design education and marketing experience, a desire to work with women, my love of plants and gardening and wish to share what I have learned. A little vague but a direction.

I was introduced to Reiki by a dear friend who understood the need for healing in my life. Little did I know at the time this was one of the steps along the way.

I took an office job while the ideas percolated. A community support organization helped me layout step-by-step the way to an intensive webmaster class. That done I was on my way, armed with my new vocabulary. The second big step came as an opportunity to purchase a piece of land with a tiny stone house and greenhouse. It was a dream come true. Beautiful native plants everywhere. Lots of room to garden and lots of stone to move about. The final piece of my puzzle evolved slowly. I was still working pretty much alone. With Reiki 2 completed and a desire to help others benefit from this gentle technique I went back to school and became a therapeutic massage therapist. The herbs from my garden are becoming more and more a part of my practice and my life.

I am now working with an ever expanding circle of wonderful practitioners and design clients.

So today as I read the new issue of Body+Soul April 2008, and came across What's on Your life List? I was thrilled to see that I was on the right path. Love it! Just love it! Must start another List for the next few years!

I have no idea how my life would have evolved if I had not believed that change was possible. I have been given so much. Education, love, emotional support, friendship, material support, opportunities I would never have imagined. Yes, even hard blows. There was a time I might have remained stuck in a negative place. Once I took responsibility for moving ahead, for breaking through the fear of stepping out - I have been on a roll! I am grateful for it all.

That's not to say once in a while the doubt returns but each time it makes a shorter visit.